A license to practice pharmacy is required in all States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. To obtain a license, one must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy, pass a State examination, and serve an internship under a licensed pharmacist.

At least 5 years of study beyond high school are required to graduate from programs accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy, the degree received by most graduates, takes 5 years. A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) normally requires at least 6 years during which an intervening bachelor’s degree is usually not awarded. Those who already hold the bachelor’s degree many enter Pharm. D. programs, but the combined period of study is usually longer than 6 years.

Median annual earnings of pharmacists in 2001 were $71,600. The middle 50 percent earned between $52,310 and $80,250. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $63,300 and the highest 10 percent more than $94,000 a year. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of pharmacists in 1997 were as follows:

Grocery Stores: $67,000

Drug Stores and Proprietary Stores: 63,400

Hospitals: 62,600

Federal Government: 61,700

According to a survey by Drug Topics magazine, published by Medical Economics Co., average base salaries of full-time, salaried pharmacists were about $59,700 a year in 1998. Pharmacists working in chain drug stores had an average base salary of about $62,300 a year, while pharmacists working in independent drug stores averaged about $56,300 and hospital pharmacists averaged about $59,500 a year. Overall, salaries for pharmacists were highest on the West coast. Many pharmacists also receive compensation in the form of bonuses, overtime, and profit-sharing.

Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow as fast as the average for all occupations through the year 2006, due to the increased pharmaceutical needs of a larger and older population, and greater use of medication.

Other factors likely to increase the demand for pharmacists through the year 2006 include the likelihood of scientific advances that will make more drug products available, new developments in administering medication, and increasingly sophisticated consumers seeking more information about drugs.

Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medication and their use. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. Pharmacists must understand the use, composition, and effects of drugs. Compounding – the actual mixing of ingredients to form powders, tablets, capsules, ointments, and solutions – is only a small part of a pharmacists practice, because most medicines are produced by pharmaceutical companies in a standard dosage and form.

Pharmacists in hospitals and clinics dispense medications and advise the medical staff on the selection and effects of drugs. They may make sterile solutions and buy medical supplies. They also access, plan, and monitor drug regimens. They counsel patients on the use of drugs while in the hospitals, and on their use at home when they are discharged. Pharmacists may also evaluate drug use patterns and outcomes in the hospital or in a patient population.

Pharmacists usually work in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Many pharmacists spend most of their time on their feet. When working with sterile or potentially dangerous pharmaceutical products, pharmacists wear gloves and masks and work with special protective equipment. Many community and hospital pharmacies are open extended hours or around the clock, so pharmacists may work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.

Ability to work under pressure.

Computer skills.

Communication skills.