A Brief History of the Pharmacy Major
Pharmacy is a field of study that deals with the administration of drugs to patients. Pharmacists not only dispense prescription drugs, they also counsel patients on the dosages, functions, and possible complications of their medications. Pharmacists in healthcare establishments advise physicians on the interactions and side effects of medications. It is their foremost responsibility to ensure the safe and effective management of drugs. They may also advise patients on other health topics, such as diet, exercise, and stress management. Pharmacists can be found in retail drug stores, clinics, and hospitals. Some pharmacists work at pharmaceutical companies, where they assist with the mixing of ingredients to produce medications. Those interested in a pharmaceutical degree have a wide array of accredited online colleges and universities to choose from. Online pharmacy programs can afford students more time and flexibility to manage work and familial commitments while working towards their degree.
Delving Into the Pharmacy Major
Pharmaceutical education is available at various levels, from bachelor’s to doctorate degrees. The course content will vary based upon institution, region, among other factors. Students who wish to pursue a degree in pharmacy will largely complete coursework in pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy, microbiology, pharmaceutical law, pharma technology, nephrology, hepatology, oncology, physiology, and more. Pharmacy students will also be educated in therapeutics and drug selection, medicine monitoring, medical management, medical terminology, compounding of medications, drug delivery, ethics, and pharmaceutical care. Pharmacy students will earn a Pharm. D. degree (equivalent of a bachelor’s degree). Pharm. D. applicants are usually required to complete about two or three years of post-secondary education before enrolling. Pharm. D. requires about four years of full-time education. It’s the minimum requirement for licensure. Pharmacists receive licensing by license by passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam. Master’s and doctoral degrees are also available to students who want to complete more advanced study in clinical and laboratory research areas. These programs are typically hybrids of the Pharm. D. degree and the master’s degree programs. Pharmaceutical education is ideal for students with scientific aptitude, good interpersonal skills, and a strong desire to help the less fortunate among us.
Degree Levels:
Bachelor’s
Students interested in becoming practicing pharmacists may complete a bachelor’s degree program in pharmaceutical studies. These are usually science-oriented programs designed to prepare students for the Doctor of Pharmacy program. This degree level is also suitable for students seeking careers in related medical fields, such as pharmacy technician or other health care studies. AT this level, students learn about the research, testing, and manufacturing of pharmaceuticals. Coursework may include chemistry and biology classes.
Doctor of Pharmacy
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.)degree is ideal for students who wish to practice as pharmacists in various healthcare settings. The purpose of the Pharm. D. curriculum is to give students a thorough education through a blend of theoretical principles and practical education. Some programs may require extensive clinical and laboratory research under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. Coursework may include general pharmaceutical care, immunology, ethics in pharmacy, and drug literature analysis. The Doctor of Pharmacy program typically takes about four years to complete. Upon graduation, students have the option of obtaining further training through residency programs or fellowships.
Master’s
The primary objective of the master’s program is to prepare students for the operations and management side of pharmacy. Coursework for a master’s degree will focus on providing students with comprehensive knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry, including policy, regulation and production safety. Though is rarely available in online format, there are a few programs that still offer master’s degrees in pharmaceutical studies. Some programs combine the Pharm. D. and the master’s degree into one extensive program. Though master’s degree holders do not prescribe medication, the training provides students with valuable training on the various facets of pharmacy. Most programs will allow students at this level to specialize in a particular aspect of pharmacy.
Supplementing Your Pharmacy Major
Those who want to enter the pharmaceutical field can choose to either become a pharmacist or a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians can always go back to school to earn the more advanced degree they need to become a pharmacist. Both degrees can be found online, though pharmacy tech programs are more popular and more regularly offered from online universities. Online pharmacy programs can afford students more time and flexibility to manage work and familial commitments while working towards their degree. Students will have more choices available to them as they search for schools and discover that they can pick any school that meets their standards for financial aid, course offerings, part-time or full-time options, and academic integrity, without being confined to geographic location. And while many pharmacy technicians master their field through on-the-job training, an online pharmacy degree will give them an edge in terms of finding a job and getting a head start once they’ve been hired. Many areas of concentrations exist within the field of pharmacy. Some students may choose to specialize in specific therapy areas, including nuclear pharmacy (chemotherapy), oncology (cancer), nutrition support, psychiatric pharmacy, and geriatric pharmacy.
Learn More About the Pharmacy Major
- U.S. News’ Best Pharmacy Programs
- Neuropharmacology
- Principles of Pharmacology
- Pharmaceuticals Management for Under-served Populations
- Journal of Pharmacy Practice
The Pharmacy Major in the Job Market
An education in pharmacy can lead to employment in a wide range of sectors. Many pharmacists dispense medication in hospitals and counsel patients on how to use prescription medicine effectively and safely. Pharmacists advise physicians on medication selection. Other career paths can be found in community pharmacies, where trained pharmacists administer vaccinations, sell non-health-related products, oversee personnel, and manage the general operations of the pharmacy. The job outlook for pharmacy is good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of pharmacists will rise by 17 percent between 2008 and 2018, thus making it faster than the average for all occupations. The demand is fueled, in part, by the rising number of elderly people who rely on prescription medications. The median annual wages and salary for pharmacists were between $92,670 and $121,310 in 2008. The highest 10 percent earned more than $131,440 a year, according to the BLS. Some students who major in pharmaceutical studies will go on to become pharmacy technicians. The BLS projects that job openings in this area will grow by 32 percent between 2008 and 2018. Pharmacy techs work in hospitals, clinics, and sometimes assume the responsibility of certified pharmacists, including administrative duties. Pharmacist techs may also find work in department stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, and drug stores.
Careers I Can Get with This Degree:
