Pharmaceutical giants in the United States are always pioneering efforts in drug research. Aside from the obvious work of dispensing drugs in pharmacies, pharmaceutical professionals have promising career options in the laboratories of major manufacturers. Education and training can open doors to a fulfilling life in the pharmaceutical industry. Like other medical professions, pharmacists need to be licensed before they can practice.
Significance
The pharmaceutical industry in the United States is constantly involved in researching and developing innovations in medicines. As such, it creates a demand for pharmaceutical careers requiring proper education and training. Having a degree in pharmaceutical education can lead to more highly skilled occupations in companies standing at the forefront of medical research.
Features
At least two years of post-secondary study is prerequisite to acceptance in the Pharm.D. program, which replaced the Bachelor of Pharmacy degree. There are about 92 colleges and schools of pharmacy duly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Some require an admissions test before students can enter the Pharm.D. program. From college, most students go forth to master's and PhD programs to gain specialized skills in drug therapy.
Graduate courses explore pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmacy administration and pharmacology. Usually, graduate degrees lead to research posts in special institutions or faculty jobs in prestigious universities. A pharmacist needs to have a license before practicing. Licensure exams vary from one state to another. Pharmacy graduates from foreign countries can also apply for U.S. licenses to work as pharmacists, provided that they pass equivalency exams and the mandatory TOEFL and TSE exams.
Further Studies and Training
The Pharmaceutical Education and Research Institute (PERI) offers a wealth of training programs to promote life-long learning to pharmacists. They provide extensive study and training to assist pharmaceutical professionals in their career advancement. Their programs include clinical investigations, date management, marketing, quality assurance compliance and drug regulatory affairs.
Considerations
In order to be successful in your pharmaceutical education and training, you must have an aptitude for the sciences. Good interpersonal skills and keen sense for detail are also necessary in training to be a pharmacist. As the main line of work is dispensing medicines, a student of pharmacy must prepare to entrust into their hands the lives of many people.
Demands in the Pharmaceutical Careers
Challenges are up ahead for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry. Drug research is always key to eradicating serious ailments such as Alzheimer's, hypertension, diabetes and cancer. Pharmaceutical companies spend billions of money and use breakthrough innovations in their research studies. Pharmacists working on their laboratories are privileged to take part in this noble cause.
Tags: pharmaceutical industry, Pharm program, Pharmaceutical Education, pharmaceutical professionals, United States