What Does a Pharmacist Do? Job Duties, Salary, and More

Becoming a pharmacist can be a fulfilling and lucrative health care career. While many people may first think of doctors and nurses when considering health care jobs, pharmacists are just as important for treating patients' illnesses and advising them on their health concerns.

At their core, pharmacists are experts in the science of medicine. They ensure patients receive the correct dosage of life-saving prescriptions, advise other health care professionals on pharmacology, and are able to identify when one drug is dangerous or interacts with another. Some pharmacists go a step further to offer tips for health and well-being. 

In this article, you'll learn more about pharmacists, including what they do, how much they earn, and how to become one. At the end, you'll even explore cost-effective, flexible courses that can help you gain job-relevant skills today.

What is a pharmacist?

A pharmacist is a health care professional specializing in the usage and administration of medication. They dispense prescriptions to patients upon receiving a physician's orders. Pharmacists are experts on how drugs work and interact with the body so that patients who take them achieve the best possible results.

Most pharmacists are community pharmacists who work in drug stores, grocery stores, big box stores, and private pharmacies, including those who distribute over mail order. Other pharmacists work in-house at hospitals and other health care facilities serving patients. In addition to ensuring patients receive their medication, you may also answer questions and help educate both patients and other health care professionals on how certain drugs interact or the side effects they may have on the body or mind. 

What does a pharmacist do?

As a pharmacist, your main task will be filling prescriptions for patients. You’ll likely perform other tasks on a daily basis, including: 

• Checking a customer's history to ensure their new medications won't interfere with their old ones 

• Giving vaccines, like the flu shot 

• Testing a customer's blood sugar, cholesterol level, or blood pressure 

• Teaching customers how to take their medicine safely and effectively

• Consulting with doctors and other health care professionals about prescriptions for specific customers 

• Providing basic wellness screenings 

• Managing the pharmacy, including pharmacy techs and assistants 

• Negotiating with insurance providers  

• Maintaining customer records 

• Recommending over-the-counter medication

• Providing basic health advice on topics like stress management, nutrition, how to stop smoking, and other lifestyle changes  

How much do pharmacists make?

The national median salary for pharmacists in the United States was $128,570 in 2021, according to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics [1]. And while the number of pharmacists needed in retail settings isn't supposed to grow much over the next decade, there will be a bigger need for those who work in hospitals and clinical environments.

Types of pharmacists 

There are a few types of pharmacists you might consider as you earn your pharmaceutical degree. Take a look at the chart below: 

Why pursue a career as a pharmacist 

If you're looking for a career that allows you to help others by improving their health, then a career as a pharmacist may be right for you. In addition to a high salary, pharmacists typically enjoy some level of job security, work flexibility, and many get to work directly with members of the public. The profession also provides more introverted workers the ability to work independently and without interacting with customers by pursuing a career as a nuclear pharmacist.

How to become a pharmacist 

To work as a licensed pharmacist, you’ll need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education and get licensed to practice. Let’s take a closer look at the specific requirements.

1. Obtain your PharmD.

Unlike many other doctoral programs, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree typically only takes four years to complete (full-time). While some programs require a bachelor’s degree, many others only require two years of undergraduate study, with courses in chemistry, physics, and biology. That means with a high school diploma, you can earn your PharmD in as little as six years.

Tip: While in college or pharmacy school, consider working as a pharmacy technician to gain experience in the field. 

2. Get licensed as a pharmacist.

Once you've earned your pharmacy degree, you'll need to become licensed to practice. Each state has its own requirements for obtaining a license to become a practicing pharmacist. 

In most cases, you'll need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) as well as the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), which tests you on the laws and regulations in your state. You can learn more about your state’s requirements by contacting the state board of pharmacy.

You'll also need to complete a background check. Some states require additional training in specific areas, like vaccinations. 

3. Hone the right skills.

As a pharmacist, you can have a direct impact on people’s lives. Success in this career relies on a combination of skills that include: 

• Attention to detail and accuracy  

• Critical thinking

• Verbal and written communication skills 

• Compassion 

• Integrity

• Math and counting skills

• Ability to multitask 

• Willingness to advocate for patients 

• Time management 

Get started with Coursera

Experience for yourself whether your interest in pharmacy might translate into a career by taking a course from a top-rated school of pharmacy. Explore how drugs are developed from the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California San Diego, or learn about how to tailor medications to patient needs from the University of Copenhagen.