By Amy Kim
Unlike pharmacists who work with existing drugs, communicate with other health care providers, prepare and dispense medications, and educate patients about their medications, a pharmaceutical scientist is responsible for the test, discovery, and manufacture of new drugs/therapies. Pharmaceutical scientists are trained to spend most of their time in the laboratory discovering how different compounds interact with the cells and organisms in the human body. In addition, Pharmaceutical scientists determine if the drugs they test/manufacture are fit to become new drugs.
Pharmacist:
To explain, traditionally, pharmacists primarily work in a retail setting (community pharmacies) which may include local grocery and drug stores. However, pharmacists may also work in either government/military settings or clinical settings such as at hospitals, physician offices, specialized centers/units, etc. Here are the requirements for becoming a pharmacist!
Either attend a pre-pharmacy program (Earn 36 credits of science courses and 30 credits of general education before applying to pharmacy school) OR receive an undergraduate degree (BA/BS) (Receive all the pre-pharmacy requirements as well as the BA/BS requirements before applying to pharmacy school)
Attend pharmacy school (College of Pharmacy): Receive a Pharm.D --> Pass a state board of pharmacy licensure examination to practice ie: NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam) --> obtain a state license
Choose a career option! As said previously, pharmacists work in various settings such as at clinics, community pharmacies, armed services, etc. In addition, pharmacists can continue their education by completing a Master of Science or Ph.D degree. Another option is for graduates to involve themselves in residency programs/fellowships. To demonstrate pharmacy expertise in an area of practice, some licensed pharmacists can specialize in ambulatory care, critical care, pediatrics, etc.
Pharmaceutical Scientist:
To explain, traditionally, pharmaceutical scientists are employed by institutions which range from large drug manufacturing/biotech companies/CRO's/academic institutions/government agencies. Usually, pharmaceutical scientists work in a laboratory setting with a large team but others can teach at universities, supervise drug trials, oversee large-scale production of medication, etc. Here are some requirements of becoming a pharmacist!
At the bare minimum, a bachelor's degree is required to pursue this career. A bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences, biology, pharmacy, chemistry, engineering, or medicine, etc. are some examples. With a bachelor's degree, that is sufficient for most entry-level positions.
However, to be involved in independent research, teach, or be in more specialized subjects, etc. many pharmaceutical scientists complete an advanced degree (graduate and postgraduate degrees such as an M.S., MPH, M.D, Pharm.D, Ph.D).
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