Pharmacists
On the Job
Pharmacists dispense prescription medication. They advise patients about how to use the medicine and what side effects might occur. They may also advise doctors about the right dosage to prescribe or how different drugs could interact.
Physical Demands 
This career requires good eyesight and time standing, walking, or running.
Typical Work Tasks
People who work in this career often:
- Verify accuracy of patient information.
- Maintain medical facility records.
- Present medical research reports.
- Determine protocols for medical procedures.
- Refer patients to other healthcare practitioners or health resources.
- Treat chronic diseases or disorders.
- Collaborate with healthcare professionals to plan or provide treatment.
- Communicate detailed medical information to patients or family members.
- Advise medical personnel regarding healthcare issues.
- Advise patients on effects of health conditions or treatments.
Typical Working Conditions
- Having telephone conversations.
- Working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions.
- The importance of being accurate or exact.
- Serious consequences if mistakes are made.
- Making decisions that impact co-workers or company results.
- Responsibility for outcomes and results.
- Working with a group or team.
- Meeting strict deadlines.
- Standing.
- Dealing with unpleasant or angry people.
- Exposure to disease or infections.
- High levels of competition.
This page includes information from the O*NET 24.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Source: You can learn about our data sources in the About Us section.
