Pharmacist

Salary/Compensation
In the local labor market, an entry level Pharmacist commonly receives P8,000 - P12,000 per month and it may go up to P20,000 for those highly experienced or supervisory level. In the U.S, the average earnings of a Pharmacist is about $7,018 per month.

Basic Educational Requirement

A bachelor of science degree in Pharmacy is required. Pharmacists also require practical training under the supervision of a licensed Pharmacist. Passing a Board Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is also required before one can practice the profession.

Cost of Education *
Cost of education may range from P23,000 - P45,000 per semester in private schools and universities. However, in other educational institutions that offer the same discipline, tuition fee would cost about 20%-40% less.

Employment Opportunities
Pharmacy is a multifaceted profession. As a licensed Pharmacist, one can work in any one of the following establishments: Drugstore, Hospital, School of Pharmacy, relevant government agencies, Drug Manufacturing Companies, Drug Distributor Companies, and Chemical/Cosmetic Companies. The increasing number of middle-aged and elderly people, who use more prescription drugs than younger people, will continue to spur demand for pharmacists in all employment settings. Other factors likely to increase the demand for pharmacists include scientific advances that will make more drugs available, new developments in genome research and medication distribution systems, increasingly sophisticated consumers seeking information about drugs, and coverage of prescription drugs by a greater number of health insurance plans. A Pharmacist may be employed in the following industries: Real Estate, Renting and Business Activities, Health and Social Work, Other Community, Social and Personal Service Activities, and Private Households with Employed Persons.

Prospects for Career Advancement

Pharmacists usually begin at the staff level, and after they gain experience, some become supervisors or managers. Those who are in the pharmacy chain of stores and companies are promoted to manager at the store level, then to manager at the district or regional level, and later to an executive position.

Nature of Work
A Pharmacist distributes drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications.

Tasks

Checks prescription for proper dosage; Compounds prescribed pharmaceutical products by calculating, measuring and mixing the quantities of drugs and other ingredients required and filling appropriate containers with correct quantity; Dispenses prescribed pharmaceuticals to customers or to other health care professionals and advise them on indications, contraindications, adverse effects, drug interaction and dosage; Maintains medication profiles of customers including registry of poisons and narcotic controlled drugs; Ensures proper preparation, packaging, distribution and storage of vaccines, serums, biological and other drugs and pharmaceuticals; Orders and maintains stock of pharmaceutical supplies; Advises customers on selection and use of non-prescription medication; and May supervise and co-ordinate the activities of other pharmacists, pharmacy assistants, pharmacy technicians, and other staff.

Skills and Competencies

Should have scientific aptitude, good communication skills, and a desire to help others; Must be conscientious and pay close attention to detail because the decisions they make affect human lives. Proficient in basic subjects such as mathematics, spelling and reading; and Must have strong background in chemistry and health education.

Physical Attributes and Characteristics

Must be alert, observant, organized, honest and responsible; Have good manual dexterity; Ability to perform work repetitious work accurately; and Ability to take direction is also important.