Pharmacy generally employ two sorts of professionals: Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technicians. While both are integral to a pharmacy’s performance, they represent two very different approaches to careers in pharmacy. When deciding what career path is true for you, tonsof thingsinherit play. during this article, we’ll outline these two careers in pharmacy so you’ll make the proper choice! Pharmacist- what’s It? Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who are responsible of dispensing prescription medications to patients. Typically, a pharmacist will fill prescriptions, check interactions of a patient’s prescriptions, instruct patients on proper use of a medicine, and oversee pharmacy technician, interns, and various other careers in pharmacy. Many pharmacists own or manage their own pharmacy and are more business minded. Some pharmacists work for pharmaceutical manufacturers, and are involved within the creation of latest medications. The median annual wage of pharmacists is extremely good, punching in at $111,570 in May 2010, consistent with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. How do I become a Pharmacist? The path to becoming a pharmacist is unique- while most graduate programs require a baccalaureate or four years of undergraduate experience, a Doctor of Pharmacy program requires as little as two, as long because the appropriate prerequisites are met, like courses in chemistry, anatomy, and biology (although some programs do require a bachelor’s degree). An entrance examination, referred to as the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), is additionally required. Most programs will take about four years to finish, and graduates who need a more advanced pharmacist position will complete a one-two year residency program. Many pharmacists who continueto have their own pharmacies also will acquire a academic degree in business administration (MBA). Graduates must also pass two exams detailing pharmacy skills and pharmacy law so asto achieve a state license. While this process could seem long, it pays off with one amongthe foremost rewarding careers in pharmacy. Pharmacy Technician- what’s It? Pharmacy (or pharmaceutical) technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients. they’re going to usually be those measuring out prescriptions, compounding medications like ointments, packaging and labeling pharmaceuticals, and performing routine tasks like answering phones and filling forms. The pharmacy technician will work under the supervision of the pharmacist- if the customer has questions on medications or health, the pharmacy technician will arrange for the customer to talk with the pharmacist, as he/she is that the more trained of the 2 careers in pharmacy. Technicians must have great customer service skills, organizational skills, and be detail oriented. The median annual wage of a pharmacy technician was $28,400 in May 2010, consistent with the Bureau of Labor Statistics. How do I become a Pharmacy Technician? Becoming a pharmacy technician provides the simpler process of the 2 careers in pharmacy. Each technician must have a highschool diploma or equivalent and pass an exam or complete a propereducational program, counting on the state. Many pharmacy technicians will learn their skills on-site, but some will attend vocational schools or community colleges to finish programs in pharmacy technology. These programs detail arithmetic, pharmacy law and ethics, and record keeping. This path will leave the quickest work straight out of highschool for graduates pondering one among the careers in pharmacy. Both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are absolutely vital to a pharmacy. These two positions are dynamic and rewarding, constantly helping patients get their medications. I hope this text has helped you opt which of the careers in pharmacy is true for you!