Every day it seems a new drug pops up on the horizon.  Commercials encourage the average consumer to ask their doctor about the new silver bullet. As often as not, the consumer will turn, not to his or her doctor, who is extremely busy, but to their local pharmacist for answers about drugs. The pharmacist has earned a Pharm D degree or Doctor of Pharmacy degree. This is what qualifies him to give advice about drug dosage and interaction, as well as possible side effects.

It isn’t easy to get into a Pharm D program.  The competition is fierce and only about 10% of prospective students are accepted into the pharmacy program at top universities. The individual must have completed a prepharmacy course, which takes two years, then enter the Pharm D degree program, which lasts a minimum of four years and more often takes six years to complete.

Although much of the coursework can be completed through distance learning, the final year consists of internships that must be completed at an approved practice site.  A Pharm D degree program consists of courses in several branches of chemistry, toxicology, and pharmacology. It is a difficult but very rewarding path for the student who seeks to embrace it.

People rely on their pharmacists, doctors as well as consumers. Pharmacists must keep current about possible drug reactions and interactions, which medications are accepted by different insurance policies, and the generic forms available of each prescription drug. They not only dispense medication they educate the consumer about the prescription, how to take it, when, and possible side effects. The pharmacist learned all this while completing his Pharm D degree program.

Don’t stop short when it comes to your future. If you have a passion for serving the public and love chemistry, learn more about a Pharm D degree program.