What I Learned Becoming a pharmacist does not mean one sits around in a clinic all day filling and giving out prescriptions. It is not simply explaining to patients what a medication's purpose is. In fact, these are only minor roles in a pharmacist actual job description. I decided to conduct my I-search paper on the wondrous career field of pharmacy. I chose this field for my research topic because I have been contemplating which career I wish to enter, pharmacy or chemical engineering. Since I have been exposed to the chemical engineering career field and know much about it, I decided that this paper would give me the perfect opportunity to learn about what it takes to be a pharmacist. Therefore, my I-search paper will provide a detailed …show more content…
According to Barry A, Bunting, “...Area Health Education Centers (AHECs) that are funded by the state. These AHECs, among other functions, provide continuing education for allied health, including pharmacy.” This serves as an example that after a individual has obtained their Pharmacy degree they will be expected to gain further training in their respective state. These programs are nonetheless a necessity because they keep pharmacists up-to-date on the medical conditions of patient and the new and improved drugs brought into the market each and every day(Bunting). They can be costly but some states provide funding to individuals for such programs or the company they are employed under may provide funding. Otherwise, the individual will have to pay for these licences and programs out-of-pocket and that can become costly. However, once the individual has finalized all of their special training, they begin to get payed for their hard work and effort. Neil Kokemuller explained that, “As of May 2011, pharmacists earned an average wage of $112,160 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. The top 10 percent of earners had an average salary of $144,090.” The average income has steadily increased in recent years and is expected to continue to grow as well (confirmed by Tony’s interview). The pay is not the only benefit to being a pharmacist. Additional benefits arise out of such things as funding for additional education as mentioned earlier and a “higher than average projected growth in the industry.” (Kokemuller). Also, Tony from the interview mentioned that benefits could also include discounts on the individual's personal health needs, housing, and even insurance benefits may apply to the individual depending on the company he or she is employed under. Usually, a