The profession spans the development, testing, production and marketing of medicines and the monitoring of drug therapy. Safe administration of drug therapy Pharmacists function in the areas of health care and medical research. While practicing in the community they responsibly dispense medicines ensuring their suitability to the patient and if required tailor a medication to the specific needs of the individual. They also serve as health educators guiding patients about the intake of prescribed and OTC medications. Health conscious consumers often seek the advice of pharmacists on preventive therapies.
Institutional pharmacists practice in hospitals, nursing homes, and extended health care facilities.
They screen patients for drug allergies, watch for adverse effects of a prescribed drug and provide patient oriented services. Physicians, nurses, and patients refer to them for authoritative information on medications. Those with an advanced degree in pharmacy conduct research in the university or industry setting or serve as academic faculty members at pharmacy schools. In addition to working in the research and product development department of pharmaceutical companies, pharmacists are also employed in the areas of marketing, quality control, sales, and administration. To pursue the career avenues that the profession opens up, it is essential to possess specialized qualifications in the field of pharmacy.