Overview of the Profession
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, Pharmacy is a medical profession that is responsible for the interpretation of prescription orders, the dispensation of correct drugs for medication; ensure achievement of optimal therapeutic outcomes (Bureau of Labor Statistics). There are several exciting opportunities and challenges in the pharmacy profession. Pharmacists are no longer mere suppliers of medicine but are also involved actively in medical care at the laboratory, community pharmacy, and in institutions such as schools. Not everyone can be a pharmacist in the United States; the Bureau of Labor Statistics has a list of requirements for one to be a pharmacist (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Forthcoming pharmacists must have a doctor of pharmacy degree, which is undertaken at an accredited university for a minimum period of four years. Before one is admitted to the program, the Applicants are supposed to have taken a post-secondary education in courses such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. Additionally, they must have a post-graduate degree in pharmacy that takes a minimum of two years. The applicant must also take the Pharmacy College Admission Tests (PCAT). Consequently, students are required to complete supervised work experience in different hospital settings. Those who wish to own their pharmacy have the option of obtaining a master’s degree in Business Administration or a degree in public health (American Pharmacists Association).
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There are various options for financing pharmacy studies at the graduate and post-graduate levels. First, the general cost varies from one institution to another depending on whether it is private or public. The estimated cost of education for a period of four years is $70,000 in public schools in the state, if one wishes to study outside their state, the cost is approximate, $115,800for four years. In private schools, the fee is approximate, $122,209 for four years. Registration for the PCAT exams is approximate, $200 per year (American Pharmacists Association).
The pharmacy profession has grown tremendously, for instance, the number of pharmacy schools has increased to 48 (Brown 141). According to a survey by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, on average a pharmacy student borrows an average of $130,000. Most students are drawn to the profession due to their passion for assisting others.
My Story
I became interested in the pharmacy profession after volunteering at a local hospital and after working part-time at a local pharmacy. With a pharmacy, I am in a position to pursue my interests in helping others. Also, I am a good communicator, the profession requires constant interaction with patients and one has to have good communication skills to execute their duties. I can evaluate a patient’s needs, and with my extensive knowledge give out the specific medication. I believe I have very good analytical skills that will ensure I provide efficient medication. Offering a clear direction to my colleagues. In this era, every application, especially in the medical field, is being computerized for proper record keeping and ensuring that accurate medical service is given. With my computer skills, I shall maintain the Health Record system. I am also detail-oriented; pharmacist is supposed to ensure that the information they give is very accurate. In this regard with an eye for details, I will be able to use the available information and make decisions on the appropriate medication for each patient.
The most challenging quality I have been that I am not a very social person. I like to be by myself and would not interact with anyone unless it is necessary. Therefore, I am trying to overcome the challenge since I will need to communicate with my colleagues and patients. Social interaction is very important since as a pharmacist I have to interact and communicate with people.
Admission Requirements
This section shall evaluate admission requirements for the Master’s program of Anesthesia in Boston. First, is the MCPHS University, applicants should have a GPA score of 3.0 and below. One must have succeeded in mathematics and science courses (MCPHS University). I am on the right track concerning my qualifications since I have the right GPA score and my scores in mathematics and sciences are very high as well. The second college in Northeastern University requires a GPA score of 3.0 and below. Also, one must have taken a statistics and hypothesis-testing course (Northeastern University). My GRE must also be satisfactory; I will need to have at least three years of critical nursing experience. I think I am on the right track save for the critical nursing experience, which I plan to undertake soon. The third college is the Boston College; the program requirements are one must have completed a course in statistics, have a current Massachusetts RN license or a license from any other state, one-year experience in Critical RN, and a Bachelors degree in nursing (Boston College). With regards to these requirements, I do not think I am on the right track since I have not obtained an RN License, also, I do not have critical nursing experience, and I have not taken any statistics course. Perhaps I will need to work on those areas since Boston College is one of the colleges I am interested in joining.
Works Cited
American Pharmacists Association. Collaborative practice agreements vary among the states.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2014-15 Edition, Pharmacists,
on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm (visited October 24, 2015).
Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, October 15, 2015. Accessed on October 24, 2015.
Brown, Daniel. The paradox of pharmacy: a profession’s house divided. J Am Pharm Assoc. 2012:e139–e143. doi:10.1331/JAPhA.2012.11275.
MCPHS University, Pre-medical and Health Studies, School of Arts and Sciences,
Northeastern University, School of Nursing, Nurse Anesthesia (MS), http://www.northeastern.edu/bouve/nursing/programs/nurse-anesthesia/
Accessed October 24, 2015
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