What Will I Learn in a Pharmacy Degree Program?

To excel in a career in pharmacy, students will need to be detail oriented, have a love of the health care field, and enjoy working closely with patients from all ages, backgrounds and cultures. They can expect to take courses in chemistry, communication, pharmacology, biology, disease and health care administration. Once their course work is complete, students should have the necessary knowledge to take and pass the pharmacy licensing exam, which is required to work in all states.

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What Can I Do With a Pharmacy Degree?

There is a wide range of career opportunities for those who choose to complete a pharmacy degree program. One of the most common choices is for grads to work in hospitals or pharmacies, filling patient prescriptions and providing information on medications. Some pharmacists will choose to specialize in one field or method of dosage, such as intravenous cancer treatments or psychiatric medications. Working directly with the public isn't the only career option for pharmacy graduates, and those who are interested in pushing the field forward may want to consider a career as a pharmacological researcher. Most grads will find that a higher level of education opens up more job opportunities.

What Is the Career Outlook for Pharmacy Degree Students?

With medical facilities expanding and the baby boomer population aging, the need for qualified pharmacists is expected to grow faster than average through 2014. Pharmacy degree students should be able to find work in hospitals, medical centers and independent pharmacies. Pharmacists have to know a lot about medications and the health care field, and a mistake in dosage or a misplaced pill could cost a life. Due to the level of expertise and high stress of the career, pharmacists are well compensated. The average salary of a pharmacist is $89,000 a year, but grads can expect different ranges based on location, experience and the type of work.