About Pharmacists
Though pharmacists have extensive drug knowledge and all pharmacists that graduate after 2000 are Doctors, pharmacists and their services are still not included in the Social Security Act meaning it is difficult for pharmacists to bill insurance for services in some states. Some services are covered under very specific conditions but that makes it difficult to serve all patients in need of services without offering cash-only services which may not be affordable. There is the ability for pharmacists and physicians to work together under a Collaborative Care Agreements in order to bill insurance through the physician office but it does not allow pharmacists to work independent of a physician. Currently, pharmacists do not have provider status in the state of Kentucky.
To learn more about the importance of provider status and how we can make a change for our state, please visit this site: https://www.pharmacist.com/provider-status-what-pharmacists-need-know-now
In order to apply to become a pharmacist, students take prerequisite classes that take two – three years to complete (about 72 credit hours). These include English, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, biology, microbiology, anatomy/physiology, economics, public speaking, statistics and general education credits. Many students already have an undergraduate degree when they apply. There is a minimum GPA requirement and typically a test they must take to be considered into Pharmacy School (such as the PCAT), along with extensive interviews, transcripts submission, application submissions and many associated non-refundable fees.
If accepted, the student must then complete 3-4 years of rigorous coursework and practice experience work hours (depending on the college) with passing grades to graduate. But it doesn’t stop there. These Graduate Pharmacists must then pass state exams where they wish to practice along with a board exam called the NAPLEX. Only after all of this can they become registered pharmacists with a PharmD graduate degree. This Doctorate level degree is required to practice as a pharmacist as of year 2000 which means all graduating pharmacists after 2000 are Doctors (not to be confused with a Physician, MD or Medical Doctor).
Some students continue on to Residencies, Fellowships or obtain more certifications or credentials (such as board certifications).
There are many avenues a pharmacist can take – pharmacists do not just put pills in a bottle. Here is an article describing the diversity in pharmacy: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/contributor/thora-brown-pharmd/2014/12/diversity-in-pharmacy-atypical-jobs-for-pharmacists