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Ten Myths About Pharmacists |
Here are some of the ten most popular myths about pharmacists.
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We deal with pharmacists all the time, picking up prescriptions and talking to them about the various medications they sell, but most of us know little of the enormous amount of knowledge, skill and training required by the profession. Perhaps you’ve considered studying for a pharmacology degree, but don’t know what’s involved in working as a pharmacist. There are a lot of misunderstandings about the pharmacy profession. Some of the most common:
1. Pharmacists spend all their time filling prescriptions. This isn’t true. Yes, part of a pharmacist’s job is filling prescriptions, but they also spend a great deal of time talking to patients about their medications, making sure that there won’t be any interactions between the drugs they’re taking, advising them on over-the-counter medications and helping with a wide variety of healthcare needs.
2. Most patients get detailed advice from their pharmacist about the drugs they’re taking. Well, no – in fact, few patients truly take advantage of the broad spectrum of knowledge that pharmacists possess. With the ongoing continued education that’s required of all pharmacists, they’re often more knowledgeable about medicine than the doctors prescribing them. Next time you want advice on a cough syrup or over-the-counter cold medicine, ask your pharmacist – they’ll know a surprising amount about every medicine they sell.
3. Pharmacists only fill prescriptions; they aren’t allowed to do patient care. Actually, pharmacists in 43 states are allowed to give patients vaccinations like flu shots. They also run community healthcare services like blood pressure checks and osteoporosis screening.
4. There are no specialties in pharmacology. This is absolutely not true! The Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties recognizes five specialties: Nuclear Pharmacy, Nutrition Support Pharmacy; Pharmacotherapy; Psychiatric Pharmacy; and Oncology Pharmacy.
5. Pharmacists’ primary focus is on selling pills. Pharmacists can also compound medications. They interact with doctors to make sure you get the best medications for your condition. They teach you about your medications. They often manage pharmacy staff. They are educated to be leaders in healthcare.
6. Anybody can be a pharmacist. Not true – all pharmacists must have a Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy, or higher. Most pharmacists, in fact, have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. It takes several years of intensive studying and passing state board exams to be a pharmacist.
7. Everyone who works in a pharmacy is a pharmacist. Most of the employees in a pharmacy are actually support staff for the licensed pharmacist. Many of them are trained Pharmacy Technicians, certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board. They do have training, but they aren’t as knowledgeable about drugs or as educated in pharmacology as the pharmacist.
8. All pharmacists work for big box pharmacy chains. This is another myth. Many pharmacists are independent business people. They own and run their own pharmacy services. Many others work in healthcare facilities, and in research and education.
9. Pharmacists are low paid workers. Not at all true. In many chain pharmacies, the pharmacists make more than the store managers. Pharmacists are high paid health care professionals.
10. There are plenty of pharmacists. Actually, we are experiencing a shortage of all health care providers, and that is expected to worsen in the next couple of decades. Pharmacists are in especially short supply. If you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, you will find plenty of employment opportunities.
Pharmacists are highly trained individuals who devote years to studying to achieve success in their profession. The job brings many rewards, not the least of which is helping patients every day, either through helping to manage their prescription drugs or assisting them in the choice of over-the-counter medications.
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