Pharmacy

PHARMACIST: A pharmacist is a medical professional who dispenses drugs to patients according to a prescription ordered by a physician or other clinician. Pharmacists have an in-depth knowledge of the chemistry of various drugs and how they react in humans, and also how drugs interact with each other. Pharmacists must accurately measure and package medicine, ensuring its dosage and safety to be administered properly to a patient. While the pharmacist does not typically select or prescribe the medication, they do educate the patient on how to take the medication and what reactions or problems to avoid. 

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NUCLEAR PHARMACIST:  Nuclear pharmacists are responsible for measuring and delivering the radioactive materials which are used in digital imaging (MRI, CT, etc) and other procedures in medical offices and hospitals. In addition, a pharmacist can work as a home infusion and Chemotherapy Pharmacist.  These Pharmacists are responsible for accurately mixing the chemotherapy drugs for cancer patients.  Pharmacists can also work in clinical (hospital) and long-term care settings.

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN:  Pharmacy techs assist pharmacists with a variety of tasks in the pharmacy, including administrative tasks, providing customer service, and assistance in preparing prescriptions for customers (patients). Pharmacy techs receive and assist with the processing of prescriptions via phone, fax, and computer.

Pharmacists graduating from college today are required to have a PharmD or doctorate of Pharmacy degree. College students can start a four-year pharmacy program after successfully completing two years of undergraduate coursework and earning a passing score on the PCAT (Pharmacy college admission test). Additionally, PharmD students must complete a series of rotations in a variety of clinical and pharmaceutical settings. If a student knows early in his or her college career that they would like to become a pharmacist, one could graduate with a PharmD in about 6 years. 

Pharmacists graduating from college today are required to have a PharmD or doctorate of Pharmacy degree. College students can start a four-year pharmacy program after successfully completing two years of undergraduate coursework and earning a passing score on the PCAT (Pharmacy college admission test). Additionally, PharmD students must complete a series of rotations in a variety of clinical and pharmaceutical settings. If a student knows early in his or her college career that they would like to become a pharmacist, one could graduate with a PharmD in about 6 years. 

Requirements vary and are not standardized across the board. However, many employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Often, training is acquired on the job, but some employers favor those applicants who have completed formal training at a vocational or community college.  Additionally, most states require that pharmacy techs register with the State Board of Pharmacy. 

Utah Earning Potential Averages For Pharmacists: (Jobs.Utah.Gov)