Pharmacists are charged with ensuring the safe use and distribution of prescription drugs to individuals. They counsel patients, physicians and other health care practitioners on safety and effective use of medications. In addition, pharmacists advise patients about general health topics such as diets, exercise and stress management.

In order to become a pharmacist, graduates must have earned a Doctor of Pharmacy and passed several examinations in order to obtain a license.

Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including drugstores, hospitals, nursing homes and home health care. Some work in research, developing new medications and testing their effects. A number of pharmacists choose to specialize in specific drug therapy areas, such as chemotherapy, intravenous nutritional support, geriatric pharmacy or psychiatric pharmacy. Most pharmacists are salaried employees, but some are self-employed and own a community drugstore.

Employment for pharmacists is expected to grow through 2016, making the prospects for employment excellent. Because the aging population uses more prescription drugs than younger people, the demand for pharmacy services will continue to increase. Median salary range for pharmacists is generally in the mid 90s.

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