Your pharmacist does more than fill your prescription. There’s a lot that goes on behind the counter that enables you — and your community — to receive the treatment and care you need to stay healthy.

Whether you’re considering becoming a pharmacist, already in pharmacy school or are just curious about what a pharmacist actually does, this article can help you better understand this career path.

Key Takeaways:

  • Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare and do more than administer medications.
  • Individuals in this profession possess an array of skills, including the ability to multitask and strong attention to detail.
  • Job duties include patient counseling, medication management and behind-the-scenes tasks like stocking the pharmacy and staying up-to-date with drug regulations.
  • As the pharmacy industry changes, pharmacists should change alongside it.

What Is a Pharmacist?

Put simply, a pharmacist is a healthcare professional who prepares and dispenses medication. Beyond these fundamental job functions, a pharmacist also instructs patients on the proper use of medicines and advises on potential drug interactions.

Pharmacists are experts in drug therapy and play a critical role in ensuring patients receive the correct medications in the right dosages at the right time. They must have a deep understanding of side effects and the ways certain foods or drinks interact with a medication.

Educational Background

To become a pharmacist, one must complete rigorous training. This typically includes earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, followed by passing licensure exams.

But their education doesn’t end there. Pharmacists must stay abreast of the latest medical and pharmaceutical advancements through continuing education. This ensures they can provide the most accurate and safe advice to their patients.

Learn more about how to become a pharmacist.

Where Do Pharmacists Work?

Pharmacists work in diverse healthcare settings — not just your local Walgreens, CVS or wherever you get your prescriptions filled. They can find employment at:

  • Hospitals
  • Research institutions
  • Specialty clinics

Regardless of where they practice, they have one thing in common: promoting patient health and safety through expert medication management.

Pharmacist Job Duties & Daily Responsibilities

The daily functions a pharmacist might perform generally fall into four buckets:

Dispensing Medications

This responsibility is likely the one you most readily associate with the role of a pharmacist. However, it’s more than just placing pills in a bottle. To ensure the patient’s safety, pharmacists carefully review each prescription to check for numerous issues like dosage errors, potential allergic reactions and drug interaction risks.

Patient Counseling

An informed patient is empowered with the knowledge to make decisions about their health. Pharmacists are part of that empowerment as they educate patients, answer their questions and provide clear instructions for how they should handle their medication. This personal touch is what makes patients confident in managing their medications.

Medication Management

This duty goes hand in hand with patient counseling. Pharmacists work with their patients to review their medical history and verify that their prescriptions are appropriate and will work together effectively. They may also collaborate with physicians or other medical providers to adjust treatment plans.

Behind-the-Scenes Tasks

Pharmacists do a lot of work behind the scenes. This includes managing inventory to ensure that the pharmacy remains stocked with the right medications, compounding materials (mixing medications to meet specific patient needs), and staying updated with the latest drug information and regulations.

Skills & Qualities of a Successful Pharmacist

With such a range of responsibilities, pharmacists must be adept multitaskers with keen attention to detail. Precision is critical in pharmacy — a small mistake could lead to severe consequences for the patient. Other important skills a pharmacist should possess include:

  • Adaptability 
  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Empathy
  • Ethical judgment
  • Organization
  • Patience
  • Problem-solving

Pharmacists’ Impact on Healthcare & the Future of Pharmacy

Pharmacists are essential to the healthcare ecosystem and make a profound impact on patient care, safety and public health. Their influence goes far beyond the walls of a pharmacy, as they contribute significantly to improving health outcomes and enhancing the quality of care for millions of people every day.

As we look to the future, pharmacists can take on even more responsibilities in healthcare. Advances in technology, shifting healthcare needs and an expanded role for pharmacists in patient care mean they will remain integral to the ever-changing pharmacy landscape.

Chapman University Prepares You for What’s Next

The future of pharmacy can begin with you! Chapman University School of Pharmacy offers a range of pharmacy programs that can help you launch a lasting career in the industry. Our programs include the following:

Explore all of our programs to find the right fit. Or, reach out to us to learn more.