Out of all the jobs in the medical profession, pharmacists are somewhat underrated. Similar to doctors, pharmacists have a pivotal role in society aside from the common perception of only filling prescriptions. If you’re looking to get into the medical field, becoming a pharmacist is a good way to start. Here are reasons why you should become a pharmacist and how it can benefit you in the long run.
There’s a Wide Range of Opportunities
You’d be surprised how many people often think that pharmacists are limited to being located in the back of a store talking to an occasional customer when there is a question. While a store is where people commonly see pharmacists, it’s not the only place they can work in. Pharmacists can also work in the hospital, nursing homes and even the government itself. Pharmacists sometimes work in colleges as well.
Pharmacists also are involved in the rising field of telehealth, which is how people can acquire medication advice online. When it comes to college, students need somewhere they can turn to. Telehealth isn’t just for physical health issues. It’s also used for mental and emotional problems as well. Although they can’t give medical advice, pharmacists can explain the risks and benefits of medication. This can give students a much-needed piece of mind when they’ll ill. Telehealth can help students overcome barriers they face in school, especially as we live through the pandemic.
You Have Many Responsibilities
Since pharmacists tackle a lot more than simply fulfilling a person’s prescription. they’re also responsible for managing staff and keeping record of patient files. Here’s a list of some of the other responsibilities of a pharmacist:
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Educating patients on the proper dose of various medicine and how to mitigate side effects
- Contact prescribers for more clarity on a patient’s prescription
- Guarantee a person’s safety by making sure they’re not taking the wrong medicine
One of the most important responsibility of a pharmacist includes furthering their education. This is something that must be done in order to comply with the state regulations and renew their medical license. Contrary to what some may think, becoming a pharmacist is almost as difficult as becoming a doctor. You typically must complete about eight years of college, which includes at least three years of medical school.
You Have Job Flexibility
Here’s what really sets a pharmacist and doctor apart. The former has flexibility and job flexibility is when an employee is allowed to choose the hours they work rather than work the typical 9-to-5 work schedule. In certain sectors of medicine, doctors do have some flexibility. They may work on rotation or work regular office hours. However, a pharmacist has even more control over their schedules. Being able to choose your own hours is something many employees, especially those in the medical field aim to have. It also makes it easier to love your job rather than dread it. So, if you’re hoping to join the medical field and want flexible work hours, becoming a pharmacist is your great option to consider.
