What Is Pharmacy?
The formal answer to “What is pharmacy?” is the practice of preparing, compounding and dispensing drugs. But that’s just the beginning.
Pharmacy is a blend of science, health care, direct patient contact, technology, business and ethics. As experts in medicine and health care, pharmacists are trusted partners who work directly with you to ensure you understand and use your medications safely and effectively.
However, to best answer the question “what is pharmacy?,” we must delve deeper into what a pharmacist does. .
What Can You Do With a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree?
Earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) is crucial for obtaining pharmacist licensure in the United States. With a Pharm.D. degree, you’ll be well-prepared for diverse career paths, including roles in clinical and industrial pharmacy, academia and more.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates pharmacy jobs will continue to grow through 2032. The BLS reports $132,750 as the national median salary for pharmacy roles.
In addition to retail pharmacy, your Pharm.D. degree opens doors to opportunities in hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, government agencies and other areas where you can make significant contributions through your pharmacy career.
What Can You Do With a Pharmacy Degree in Community/Retail Pharmacy?
- Serve your community by providing essential medications and information directly to patients in familiar settings.
- Play a pivotal role in ensuring individuals receive the correct medications, proper dosage information, and guidance for optimal health outcomes.
- Actively contribute to community health by serving as a trusted source of pharmaceutical expertise.
What Can You Do With a Pharmacy Degree in a Clinical/Hospital Pharmacy?
- Collaborate with health care teams to optimize medication use and enhance patient outcomes in clinical environments.
- Work closely with physicians, nurses and other health care professionals to develop and implement effective medication management plans.
- • Support patient care by ensuring the safe and efficient use of medications in a clinical or hospital setting.
What Can You Do With a Pharmacy Degree in Industrial Pharmacy?
• Contribute to drug development, manufacturing and quality control processes within pharmaceutical companies.• Apply your expertise in various stages of drug production, from research and development to ensuring the quality and safety of pharmaceutical products.
• Play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of pharmaceutical manufacturing.
What Can You Do With a Pharmacy Degree in Government Settings?
• Work in various government agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ensuring regulatory compliance.• Serve as a forensic pharmacist or drug diversion investigator, evaluating drug-related evidence in court cases or investigating causes of death.
• Pursue pharmacy career opportunities with other agencies, such as the Indian Health Services, the U.S. military, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the U.S. Public Health Service.
What Can You Do With a Pharmacy Degree in Other Areas?
•Engage in teaching and research within academic institutions, educating the next generation of pharmacists and contributing to scientific advancements.• Explore niche fields like nuclear or nutrition pharmacy, becoming a valuable expert in these specialized health care fields.
• Bridge communication gaps between prescribers, pharmacies and patients as a medical liaison.
• Pursue nontraditional roles in areas such as pharmacology, toxicology, veterinary pharmacy, pharmaceutical sales and pharmaceutical law.
Career Outlook for Pharmacy Jobs
Pharmacy presents a fulfilling and impactful career path, offering excellent earning potential and abundant opportunities for professional advancement. While compensation varies based on factors like education, experience, industry and location, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average annual salary of $132,570 for pharmacy careers.
The outlook for pharmacy jobs is positive, with steady growth anticipated over the next decade. This growth is propelled by various factors such as:
- An aging population, which has increased the demand for medication management and specialized care.
- Advancements in health care that have expanded the need for pharmacists in research, development and personalized medicine.
- An evolving industry landscape requiring more pharmacists in diverse health care settings, such as hospitals, clinics and the expanding field of telemedicine.
Earn Your Doctor of Pharmacy at Xavier University
Xavier University College of Pharmacy is dedicated to providing excellence in education. Our highly skilled faculty members have extensive, real-world experience to prepare you for whatever career path you choose.
Our Pharm.D. curriculum includes biological and pharmaceutical sciences such as biochemistry, pathophysiology, pharmaceutics and extensive hands-on lab experience. Additional coursework such as Pharmacy Ethics, Nutrition, Pharmacy Law and Healthcare Interprofessional Education gives you the well-rounded education and confidence to advance your pharmacy career.
In keeping with the College of Pharmacy’s mission to prepare pharmacists to impact medically underserved communities, students actively engage in community service and other activities that will prepare them for future leadership roles.
Our Pharm.D. program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, ensuring graduates are eligible for licensure across the country.
Learn more about how Xavier’s Doctor of Pharmacy program can prepare you for a life-changing career.