What does a Hospital Pharmacist do?
Published 3 min read
A hospital pharmacist is a licensed professional who dispenses medications and provides information on their proper use. He or she also monitors the effects of these drugs on patients and advises physicians and other health care providers on the selection, dosage, and side effects of medications.
Hospital Pharmacist job duties include:
- Compounding and dispensing medications based on physician orders
- Supervising pharmacy technicians and interns
- Counseling patients on the proper use of their medications
- Monitoring patient drug therapies to ensure they are effective and safe
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to plan, implement, and monitor drug therapy regimens
- Identifying drug therapy problems and resolving them
- Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of new drugs and their uses
- Participating in continuing education programs to keep abreast of new developments in pharmacology
- Staying current on changes in insurance reimbursement policies that affect medication coverage
Hospital Pharmacist Job Requirements
A hospital pharmacist typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, although some jobs may require a master's degree or higher. Certification from the Board of Pharmacy is also usually required. Prior experience working in a hospital setting is often preferred or required.
Hospital Pharmacist Skills
- Patient care
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Detail oriented
- Organizational skills
- Ability to multitask
- Stress management
- Adaptability
- Critical thinking
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
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How to become a Hospital Pharmacist
A hospital pharmacist is a healthcare professional who dispenses medications and provides expert advice on the use of drugs and their effects on the human body. Hospital pharmacists typically have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and must be licensed to practice in their state. Some hospital pharmacists also complete a residency program, which can last up to two years.
The first step to becoming a hospital pharmacist is to earn a Pharm.D. degree from an accredited pharmacy school. Admission into pharmacy school is competitive, so it is important to have a strong academic record, including coursework in chemistry, biology, and physics. Many pharmacy schools also require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).
After completing pharmacy school, graduates must obtain a license to practice pharmacy in their state. To do this, they must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). Some states also require pharmacists to pass a state-specific jurisprudence exam.
Once licensed, hospital pharmacists can begin their careers by working in a hospital setting. They may also choose to complete a residency program, which can last up to two years. Residencies provide pharmacists with advanced training in a specific area of practice, such as critical care or nuclear pharmacy.
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