Are you a veteran or a veteran’s family member who is considering a career in pharmacy? If so, you may be in luck since the Veterans Administration offers financial aid for higher education. Being a pharmacist may be exciting and fulfilling, but it also requires much study and training before one can practice legally. You’ll be able to afford pharmacy school or a comparable degree program thanks to the monetary backing you’ll receive from VA educational benefits.
Whether you are a veteran looking to change careers or a family member of a veteran interested in the field, this article will give you all the information you need to become a chemist utilizing VA educational benefits. We’ll explain everything in detail, from the courses you’ll need to take and the experience you need to have under your belt to qualify for VA educational benefits to the several chemical licensing exams you’ll need to pass. Let’s dive in and find out what steps you can take to transform your passion for pharmacy into a successful career with the help of VA educational benefits.
Pharmacy Services Typically Offered
Pharmacists perform a number of vital functions within the healthcare system, many of which contribute to the proper administration of drugs. Pharmacists typically provide their patients the following services:
Drug Distribution
Accurate and secure medicine delivery is the pharmacist’s responsibility. They go through prescriptions, make sure there are no drug interactions or allergies, and teach patients how to safely utilize medications.
Controlled Drug Administration
Medication treatment management services are another service provided by pharmacists to aid patients in taking their drugs safely and effectively. They may assess the patient’s current drug plan, keep an eye out for unwanted effects, and suggest changes as necessary.
Counseling Patients
Pharmacists advise patients on pharmaceutical use and safety issues such dose, administration, and adverse reactions. They may also offer guidance on dealing with long-term illnesses like diabetes and hypertension.
Immunizations
Immunizations, including flu injections, shingles vaccinations, and pneumonia vaccines, are within the scope of practice for pharmacists. Vaccination regimens and other preventative measures may also be discussed.
Compounding
Compounding is a service that some pharmacists offer, which entails adjusting a drug’s ingredients, strength, or even flavor to better suit the needs of an individual patient. Patients with food allergies, problems swallowing medicines, or those needing a special dose form might benefit greatly from this service.
Members of the American Pharmacists Association (APA) and the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), for example, have access to a wealth of tools and opportunities for professional development and networking.
Pharmacy Compensation
Chemists are vital to the healthcare system because they ensure the effectiveness and safety of medication usage. As of May 2020, the BLS reported that the median annual salary for chemists in the United States was $128,710. This salary is subject to fluctuate based on factors such as the candidate’s experience, location, and the nature of the job. For instance, pharmacists working in hospitals or other outpatient care settings often earn more than those working in drugstores or supermarkets.
It’s worth noting that federal government chemists often earn more than their private sector counterparts. According to USAJOBS, the average starting income for a chemist in the federal government is $89,803. This payment might increase based on factors such as the student’s grade and location. Keep in mind that these figures are subject to change and variation dependent on specific situation and region.
Becoming a Pharmacist: A Guide
To ensure the accuracy of the prescriptions they fill, pharmacists must pay meticulous attention to detail. To practice pharmacy, one has to obtain their Pharm.D. from an approved pharmacy school. In order to practice law, they need to pass the relevant bar exams.
Education & Training:
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees are necessary at the postgraduate level. Admission criteria might vary widely amongst schools. Students applying to Pharm.D. programs are required to have completed college-level coursework in anatomy, biology, and chemistry. Most of these programs need at least two years of college, however some may demand a bachelor’s degree. The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) is commonly required of candidates to these schools.
The typical duration of a Pharm. D. program is four years. In some cases, you may be able to choose a 3-year plan. Some colleges and universities provide a specialized 6-year curriculum for high school seniors.
Pharm.D. curriculum requirements include coursework in pharmacology, organic chemistry, and medical ethics. Under close supervision, students must complete relevant job experience. Internships like this can be done anywhere from a hospital to a retail pharmacy.
Having their own pharmacy is a dream of many pharmacists. To better equip themselves, they can pursue a second degree in public health or a master’s in business administration.
Training:
Graduates of Pharm.D. programs who choose to pursue careers in research or clinical pharmacy may be required to complete a residency program lasting anywhere from one to two years. Graduates of the 2-year residency program frequently pursue further education in a subspecialty, such as geriatric medicine or internal medicine.
Authorizations, Permits, and Credentials:
After finishing a Pharm.D. program, you’ll need to take and pass two tests to earn your license. Pharmacy law is the subject of the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). Knowledge and competence in pharmacy are put to the test in the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX).
In order to demonstrate their mastery of a subject field, some people may choose to pursue specialized certification. A pharmacist can become oncology- or nutrition-certified through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties, or diabetes-education certified through the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators. To get these credentials, you’ll need to pay a fee, take a test, and demonstrate that you have relevant job experience.
Skills and Qualities that will Help
Analytical skills:
In order to safely dispense pharmaceuticals, pharmacists must assess patient requirements, be well-versed on the appropriate contexts for providing certain medications, be aware of potential adverse effects, and understand physician orders.
Communication skills:
It is essential to this role that guidance be provided to patients on a frequent basis. It’s crucial to be able to brief patients on proper dosing and any negative effects of their medications. There also has to be open lines of communication between pharmacy technicians and interns.
Computer literacy:
Pharmacists’ use of electronic health record (EHR) systems is dependent on their ability to use computers effectively.
Detail oriented:
Accurate attention to detail is essential for pharmacists since wrongly administered medications can be fatal or have major side effects. They need access to data that will help them choose which drug is best for each patient.
Managerial skills:
Effective management is essential for the success of any retail pharmacy. This includes both the personnel and the stock.
Managerial skills:
Effective management is essential for the success of any retail pharmacy. This includes both the personnel and the stock.
Concluding Remarks
Veterans with an interest in pharmacy can take advantage of several VA programs and services. Get the experience and knowledge you need, and don’t forget to take any tests or get any certifications you might need. You should also make use of the VA’s various resources, including the Post-9/11 GI Bill, the Montgomery GI Bill, and the Yellow Ribbon Program. To get started, visit the official VA educational benefits website and acquire a background check from a company recognized by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). I hope you succeed in your pursuit of a career in pharmacy.
FAQs
What qualifications do I need to be a pharmacist?
Obtaining a PharmD is the standard educational requirement for entering the field of pharmacy. To do so, you must first complete a Pharm.D. program approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) after completing required pre-pharmacy courses. You’ll also need to finish an internship, study for and pass license examinations, and meet any other criteria in your state.
How long of schooling is required to become a licensed pharmacist?
There is no set timetable for becoming a licensed pharmacist. Six to eight years of college or vocational school is the norm following high school. This includes finishing any necessary pre-requisites, getting a PharmD (a four-year degree), and completing any necessary internships or residencies.
Do you need A levels to become a pharmacist?
Pursuing a degree in pharmacy often necessitates the completion of A-levels or their foreign equivalents. You will usually need to have taken Chemistry and Biology at the A-level or above. It is vital to research the unique criteria of each university of interest.
Is it difficult to get a degree in pharmacy?
Earning a pharmacy degree takes hard work and perseverance. Pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, therapeutics, and pharmacy practice are only few of the many topics covered. It’s a challenging but rewarding career path because of the extensive coursework, hands-on training, and ongoing need to keep up with the ever-changing body of pharmacological knowledge.
How much do boot pharmacists earn?
Experience, geographic area, and hours worked all play a role in the income a Boots pharmacist in the Florida receives. The most recent figures show that a Boots pharmacist may expect an annual income of between $36,000 and $52,000. Individual conditions and the presence or absence of incentives and benefits might affect actual wages.
How lucrative is a career in pharmacy?
Gaining a degree in pharmacy might open doors to lucrative job prospects. Pharmacists have a high job satisfaction rate and good salary potential. Location, years of experience, employer type (e.g., department store, hospital, manufacturing), and extra duties or areas of expertise can all have a significant impact on salary.
How can I become a pharmacist without a degree?
Obtaining a pharmacy degree is usually required for employment in the field. Alternative routes to become a pharmacy technician or assistant may be available in some countries, such as apprenticeships or vocational training. If you’re interested in exploring non-degree paths within the pharmacy industry, it’s crucial that you familiarize yourself with the unique standards and laws in your location.
