Pharmacists are required to earn a Doctorate in Pharmacy degree or PharmD from an accredited pharmacy school or college. Students in will have finished two years of college education before starting Pharmacy studies. Courses in a college of pharmacy are designed to teach all the aspects of drug therapy. 2:16:38 PMhey will lean how to teach patients and other health professionals about drug information and use. As in other health studies, they will also learn about professional ethics, public health concepts, and management of medicine distribution systems. As with doctors and nursing, students will also be required to complete internships where they will be under the supervision of licensed pharmacists careers.

Pharmacy technicians assist licensed pharmacists in dispensing medication to patients. They will also advise patients on healthcare products and services. Technicians perform routine tasks in preparing prescribed medication, such as counting tablets, labeling bottles and mixing ingredients where necessary. They also perform administrative duties, such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers. Technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to the licensed pharmacist. Most pharmacy technicians have on the job experience; however some pharmacy schools and colleges are now offer course which can lead to certifications or an associate's degree.

Licensing

Pharmacists require licensing in the state that they will practice in. All states require licensing. Licensing is attained with the completion of a series of exams. As with other healthcare professions continuing education is necessary to maintain the appropriate levels of knowledge.

Pharmacy technicians do not require licensing, however some states now require certification and continuing education.

Advanced degrees

Pharmacists can take additional training and education to attain a Masters of Pharmacy which is earned by those pharmacists who are in research and development or management of pharmacy providers.

Certifications

Additional certifications are available for Pharmacists in specialties such as

Disease State Management- identification, treatment and prevention of diseases within a define population

Nuclear Pharmacy- Specializing in medicines for radio-therapy and nuclear medicine

Nutrition Support Pharmacy- Certification in the care of patients who receive special nutrition support

Oncology Pharmacy- Medicines for the treatment of cancer

Pharmacotherapy- Certification in the use of drugs for patient care.

Psychiatric Pharmacy- Addresses the use of medicines for patients with psychiatric-related illnesses

Geriatric Pharmacy- Medicinal therapies for treating diseases of the elderly.

Pharmacy Technician Certifications

While Pharmacy technicians mostly have on the job training and some have taken courses at a school, some employers favor those who have taken a certification exam. There are two organizations, the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacist, which offer national certification examinations. Certification is voluntary in most States, but is required by some States and employers. Recertification is performed every two years. Continuing education is required for each recertification period. Continuing education hours can be earned from different sources, including colleges, pharmacy associations, and pharmacy technician training programs as well as earned under the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist while on the job.