Pharmacists are allied health professionals who practice in pharmacy, the field of health sciences focusing on safe and effective medication use. Pharmacists undergo university-level education to understand biochemical mechanisms of action of drugs, drug uses and therapeutic roles, side effects, potential interactions, and monitoring parameters. Professional interpretation and communication of this specialized knowledge to patients, physicians and other health care providers are functions which pharmacists provide, and are central to the provision of safe and effective drug therapy. In many countries, pharmacists must hold the title of Doctor of Pharmacy in order to exercise their profession.
The most common pharmacist positions are that of a Retail Pharmacist or a Hospital Pharmacist where they instruct and counsel on the proper use and adverse effects of medically prescribed drugs and medicines. In most countries, the profession is subject to professional regulation Pharmacists may also practice in a variety of other settings, including industry, research, academia, military, and government.
Specialization and Credentialing
American pharmacists can become certified in recognized specialty practice areas by passing an examination administered by one of several credentialing boards.
-
The Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties certifies pharmacists in six specialties:
-
Ambulatory care pharmacy
-
Nuclear Pharmacy
-
Nutrition Support Pharmacy
-
Oncology Pharmacy
-
Pharmacotherapy which has two subspecialties: cardiology and infectious disease
-
Psychiatric pharmacy
-
