What does a Retail Pharmacist do?
Published 3 min read
A retail pharmacist is a healthcare professional who dispenses medications to patients and provides them with information about the medications. They also provide consultation services to patients and families about the use of medications and other health-related topics.
Retail Pharmacist job duties include:
- Advise patients on the selection of medication brands, dosage, side effects, and storage
- Compound and dispense prescribed medications, drugs, and other pharmaceuticals for patient care, according to professional standards.
- Counsel patients on the proper use of their medication
- Develops new programs to improve patient compliance with drug regimens.
- Evaluates patient drug profiles for accuracy and potential adverse reactions
- Identifies opportunities to improve patient outcomes and decrease overall costs
- Implements pharmacy policies and procedures
- Monitors drug therapies for efficacy and safety
- Oversees the work of pharmacy technicians and support staff
- Participates in continuing education activities to keep abreast of latest trends in pharmacy
Retail Pharmacist Job Requirements
A retail pharmacist typically needs a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program and a state license. Some states also require pharmacists to complete continuing education credits annually. Many retail pharmacies require experience for pharmacists, although some may hire new graduates. Some employers may also require certification in CPR and basic life support.
Retail Pharmacist Skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Time management skills
- Customer service skills
- Computer skills
- Math skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Active listening skills
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How to become a Retail Pharmacist
A retail pharmacist is a licensed professional who dispenses medications and provides other health services to customers in a retail setting, such as a grocery store, drugstore, or mass merchandise store. Retail pharmacists typically have a bachelor's degree in pharmacy and must pass a state pharmacy licensure exam. Some states also require retail pharmacists to complete an internship or residency program.
The duties of a retail pharmacist include filling prescriptions, providing customer service, answering questions about medications, and keeping track of inventory. Retail pharmacists also play a role in educating customers about their medications and how to take them safely.
To become a retail pharmacist, you will need to complete a bachelor's degree in pharmacy from an accredited school and pass the state pharmacy licensure exam. Some states also require completion of an internship or residency program. Once you have met all the requirements, you will be able to apply for a job at a retail pharmacy.
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