What is a pharmacist?

I am a pharmacist! Licensed pharmacists go to college and pharmacy school for at least 5 years. We take a lot of classes in chemistry, math, physics, biology, microbiology, and biochemistry. We learn about drug interactions, side effects, treating diseases with medications or lifestyle changes, and how to counsel patients on their medications. The most difficult part is learning how to assess patients with multiple conditions at the same time and select and monitor drug therapy for those patients. 

Pharmacists have to be licensed in the states where they work, just like doctors, dentists and nurses do. We have to take continuing education classes to keep up on new drugs and disease treatments. We work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes, research, and many other healthcare organizations.

Being a pharmacist is a privilege--in the community and hospital settings, we get to know some of our patients and their families quite well over the years. I enjoy helping people to take care of themselves and to understand their medications. Don't be afraid to ask to talk to the pharmacist if you have questions--that's why we're there.

A pharmacist is an expert in medicines, including their potential benefits, side effects and interactions with food and other drugs, as well as the best ways to take them to maximize effectiveness and safety.

Pharmacists must be licensed by the state in which they work. To become licensed, a pharmacist needs to have graduated from a school of pharmacy approved by the state board of pharmacy or accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). An aspiring pharmacist must then pass a licensure exam and, in most states, a drug law examination. After he or she is licensed, a pharmacist typically must participate in continuing education to maintain his or her credentials.