Pharmacist (PharmD)

Training

Pharmacists earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from a school or college of pharmacy that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Clinical pharmacists typically complete an additional one- or two-year residency program(s) to gain advanced or specialized experience in pharmacy practice settings. The number of clinical experiential hours required depends on state licensing requirements but is usually around 1,500 hours.

License/Certification

Pharmacists must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) to be licensed in the United States, as well as the Multi-state Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) in each state of licensure. Additional prerequisite requirements set out by the state may also be required, such as immunization privileges, compounding requirements, or other exams. Once licensed, pharmacists need to participate in continuing pharmacy education and professional development opportunities to maintain their license and may apply for additional board certifications or other qualifications.

General Description

Clinical pharmacists practice in all health care settings and utilize in-depth knowledge of medications and disease states to manage medication therapy as part of a multi-professional team. Clinical pharmacists are responsible and accountable for medication therapy and patient outcomes. The PharmD is a professional degree similar to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). As a doctorate, it represents the increasing responsibility pharmacists have in the health care systems and the high trust Americans have in pharmacists.

How/When to Refer

Pharmacists can ensure that patients' medications are appropriate for their health conditions, do not have dangerous side effects, and do not interact negatively with other medications. They can also help patients understand how to take their medications and review their medication regimens to discuss prescribed drugs and explain interactions. Pharmacists can also help patients find lower-cost options for their medications. They can provide many direct patient care services, such as immunizations, preventative care, wellness screenings, and chronic disease management. They can also assist with caregiver education and point-of-care testing. Pharmacists are valued for their ability to listen to patients and respect their views about their health and medications, and well positioned to integrate information patient’s need to make informed decisions about their care.

Case Study

Rose, a 50-year-old single female, was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis one month ago. She just started methotrexate and prednisone to control inflammation. She reports a one-year history of general pain and swelling in her hands and feet, morning stiffness lasting 2 hours, extreme fatigue and malaise, and often drops things held in her hands, particularly if they are heavy. She is having difficulty getting through her morning routine and getting to work. She does office work, and finds it difficult to type, walk or stand for extended periods, due to pain and fatigue. She has two children in their middle teens.

What Can This Professional Do for Rose?

• Provide Rose and her family with education and resources regarding her treatment options
• Educate Rose about methotrexate and prednisone including dosing, side effects, drug interactions, recognizing allergies, and cost of medications
• Optimize outcomes including medication packaging based on hand functioning, dosing and route of administration for tolerability and efficacy, as well as adherence over time
• Monitor medication safety and adjust doses with the APP/MD according to Rose’s treatment response and concurrent health conditions
• Monitor efficacy of the treatment plan and provide alternative recommendations if Rose’s response to therapy is incomplete in collaboration with APP/MD
• Provide information on appropriate immunizations factoring patient age, medications, and health conditions
• Offer support to Rose and family while respecting their views about their health and medications; assist in making informed decisions about her care
• Stay up to date on the latest clinical and research advances within the pharmaceutical field regarding rheumatoid arthritis that could be of benefit to Rose during the patient-pharmacist relationship

Updated August 2024