Pharmacist

Exam

State + third-party exam

Education

Degree

Experience

Experience

Background check

Required

Pharmacists compound and dispense medications pursuant to prescriptions issued by physicians, dentists, or other authorized health professionals (MD, DO, DDS, DVM, DPM, OD, PA or ARNP). They weigh, measure, and mix drugs and other medicinal compounds, and fill bottles or capsules with the correct quantity and composition of preparation; dispense non-prescription medication to public; counsel patients and answer patients' questions regarding prescription and nonprescription medication; use refrigeration and other methods to store and preserve biological and other drugs, vaccines, and serums subject to deterioration; order and maintain supplies of drugs, chemicals, and other pharmaceutical stock; maintain up-to-date patient medication profiles; advise physicians on the proper selection and use of medicines and potential drug interactions or contraindications; and, perform prospective and retrospective drug utilization review. Pharmacists may administer immunizations. "Practice of pharmacy" is a dynamic patient-oriented health service profession that applies a scientific body of knowledge to improve and promote patient health by means of appropriate drug use and related drug therapy.