Pharmacist Career in USA-Working Conditions

• Very good employment opportunities are expected for pharmacists.
• Earnings are high, but some pharmacists work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Pharmacists are becoming more involved in making decisions regarding drug therapy and in counseling patients.
• A license is required; the prospective pharmacist must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy and pass a State examination

Working Conditions

Pharmacists work in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Many pharmacists spend most of their workday on their feet. When working with sterile or dangerous pharmaceutical products, pharmacists wear gloves and masks and work with other special protective equipment. Many community and hospital pharmacies are open for extended hours or around the clock, so pharmacists may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Consultant pharmacists may travel to nursing homes or other facilities to monitor patients’ drug therapy

Most full-time salaried pharmacists are working approximately 40 hours a week. Some, including many self-employed pharmacists, are working more than 50 hours a week.