What Do They Do?
What Do They Do?
Pharmacists distribute prescription drugs and advise patients, physicians, and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. Pharmacists monitor the health and progress of patients to ensure the safe and effective use of medication. They are responsible for making sure medications are safely handled and properly prepared, including combining, mixing, or altering, before dispensing them to patients. They also provide information on over-the-counter drugs. With specialized training in New York State, they are allowed to give certain immunizations.
Where Do They Work?
Where Do They Work?
Most practicing pharmacists work in community pharmacies, including independent and chain drug stores, grocery stores, and department stores. They also work in hospitals, home care agencies, mail order pharmacies, and in the pharmaceutical industry.
How Much Do They Earn?
How Much Do They Earn?
Annual median salary: $138,413
Entry-level salary: $106,079
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Searchable Wage Database: https://dol.ny.gov/occupational-wages-0
Supply and Demand
Supply and Demand
Pharmacists are expected to grow statewide by 7% between 2022 and 2032, with over 900 average annual openings.
For More Information:
New York State Department of Labor Employment Projections: https://dol.ny.gov/employment-projections
Educational Requirements
Educational Requirements
Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited school. For some PharmD programs, applicants must already have a bachelor’s degree. Coursework typically includes courses in math and sciences, including chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as in pharmacology and medical ethics. For most graduate programs, applicants also must take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). PharmD programs usually take 4 to 5 years to finish, including supervised work experiences in different settings, such as hospitals and retail pharmacies.
For More Information:
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education: https://www.acpe-accredit.org/accredited-programs-by-state/
Licensure Requirements
Licensure Requirements
To be licensed in New York State, pharmacists must have graduated from an accredited college of pharmacy or equivalent, including experiential learning, and pass a series of examinations.
For More Information:
New York State Education Department: https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/pharmacist/license-requirements
New York State Education Department:
https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/pharmacist/administration-immunizations
North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination: https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/naplex/
Multi State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination: https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/mpje/
Financial Support
Financial Support
Financial support can come from various federal, state, and private sources. Contact your college or university to learn about the financial aid options they offer, as well as other potential sources of funding that may be available.
Education Programs
Education Programs
| Institution | Degree | City/Town | Region | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
University at Buffalo SUNY | PharmD | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Touro University | PharmD | New York City | New York City | Visit |
St. John Fisher University | PharmD | Rochester | Finger Lakes | Visit |
St. John's University | PharmD | Queens | New York City | Visit |
Long Island University | PharmD | Brooklyn | New York City | Visit |
D'Youville University | PharmD | Buffalo | Western NY | Visit |
Binghamton University SUNY | PharmD | Binghamton | Southern Tier | Visit |
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | PharmD | Albany | Capital Region | Visit |