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What does a pharmacist do?

Pharmacists care for patients by managing medication therapy as an integrated member of a health care team, which includes physicians, nurses, and other health professionals. Pharmacists evaluate and monitor drug therapy to achieve specific outcomes and improve the patient’s quality of life.

What might a pharmacist do in a workday?

Pharmacists may perform other duties depending on their place of employment.

Depending on their place of employment, pharmacists may work alone, with other pharmacists, or as a member of a team of health care professionals.

How much does a pharmacist earn?

How do I become a pharmacist?

Students intending to pursue a career in pharmacy should prepare by taking the most challenging high school courses available in science, math and English. The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is required for acceptance to two-thirds of schools and colleges of pharmacy.

Pharmacists earn the doctor of pharmacy degree, which requires a minimum of six years of study. All pharmacists must pass an examination known as the NAPLEX and have earned at least 1,500 hours of practical experience in a pharmacy in order to obtain a license.

Students planning on specializing in a practice of pharmacy should complete postgraduate residency or fellowship training and consider board certification.

Where else can I learn about becoming a pharmacist?

Virginia Pharmacists Association
2530 Professional Road / Richmond, VA 23235
tel: (804) 285-4145 or (800) 527-8742 / web: www.vapharmacy.org

Virginia Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists
P.O. Box 2567 / Fairfax, VA 22031
9610 Jomar Drive / Fairfax, VA 22032
tel:  (800) 613-VSHP (8747) / web: www.vshp.org

National Community Pharmacists Association
100 Daingerfield Road / Alexandria, VA 22314
tel:  (703) 683-8200 / web: www.ncpanet.org

State License Requirements for Pharmacists:

A license is required to practice as a pharmacist in the state of Virginia. For more information on licensure, applications and forms, visit www.dhp.virginia.gov/pharmacy.

Virginia Board of Pharmacy
Perimeter Center
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 300 / Henrico, VA 23233
Phone: (804) 367-4456 / Email: pharmbd@dhp.virginia.gov.

Educational Institutions in Virginia for Pharmacists: