Working as a pharmacist can open a wide range of opportunities for you. If you want to pursue a career in a detail-oriented field, then the pharmacy career path is an ideal choice for you. However, it is vital to take a pharmacy tech practice test to enhance your chances of landing this job.
Being a pharmacist comes with its perks. However, it is wise to understand the requirements and challenges of the job thoroughly before taking it up as a career option. To help you out, we’ll give you an insight into the roles and responsibilities of a pharmacist and the pros and cons of this career.
Who is a Pharmacist?
Before we move on to the pros and cons of working as a pharmacist, you need to have an idea about the roles and responsibilities of this profession. A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who has cleared the PTCB exam (Pharmacy Technician Certification Board) and whose prime responsibility is dispensing medications to patients.
The role of the pharmacist is to advise their patients regarding the usage of medications, answer their queries and inform them about possible side effects. Pharmacists are not just limited to working in a hospital or a clinic. You can find them working in various places, such as pharmacy store at supermarkets, drug stores, etc.
Pros of Pursuing a Career as a Pharmacist
Pursuing a career in this field is rewarding, but it is necessary to take a pharmacy technician practice test to ensure you are completely prepared. The PTCB practice test will prepare you for the final exam, and clearing it will allow you to enjoy the innumerable benefits some of which are listed below.
- Competitive Salaries and Growth Opportunities
While your salary would depend on the education and experience you have, pharmacists do get a competitive salary from the start. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pay for a pharmacist was around $128,570 in 2021.
The demand for healthcare professionals is increasing due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Consequently, it might also increase their average earnings. Therefore, it is a plus point if you plan to pursue a career as a pharmacist.
- Opportunities in Different Countries
If you want to explore avenues in different countries, then pursuing a career as a pharmacist is an good choice. You can easily find jobs in various countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, etc. It will also allow you to meet professionals from different backgrounds, and you can learn from their experiences.
- You Can Practice Independently
After you get the license to practice as a pharmacist, you can start working on your own. You’ll also have the choice to work for someone else, but working independently gives you more flexibility in terms of working hours, and you’ll also be creating jobs for the community.
- Flexible Schedule
Even if you choose to work for someone else, you’ll relatively get more flexibility in terms of your working schedule. Most jobs in the medical field require professionals to complete a 12-hour shift. Working long hours can significantly impact an individual’s social and personal life.
However, pharmacists have more options for the shift duration and days they can choose from. You can also choose to work full-time or part-time. Moreover, they also have the choice to pick whether they want to work the morning, afternoon, or night shift.
- Relatively Stable Career
The Covid-19 pandemic had a severe impact on various industries, and many people lost their jobs. However, choosing a career in the medical field as a pharmacist gives you stability. There would always be a need for medications, and people will require your services.
Additionally, the advancements in the field of medicine ensure that many new drugs and medications are being invented and manufactured. The pharmacists would have to guide the people on the usage of new drugs. Therefore, it is safe to say that you will enjoy a relatively stable career if you choose to work in this field.
Challenges of Pursuing a Career as a Pharmacist
While working as a pharmacist offers various benefits, there are a few factors that you need to look at before choosing this as a career option.
- Taking the Exam to Become a Pharmacist
One of the pivotal factor in becoming a pharmacist is that you would have to clear relevant tests and exams. It can be difficult for students since there is a certain cost that they would have to pay for the exam.
Nevertheless, you can always take a pharmacy tech practice test to ensure you are prepared for the exam. You can also go through the pharmacy tech study guide, which you can find online for free.
- Can Put Your Under Financial Burden
Pursuing a career in the medical field isn’t easy since you’ll have to pay high education fees. While some people have different sources of finances to fund their educational careers, it can be difficult for a few.
They would have to rely on student loans which can put them under some burden. Therefore, you would need to plan and sort out the finances before starting your journey toward becoming a pharmacist.
- No Margin for Error
One of the biggest disadvantages of working in the healthcare industry is that there is no margin for error. Even the slightest mistake can cost a person their life. Therefore, you have a huge responsibility to ensure that every step you take or advice you give is calculated.
The slightest miscalculation can result in life-changing consequences for your patients. Therefore, you would have continuous pressure of this responsibility on your head. The high responsibility is a major drawback of choosing this career.
Final Verdict
We hope you now have a clear idea about what the role of a pharmacist is and the pros and cons that it offers. You can weigh out your options and then make the right choice for your career.
Also, if you decide to pursue a career as a pharmacist, it is better to have complete preparation for the tests. You can take a free PTCB practice test to assess your overall preparation. So what are you waiting for. If pursuing the career of a pharmacist has always been an option for you, go ahead and give it your best shot!
