Retail Pharmacist
Angeles Lerma
Educational Requirements
Retail pharmacists must complete at least two to three years of college coursework in biology, chemistry and related topics before entering Pharm.D. degree programs. Retail pharmacists have then earned licenses and Pharm.D. degrees through accredited programs.
Responsibilities
A pharmacist's main duties involve filling prescriptions and dispensing drugs. While filling prescriptions, a pharmacist verifies the amount of the drug the doctor prescribed, and cross-checks the patient's files to look for any possible drug interactions. Pharmacists also speak with patients about potential side effects and discuss the proper way to take the medicine. The pharmacist works with pharmaceutical companies and drug makers to stay up to date on the latest drug information to be sure he is dispensing the correct amounts and avoiding hazardous drug interactions.