Considering a career as a pharmacist? These professionals provide patients with prescription medications and information for safe use practices, health and wellness screenings, immunizations and general health advice. This guide provides all the necessary information and resources to get started. Find out everything you need to know about this occupation, including qualifications, pay and standard duties.

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Pharmacists
Table of Contents
04 Summary
07 What Pharmacists Do
12 How to Become a Pharmacist
14 Important Qualities
16 Pay
17 Job Outlook
19 State & Area Data
20 Similar Occupations
22 Contacts for More Information

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Pharmacists
Summary
Pharmacists fill prescriptions and instruct customers on the safe use of
medications.
Quick Facts: Pharmacists
2014 Median Pay $120,950 per year
$58.15 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Doctoral or professional degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training None
Number of Jobs, 2014 297,100
Job Outlook, 2014-24 3% (Slower than average)
Employment Change, 2014-24 9,100

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What Pharmacists Do
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise
in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness
screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients,
and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.
Work Environment
Pharmacists work in pharmacies, including those in grocery and drug stores.
They also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
How to become a Pharmacist
Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), a 4-year professional
degree. They must also be licensed, which requires passing two exams.
Pay
The median annual wage for pharmacists was $120,950 in May 2014.
Job Outlook
Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024,
slower than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription
medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services. Employ-
ment of pharmacists in traditional pharmacies is projected to decline slightly.

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State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for pharmacists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of pharmacists with
similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about pharmacists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET,
a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.

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What Pharmacists Do
Pharmacists review the accuracy of each filled prescription before it is given to
the customer.
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise
in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness
screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients,
and provide advice on healthy lifestyles.
Duties
Pharmacists typically do the following:
• Fill prescriptions, verifying instructions from physicians on the proper
amounts of medication to give to patients
• Check whether prescriptions will interact negatively with other drugs that a
patient is taking or any medical conditions the patient has

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• Instruct patients on how and when to take a prescribed medicine and in-
form them about potential side effects they may experience from taking
the medicine
• Give flu shots and, in most states, other vaccinations
• Advise patients about general health topics, such as diet, exercise, and
managing stress, and on other issues, such as what equipment or sup-
plies would be best to treat a health problem
• Complete insurance forms and work with insurance companies to ensure
that patients get the medicines they need
• Oversee the work of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists in training
(interns)
• Keep records and do other administrative tasks
• Teach other healthcare practitioners about proper medication therapies
for patients
Some pharmacists who own their pharmacy or manage a chain pharmacy
spend time on business activities, such as inventory management. Pharma-
cists also must take continuing education courses throughout their career to
keep up with the latest advances in pharmacological science.
With most drugs, pharmacists use standard dosages from pharmaceutical
companies. However, some pharmacists create customized medications by
mixing ingredients themselves, a process known as compounding.

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The following are examples of types of pharmacists:
Community pharmacists work in retail stores such as chain drug stores
or independently owned pharmacies. They dispense medications to patients
and answer any questions that patients may have about prescriptions, over-
the-counter medications, or any health concerns that the patient may have.
They also may provide some primary care services such as giving flu shots.
Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare set-
tings. They spend little time dispensing prescriptions. Instead, they are
involved in direct patient care. Clinical pharmacists may go on rounds in
a hospital with a physician or healthcare team. They recommend medica-
tions to give to patients and oversee the dosage and timing of the delivery
of those medications. They also may conduct some medical tests and offer
advice to patients. For example, pharmacists working in a diabetes clinic may
counsel patients on how and when to take medications, suggest healthy food
choices, and monitor patients’ blood sugar.
Consultant pharmacists advise healthcare facilities or insurance providers
on patient medication use or improving pharmacy services. They also may
give advice directly to patients, such as helping seniors manage their pre-
scriptions.
Pharmaceutical industry pharmacists work in areas such as marketing,
sales, or research and development. They may design or conduct clinical
drug trials and help to develop new drugs. They may also help to establish
safety regulations and ensure quality control for drugs.
Some pharmacists work as college professors. They may teach pharmacy stu-
dents or conduct research. For more information, see the profile on postsec-
ondary teachers.

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Work Environment
Pharmacists may consult with physicians if they have questions concerning a
patient’s prescription.
Pharmacists held about 297,100 jobs in 2014. The industries that employed the
most pharmacists were as follows:
Pharmacies and drug stores 42%
General medical and surgical hospitals; private 19

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Grocery stores 8
Department stores 4
Pharmacists work in pharmacies, including those in grocery and drug stores.
They also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Some pharmacists
work for the government and the military. In most settings, they spend much
of the workday on their feet.
Work Schedules
Most pharmacists work full time, although about 1 in 5 worked part time in
2014. Because many pharmacies are open at all hours, some pharmacists
work nights and weekends.

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How to Become a Pharmacist
Pharmacists must pay attention to detail, ensuring the accuracy of the prescrip-
tions they fill.
Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an ac-
credited pharmacy program. They must also be licensed, which requires passing
licensure and law exams.
Education
Prospective pharmacists are required to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
degree, a postgraduate professional degree. In July 2014, there were 130 Doc-
tor of Pharmacy programs fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for
Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Admissions requirements vary by program, however, all Doctor of Pharmacy
programs require applicants to take postsecondary courses such as chemistry,

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biology, and anatomy. Most programs require at least 2 years of undergrad-
uate study, although some require a bachelor’s degree. Most programs also
require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).
Pharm.D. programs usually take 4 years to finish, although some programs
offer a 3-year option. Some schools admit high school graduates into a
6-year program. A Pharm.D. program includes courses in chemistry, phar-
macology, and medical ethics. Students also complete supervised work
experiences, sometimes referred to as internships, in different settings such
as hospitals and retail pharmacies.
Some pharmacists who own their own pharmacy may choose to get a mas-
ter’s degree in business administration (MBA) in addition to their Doctor of
Pharmacy degree. Others may get a degree in public health.
Training
Following graduation from a Pharm.D. program, pharmacists seeking an
advanced position, such as a clinical pharmacy or research job, may need to
complete a 1- to 2-year residency. Pharmacists who choose to complete the
2-year residency option receive additional training in a specialty area such
as internal medicine or geriatric care.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
All states license pharmacists. After they finish the Pharm.D. program,
prospective pharmacists must pass two exams to get a license. The North
American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) tests pharmacy skills and

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knowledge. The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a
state-specific test on pharmacy law is also required. Applicants also must
complete a number of hours as an intern, which varies by state.
Pharmacists who administer vaccinations and immunizations need to be
certified in most states. States typically use the American Pharmacists Asso-
ciation’s Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery program as a qualification
for certification.
Pharmacists also may choose to earn a certification to show their advanced
level of knowledge in a certain area. For instance, a pharmacist may become
a Certified Diabetes Educator, a qualification offered by the National Certifi-
cation Board for Diabetes Educators, or earn certification in a specialty area,
such as nutrition or oncology, from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. Cer-
tifications from both organizations require varying degrees of work experi-
ence, as well as passing an exam and paying a fee.
Important Qualities
Analytical skills. Pharmacists must provide safe medications efficiently. To
do this, they must be able to evaluate a patient’s needs and the prescriber’s
orders, and have extensive knowledge of the effects and appropriate circum-
stances for giving out a specific medication.
Communication skills. Pharmacists frequently offer advice to patients.
They might need to explain how to take a medicine, for example, and what
its side effects are. They also need to offer clear direction to pharmacy tech-
nicians and interns.

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Computer skills. Pharmacists need computer skills to use any electronic
health record (EHR) systems that their organization has adopted.
Detail oriented. Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of
the prescriptions they fill. They must be able to find the information that
they need to make decisions about what medications are appropriate for
each patient, because improper use of medication can pose serious health
risks.
Managerial skills. Pharmacists—particularly those who run a retail phar-
macy—must have good managerial skills, including the ability to manage
inventory and oversee a staff.

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Pay
Pharmacists
Median annual wages, May 2014
Pharmacists
$120,950
Health diagnosing and treating practi-
tioners
$75,430
Total, all occupations
$35,540
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics
The median annual wage for pharmacists was $120,950 in May 2014. The
median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned
more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned
less than $89,320, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $150,550.
In May 2014, the median annual wages for pharmacists in the top industries in
which they worked were as follows:
Department stores $126,310
Grocery stores 121,740
Pharmacies and drug stores 121,190
General medical and surgical hospitals; private 118,980
Most pharmacists work full time, although about 1 in 5 worked part time in
2014. Because many pharmacies are open at all hours, some pharmacists
work nights and weekends.

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Job Outlook
Pharmacists
Percent change in employment, projected 2014-24
Health diagnosing and treating practitioners
17%
Entertainers and performers, sports and related
workers
7%
Pharmacists
3%
Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024,
slower than the average for all occupations. Several factors are likely to contrib-
ute to this increase.
Demand is projected to increase for pharmacists in a variety of healthcare set-
tings, including hospitals and clinics. These facilities will need more pharmacists
to oversee the medications given to patients and to provide patient care, per-
forming tasks such as testing a patient’s blood sugar or cholesterol.
The large baby-boom generation is aging, and older people typically use more
prescription medicines than younger people. Higher rates of chronic diseases
such as diabetes among all age groups will also lead to demand for prescription
medications. In addition, scientific advances will lead to new drug products.
The number of individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to
continue to increase because of federal health insurance reform. As more peo-
ple have access to insurance coverage, more pharmacists will be needed to fill
their prescriptions and to consult with patients about their medications.
Employment of pharmacists in traditional retail settings is projected to decline
slightly as mail order and online pharmacy sales increase.

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Job Prospects
The number of pharmacy schools has grown in recent years, creating more
pharmacy school graduates and therefore more competition for jobs. Students
who choose to complete a residency program gain additional experience that
may improve their job prospects. Certification from the Board of Pharmacy
Specialties or as a Certified Diabetes Educator also may be viewed favorably by
employers.
Employment projections data for Pharmacists, 2014-24
Occupa-
tional Title
SOC
Code
Employ-
ment,
2014
Projected
Employ-
ment,
2024
Change, 2014-24 Employ-
ment by
Industry
Percent
Numeric
Pharmacists 29-1051 297,100 306,200 3 9,100 [XLSX]
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program

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State & Area Data
Occupational Employment Statistics (OES)
The Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) program produces employment and
wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available
for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmet-
ropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages
by state and area.
• Pharmacists
Projections Central
Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor
Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All
state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com.
Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an
occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In
addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s
websites where these data may be retrieved.
Career InfoNet
America’s Career InfoNet includes hundreds of occupational profiles with d
ata available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to
compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area
or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.

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Similar Occupations
This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those
of Pharmacists.
Occupation Job Duties
ENTRY-LEVEL
EDUCATION
2014
MEDIAN
PAY
Biochemists and Bio-
physicists
Biochemists and biophysicists
study the chemical and phys-
ical principles of living things
and of biological processes,
such as cell development,
growth, heredity, and disease.
Doctoral or
professional
degree
$84,940
Medical Scientists Medical scientists conduct
research aimed at improving
overall human health. They of-
ten use clinical trials and other
investigative methods to reach
their findings.
Doctoral or
professional
degree
$79,930
Pharmacy Technicians Pharmacy technicians help
pharmacists dispense prescrip-
tion medication to customers
or health professionals.
High school
diploma or
equivalent
$29,810
Physicians and Sur-
geons
Physicians and surgeons diag-
nose and treat injuries or ill-
nesses. Physicians examine pa-
tients; take medical histories;
prescribe medications; and
order, perform, and interpret
diagnostic tests. They counsel
patients on diet, hygiene, and
preventive healthcare. Sur-
geons operate on patients to
treat injuries, such as broken
bones; diseases, such as can-
cerous tumors; and deformi-
ties, such as cleft palates.
Doctoral or
professional
degree
This wage
is equal to
or great-
er than
$187,200
per year.

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Registered Nurses Registered nurses (RNs) pro-
vide and coordinate patient
care, educate patients and the
public about various health
conditions, and provide advice
and emotional support to pa-
tients and their family mem-
bers.
Bachelor's
degree
$66,640

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Contacts for More Information
For more information about pharmacists, visit
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
National Association of Chain Drug Stores
American Pharmacists Association
American College of Clinical Pharmacy
For information on pharmacy as a career, preprofessional and professional
requirements, programs offered by colleges of pharmacy, and student finan-
cial aid, visit
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
For more information about accredited Doctor of Pharmacy programs, visit
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
For more information about certification options, visit
Board of Pharmacy Specialties
National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators
O*NET
Pharmacists