Pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare team. As a pharmacist, you’ll help people lead healthier and better lives through the use of medication to achieve positive outcomes. Pharmacy is a growing field with limitless opportunities and offers an excellent balance between patient care and science. This rewarding career allows you to make a significant and direct impact on the improved health and wellbeing of patients. It also prepares you to work in a wide variety of health care settings, from retail pharmacy to seeing patients in a hospital to performing academic research.
According to the AACP, pharmacists distribute drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions and side effects of medications. Most pharmacists work in a community setting, such as a retail drugstore or in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, mental health institution, or neighborhood health clinic. Some pharmacists also do research in an academic setting or in the pharmaceutical industry.
Pharmacists are becoming increasingly involved in patient care, especially in integrated healthcare systems, to fill the void of primary healthcare professionals. Physicians are now identifying patient goals and communicating them to pharmacists, who then develop the appropriate treatment plans. Pharmacists working for national chains provide immunizations, conduct screenings for a variety of health conditions, counsel patients about the growing number of new medications, and provide basic medical advice.
Pharmacy is an exciting blend of science, healthcare, direct patient contact, computer technology and business. The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree requires at least two years of pre-professional (undergraduate) study followed by four years of professional study. A growing number of first-year students enter a pharmacy program with three or four years of college experience. The Pharm.D. degree is a good investment with recent graduates earning top salaries right out of college. Pharmacy is a career that offers great benefits, flexible work schedules, and growth opportunities.
Take the first step toward becoming a pharmacist
The pre-pharmacy program at Carroll prepares students for admission to pharmacy school while providing a strong foundation of natural science courses. In addition to receiving individualized advising, Carroll pre-pharmacy students can earn early admission to pharmacy school through partnerships with the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) and Rosalind Franklin University (RFU).
Your path to pharmacy school begins by earning your undergraduate degree and completing any required prerequisite courses at Carroll University. Our advisors will work with you every step of the way to ensure your success. We also provide additional resources to help you build a strong graduate school application, research schools, prepare for graduate interviews and more.