Pharmacists are required to earn a doctorate — so technically, they are considered doctors in the educational regard. However, this is different than being a licensed physician who is able to directly administer healthcare and comprehensive treatment plans to a range of patients. Historically, pharmacists have not been able to prescribe medications independently of a physician. Today, pharmacists are becoming increasingly independent thanks to changes in regulations. In select states across the U.S., pharmacists now have the ability to prescribe hormonal birth control and naxolone, a drug that reverses the effects of opioid use.