BY: JAYCEE HUNT

Pharmacist

At Work

Participate in basic research for the development of new drugs

Test new drug products for stability and to determine their absorption and elimination patterns

A Typical Day of A Pharmacist

Advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and side effects of medications

Monitor the health and progress of patients in response to drug therapy

Advise patients and answer questions about prescription drugs, including questions about possible side effects

Provide information and make recommendations about over the counter drugs

A Typical Day of A Pharmacist

Pharmacists may also…Give advise about diet, exercise or stress

managementHelp patients manage conditions such as

diabetes, asthma and high blood pressureAdvise patients about durable medical

equipment and home health care suppliesComplete third-party insurance forms and

other paper work

Education, Training and Experience

In general you must have a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy

Chemistry, Biology, Math, English and Computer-related courses

Education To Become A Pharmacist

Two years of postsecondary courses, basic sciences of biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, math, humanities and social science

After completing the post secondary work, a budding pharmacist must pass the pharmacy college admission test (PCAT). It’s then possible to entry to a four year Pharm. D (Doctor of Pharmacy) program.

During those four years, student pharmacists study the chemistry of drugs and the way that drugs work in the human body. Students also learn how drugs react when used together

Education To Become A Pharmacist

Not all Pharm. D work is in the classroom. Students gain practical experience by spending 1,500 hours or more as interns in clinics, hospitals and pharmacies. This occurs over a series of rotations throughout the four-year course.

The shortest period of study to become a pharmacist is six years in total.

Work Prospects

You need to develop strong interpersonal (client focused) skills because you’ll most likely being providing information to costumers rather than filling prescriptions

Skills Required In Pharmacy Jobs

Attention to Detail- Dispensing the right medicines in the right dosage can be a “life and death” activity. Mistakes could be fatal.

Adaptability- Medicines are changing and developing all the time. The modern pharmacist needs to constantly keep updated on changes in the licenses (uses) or medicines as well as learning about newly launched medicines

Skills Required In Pharmacy Jobs

Organization- Pharmacies, at busy times, can be extremely hectic. Consequently a pharmacist needs to be highly organized not only to meet the demands of the role but also to avoid mistakes being made along the way.

Commercial Skills- Particularly community Jobs in Pharmacy require the pharmacist to set up buying arrangements with suppliers, the results of which will determine the profitability of the business.

Important Facts

Hourly wages ($32.47) are above the national average ($18.07)

These earnings are above average for occupations in the health sector and above average for all professional occupations

Career Trends

Health Care is in very high demandBecoming a pharmacist is nationally in

demand, which means you could be get a job in any province in Canada.

Career Trends

Everything today is all computer based. Which makes it easier for people looking into this career that can work with computers easily

For people that have been a pharmacist for many years it may become difficult with the new technology, because they learned how to do it more hands on, rather then on computer.

Personal Management Skills

Beware of personal and group health and safety practices and procedures, and act in accordance with these

Personal Management Skills

Carry out multiple tasks or projectsDeal with peoples problems and situations

with honesty, integrity and personal ethics

Fundamental Skills

Read and understand information presented in a variety of forms

Speak so others pay attention and understand

Fundamental Skills

Observe and record data using appropriate methods, tools and technology.

Asses situations and identify problems

Teamwork Skills

Understand and work within the dynamics of a group

Be flexible: respect be open to and supportive of thoughts, opinions and contributions of others in a group.

Teamwork Skills

Develop a plan, seek feedback, test, revise and implement

Ensure that a teams purpose and objectives are clear.

BY: JAYCEE HUNT

The End