What are some specializations within this degree program?

• Intravenous Nutrition Support: Some drugs need to be administered through an IV, and some people suffer from illnesses that require them to be hooked up to an IV to help them get the nutrition they need. Pharmacy students may specialize in intravenous nutrition support to work with such patients. 
• Oncology: Cancer patients often rely on many different drugs to help them fight their illnesses. As cancer treatment is one of the most complicated and ever-changing disciplines of pharmacy, specialists in this area are in demand to help support medical professionals and advise cancer patients. They may also help monitor patients who are part of experimental drug treatments. 
• Nuclear Pharmacy: Nuclear pharmacy is the division of pharmacy that is related to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is directly related to oncology, and specialists in oncological pharmacy may also have to study nuclear pharmacy as well. 
• Geriatric Pharmacy: As people age, their medical issues become more complicated and people generally require more and more medication. Specialists in geriatric pharmaceuticals also study Alzheimer's drugs and other diseases associated with aging and the elderly. 
• Psychiatric Pharmacy: Psychiatric drugs are becoming more and more common, but these medications are also amongst the most volatile and controversial on the market. Pharmacists who specialize in psychiatric medications explore how such drugs interact with other drugs, and help advise medical professionals who prescribe these drugs to help them properly identify those situations where the drugs will be beneficial. 

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What degree levels are available?

• Associate's of Pharmacy: 2 years to complete
• Pharm.D.: 4 years to complete

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What are the educational and certification requirements?

In order to become a licensed pharmacist, students must complete at least two years of education before entering a Pharm.D. program. However, the majority of applicants will earn undergraduate degrees, which will make them more competitive as applicants. Students will commit approximately four years to completing their degree, spending time in the classroom and in practical clinical settings. There are residency options for graduates of Pharm.D. programs. Pharmacists in every state must have a valid license, for which students must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam. 

Pharmacy aides and technicians can choose to complete a training program at a technical school or community college. However, this is usually not required. Pharmacy aides can be trained on site, if need be. There are optional certifications through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians. 

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What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

• Biology: Biology is a popular undergraduate major for those students who intend to earn a Pharm.D. degree after graduating. With a background in biology, prospective pharmacy students will have a strong knowledge of human biology before they begin their post-graduate studies. 
• Chemistry: As with biology, most pharmaceutical students will take chemistry classes as undergraduates, and the basic principles they learn there will apply directly to the advanced pharmacy classes they take. Some advanced chemistry study may be required of Pharm.D. students early on.
• Medical Terminology: Pharmaceutical aides will be asked to study medical terminology once they begin working, as they will have to accurately read medical prescriptions and keep appropriate medical records. Pharmacists will begin studying medical terminology early on in their Pharm.D. program.  
• Molecular Pharmacology: These courses vary significantly from program to program, but all pharmacy students will take a series of courses that explores molecular pharmacology, or medicinal development and testing.
• Health Care System: A pharmacy aide training program or a Pharm.D. program will include at least one course that explores the health care system and the role of the pharmacist in the system. These courses may also explore public and global health. 

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What are the on-site training requirements?

Pharmacy technicians can be trained on site completely, without any prior experience or formal education. Pharmacists may participate in some on-site observation while enrolled in a Pharm.D. program to help them understand how a pharmacy operates (BLS). In order to work in a clinical setting, a pharmacist may have to participate in a residency or fellowship that lasts one to two years, much the same as doctors have to complete a medical residency after completing medical school. 

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What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

• Healthcare Administration: Healthcare managers and administrators are in demand. These individuals work in hospitals and clinics, helping manage everything from budgets to schedules to legal issues. Pharmacists who work in hospitals will be supervised by such administrators. 
• Nursing: Nurses are one of the most in-demand health care professions, and qualified individuals to fill the necessary positions are lacking. Nurses help take care of patients and assist doctors. 
• Medical Assistant: A medical assistant performs a wide array of tasks, and their role will largely depend on the doctors and other medical professionals for whom they work. Therefore, medical assistants are comparable to pharmacy technicians.
• Medical Laboratory Technician: Medical lab technicians need to be able to work with chemicals and have a general understanding of biology, medical records, and medical terminology. They help administer tests that have been ordered by medical professionals. 
• Radiology Technician: Radiology technicians are trained in the use of radiology for medical examination or treatment purposes, and technicians must be properly trained to help people avoid potential dangers. 

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