Pharmacists are licensed health professionals who prepare, dispense, and provide advice about both prescription and nonprescription medicines. They are specialists in medicine action, use, dosage, side effects, and interaction with other substances. They help ensure the safe use of medicines in people of all ages.
A pharmacist may hold a bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degree in pharmacy. All pharmacists must graduate from an accredited program and successfully pass a board-certified licensing examination. A pharmacist must hold a current license in the state in which he or she practices. Licensing requirements are managed by individual state boards of pharmacy.
Last Revised: August 17, 2012
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
To learn more visit Healthwise.org
© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
