What Does a Pharmacist Do: How Pharmacists are Transforming Healthcare
Pharmacists are on the front lines of healthcare where, in collaboration with other healthcare professionals, they are changing the healthcare landscape, enhancing patient outcomes, and promoting overall health.
Pharmacists play a crucial role in today’s healthcare, holding a wide variety of roles and titles within diverse work settings. Most visible in community pharmacies, they are recognized as reliable and accessible healthcare resources. Wolters Kluwer's “Pharmacy Next” survey reported that 58% of Americans are likely to visit a local pharmacy first when faced with a non-emergency medical issue.
What Does a Pharmacist Do?
Pharmacist duties and responsibilities extend beyond dispensing medication and include patient education, advocacy for public health and healthcare access, and helping drive medical innovation. Technology continues to advance and improve healthcare, pharmacy, and pharmacist roles — whether working closely with patients, or working at the intersection of pharmacy, business, and technology. For those interested in patient care, healthcare, and medical innovation, pharmacy can be a fascinating, continually evolving and rewarding career.
Provide Medication Management
At the heart of the pharmacy profession is medication management. Pharmacists ensure their patients receive medications that are safe, effective and appropriate for their health condition. Last year alone, pharmacists filled 4.83 billion prescriptions nationwide.
Pharmacist job duties include taking an active role in collaborating with doctors, nurses and other health care providers to optimize patient care plans to address chronic disease management and preventative care. Today’s pharmacists answer countless daily questions from patients and healthcare providers, navigate patient access challenges, identify and intervene drug-drug and drug-health interactions, and do so much more to ensure the patients they serve are getting the best care possible.
Pharmacists ensure patient safety by carefully reviewing medication regimens, potential drug interactions and side effects, and counseling patients to adhere to their treatment plans. In addition to ensuring safety, pharmacists:
- Dispense medications
- Counsel patients on lifestyle choices that could impact health outcome
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Collaborate with the prescribing healthcare provider on alternative medications
- Administer immunizations
- Advise patients on over-the-counter medications for minor ailments
It is paramount for pharmacists to stay educated and current on the latest drugs. On average, the Food and Drug Administration approved 38 new drugs annually from 2010 through 2019, 60 percent more than the previous decade.
Improve Access to Care
In recent years, the healthcare industry has moved toward a value-based care model that has reimbursement incentives for healthcare outcomes. This shift has pushed healthcare providers to work together as a team for better outcomes. Enter the pharmacist, now commonly seated at the table with other qualified health providers to provide resources to meet healthcare outcomes.
The ubiquitous nature of community pharmacies, combined with consumers’ trust in their pharmacists, creates an opportunity for better access to care. Nine in 10 people in the U.S. live within five miles of a community pharmacy, and people visit their pharmacies 12 times more than their doctors, according to an article from Wolters Kluwer, a global information, software solutions and services provider for professionals in healthcare. The pharmacist’s role in healthcare is particularly important in underserved or rural areas.
Since 1930, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) has leveraged the role of pharmacists to provide direct patient care to underserved and vulnerable populations. This often takes place in outpatient clinics where non-dispensing pharmacist services are emphasized. Today, clinical pharmacists serve patients in many states within several government sectors. Collaborating with allied healthcare professionals, these pharmacists are essential in managing acute and chronic illnesses and delivering quality care to people in these populations. These government sectors include:
- The Indian Health Service
- The Federal Bureau of Prisons
- Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- The United States Coast Guard
Community pharmacists improve access to care by providing preventative services commonly managed by physicians and nurse practitioners:
- Patient consultations
- Immunizations
- Health screenings - blood pressure, cholesterol, glucose, body mass index, etc.
Through telepharmacy and virtual consultations, pharmacists can also advise patients remotely. The pandemic highlighted the crucial role pharmacists play in filling care gaps. They continue to help reduce strain on healthcare systems by providing expert medication management and support.
Provide Patient Education
Education is a core component of pharmacy practice. Pharmacists build trust with patients through clear communication that helps demystify their medications and treatment plans. This personalized approach is essential for encouraging adherence and ensuring patients feel confident and empowered in managing their health.
Pharmacists educate patients through:
- Patient visits and consultations - In-person, telehealth, online communication
- Medication consultation - how medications work and why adherence matters
- Side effect advisement - symptoms and steps to take
- Education on medication adherence – tools (such as pillboxes) and schedules
- Written materials – a summary of essential information
- Next steps – such as when to seek further medical care or consultation
- Patient Follow-up Calls - address concerns, reinforce education and adherence
- Workshops and community programs - health topics and medication safety
“The role of the pharmacist is changing, and it's changing quickly from a dispenser to a counselor,” said Daniel Knecht, MD, MBA, of CVS Caremark. Pharmacists help improve both health outcomes and patient satisfaction by empowering patients with knowledge and individualized guidance. This education fosters a collaborative relationship where patients feel supported and motivated to follow their treatment plans, ultimately improving health outcomes.
Advocate for Public Health
Pharmacists often serve as vital advocates for public health, using their expertise to influence positive health outcomes on a broad scale. They take active roles in leading campaigns and initiatives that promote wellness and disease prevention in their communities.
Some ways pharmacists lead through outreach and advocacy include:
- Public health campaigns - leading education on vaccinations and healthy living
- Policy advocacy (local, state and national) - supporting medication safety and affordability, health initiatives and legislation toward improving public health
- Collaborative efforts - partnering with organizations to shape health policy
- Community outreach - Supporting community events on issues like opioid misuse
- Research initiatives - Participating in research and data collection to identify trends, inform public health decisions, and improve treatments
Through these efforts, pharmacists help reduce disease burden, improve access to care, and promote healthier communities. Their leadership makes a significant impact in the many places they work.
Where Do Pharmacists Work?
An increasing number of patients are hospitalized with multiple diseases and taking multiple drugs (polypharmacy), causing greater potential for drug interactions and possible medication-related errors. Nationwide, rising demand for chronic and acute care, physician shortages, and the pandemic have highlighted the need to rely on pharmacists for comprehensive care. A well-coordinated team effort among doctors, nurses, and pharmacists can prevent medication errors and ensure holistic care.
Pharmacists play integral roles in a variety of healthcare settings with diverse responsibilities. Each offers unique opportunities to impact patient care, health care access, and the future of pharmacy.
Community Pharmacies
Community pharmacies are independent or chain pharmacies, or pharmacies operating within a grocery or retail store, and located in neighborhoods and shopping centers. Community pharmacists provide daily care and consultation by filling prescriptions, counseling patients, administering vaccines, and doing healthcare screenings. They are often the most accessible healthcare professionals in their communities.
Hospitals
In acute care settings such as emergency departments, inpatient units, and specialty departments (oncology, nuclear, pediatric, etc.), hospital pharmacists work closely with physicians and other healthcare professionals to recommend medications, advise on medication best practices, formulate pharmaceutical care plans, ensure medication safety and therapeutic effectiveness, and provide in-patient consultation and direct patient care as needed.
Clinics and Physicians’ Offices
In these settings, clinical pharmacists are essential members of the healthcare team. They collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals on medication and treatment plans, and provide direct patient care including patient education, consultations and health-screenings.
Long-Term Care Facilities
In long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers, consultative and senior care pharmacists work closely with multi-disciplinary medical teams, providing medication therapy management to ensure medication safety, effective drug use and physician, patient, and staff education.
Other Work Settings for Pharmacists
Pharmacists work in many other settings, including:
- Veterinary Settings
- Pharmaceutical Companies
- Research Laboratories
- Public Health Organizations
- Academia
The Future of Pharmacy
The profession of pharmacy is evolving rapidly as advances in technology and innovation continue to reshape healthcare. New tools and approaches are transforming how pharmacists deliver care, manage medications, and engage with patients. Pharmacists are crucial in transforming healthcare and improving health care outcomes by integrating this evolving technology and research.
Digital Tools and Telepharmacy
Pharmacists use electronic health records, telepharmacy platforms, and mobile health applications to enhance care. These tools allow pharmacists to access patient data efficiently, conduct virtual consultations, and follow up on treatment remotely. The use of digital technology improves communication and treatment outcomes. Some ways pharmacists use technology to improve patient care and health outcomes are:
- Telepharmacy services, especially for rural or underserved areas
- Electronic health records for documentation and comprehensive care plans
- Medication management apps for mobile phones
- Pharmacy automation systems for medication dispensing
- Online platforms and interactive tools for patient education
Data Analytics, Research and Development
Pharmacists use data analytics to identify trends in medication use and optimize treatment protocols for better medication management of chronic diseases. Many pharmacists work in research settings, contributing to the development of new medications and therapies, which can lead to significant advancements in healthcare. They participate in clinical research and trials to advance evidence-based practices and are involved in research studies that lead to the development of new medications and therapies.
Informatics
Clinical informatics pharmacists leverage information technology to optimize the medication delivery process – from writing the prescription to administering the medication – to improve healthcare outcomes. They are experts in patient safety and work closely with the entire healthcare team.
Pharmacogenomics
Pharmacogenomics, or personalized medicine, which uses genetic information to customize drug therapies to each patient, is one of the most exciting developments. Pharmacogenomic pharmacists interpret genetic tests and tailor treatments to maximize benefits and reduce side effects. This advancement represents a shift toward more precise, effective healthcare.
Why Become a Pharmacist?
Pharmacy is a growing and evolving field, offering diverse career pathways and specializations with strong job security, salaries, and opportunities to influence the future of healthcare.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in May 2024:
- Pharmacists have a median annual wage of $137,480
- Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024-2034 - faster than average
- 14,200 pharmacist job openings are projected each year from 2024-2034
The BLS reported these median annual wages in May 2024 for top pharmacist industries:
- Ambulatory healthcare services: $152,980
- Hospitals (state, local, and private): $149,240
- General merchandise retailers: $145,210
- Pharmacies and drug retailers: $131,640
Learn more: The Role of Pharmacists in Healthcare Systems
Pathways to Become a Pharmacist
A common question prospective pharmacists ask is about the fastest way to become a pharmacist. Future pharmacists have several options to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD). These tracks and names will vary by academic institution and include:
- Direct Entry Track – High School Diploma + 6-year PharmD
- Professional Track – Completed prerequisite courses + 4-year PharmD
- Traditional Track - 4-year bachelor’s degree + 4-year PharmD
How to Become a Pharmacist at the University of Findlay
The University of Findlay’s reputable and accredited Distance Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program offers a rare opportunity to earn your degree online. Findlay’s Distance PharmD prepares students for licensure and professional practice with a strong academic foundation and hands-on experiential learning.
Visit the Distance PharmD program page to request your program guide and the opportunity to learn more by attending a live virtual information session. Or explore the on-campus PharmD options available.
The University of Findlay offers two distance dual degree options to complement your PharmD — a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Science in Health Informatics (MS Health Informatics). Both programs expand career opportunities in leadership and management. For those interested in business, a dual PharmD and MBA degree program may be your prescription for success.