What is Pharmacy?
Pharmacists specialize in the composition and interaction of drugs, including their physiological effects on humans. Traditionally, pharmacists dispense medications, but as the primary source of information on both prescription and over-the-counter medications, they also serve as a link between physician and patient. Pharmacists often decide on the form of medication, check for drug interactions, verify appropriate drug dosages and schedules, and advise patients in the proper use of medications. The ability to communicate effectively is critical, as pharmacists must be able to communicate with physicians in professional, scientific language as well as with patients in lay terms.
Work Setting
Pharmacists are employed in a multitude of public and private settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), government agencies, pharmaceutical corporations, and forensic medical labs.
There are more jobs in the pharmacy than the pharmacists seen at local pharmacies or hospitals. Applicants can explore and see where their niche lies in pharmacy.
Related Careers
Pharmacy technician or assistant, pharmaceutical research.
Information is compiled from the following webpage: Explore Health Careers. Please note that these are just some notable differences among the fields and are not intended to be comprehensive. It is important to double check with certain schools regarding pre-requisites and program specifics.
| CATEGORY | DENTISTRY | PHARMACY | OPTOMETRY |
| Total Post High School Education | 8-10 years | 6-10 years | 8+ years |
| Prerequisite Education | Bachelor's degree is highly recommended | Minimum 2 years of UG prerequisite coursework; Bachelor's degree is highly recommended |
Bachelor's degree is highly recommended
|
| Degree Conferred | D.M.D. or D.D.S. | Pharm.D. | O.D. |
| Residency | Optional (1-2 years) | Optional (1-2 years) |
Optional (1+ year)
|
| Curriculum | 2 years of coursework + 2 years of clinical training (and business instruction) |
3 years of coursework + 1 year of clinical internship |
2 years of basic health and visual sciences + 2 years of diagnostic and treatment techniques in clinical settings
|
| Related Careers | Allied Dental Educator Dental Hygienist Dental Assistant Dental Laboratory Technician |
Pharmacy Technician Pharmaceutical Scientist |
Optician
Ophthalmologist (M.D. degree) |
| Salary (US National Average May 2014) | $170,940 (varies greatly depending on specialty) |
$118,470 | $113,010 |
| Financial Aid | WICHE-eligible | WICHE-eligible | |
| Application Timeline | Accelerated | Accelerated | Accelerated |
| Entrance Exam | DAT | None | OAT |
| Work Setting | Most dentists become general practitioners and work in private practice, group practices, or hospitals | Public or Private |
Most optometrists work in private practice, either solo, in an associate partnership, or as part of a group
|
| Working Conditions | 10% of dentists are either engaged in teaching, research, or related positions; they typically work the regular 40-hour weeks.
The other 90% of dentists are engaged in private practice. There is great flexibility in establishing their office hours and work schedules. Full-time dentists spend approximately 36 hours per week in their practices, of which 33 hours/week is spent treating patients. |
Most full-time pharmacists work 43 hours per week and some, including self-employed pharmacists, work 50-hour work weeks.
Many pharmacists spend most of their workday on their feet. Many community and hospital pharmacies are open for extended hours or around the clock, so pharmacists may work evenings, nights, weekends and holidays. Consultant pharmacists may travel to nursing homes or other facilities to monitor patients' drug therapy. |
Optometrists work in settings (usually their own offices) that are clean, well-lit and comfortable. Most full-time optometrists work about 40 hours a week. Many work Saturdays and evenings to suit the needs of patients. Emergency calls, once uncommon, have increased with the passage of therapeutic drug laws expanding optometrists' ability to prescribe medications. |