50. Pharmacy

Contrary to popular belief, pharmacy is not limited to counting and dispensing pills. Pharmacy is a rewarding profession in the health care system that involves working closely with doctors and patients. No matter what health field you step into, there will always be a need for pharmacists. They provide their expertise on the composition, use, and manufacturing of a drug, as well as its physiological and chemical interactions. Pharmacy offers flexible work schedules, a broad spectrum of opportunities, direct patient contact, and top salaries right out of college! Pharmacists not only educate consumers on medication use, but also monitor their patient's health to ensure that the patient is getting the full benefits of the drug.

Pharmacists also advise doctors and other health care professionals on making wise medication decisions. In fact, pharmacists are consistently ranked as one of the most trusted professions for the services they render. Due to the rapid growth of the health care system, the increasing elderly population, and the burgeoning pharmaceutical and biotech industry, there is unprecedented demand for pharmacists today. The word pharmacy is derived from its root word pharma which was a term used since the 1400–1600's. In addition to pharma responsibilities, the pharma offered general medical advice and a range of services that are now performed solely by other specialist practitioners, such as surgery and midwifery.

The pharma (as it was referred to) often operated through a retail shop which, in addition to ingredients for medicines, sold tobacco and patent medicines. The pharmas also used many other herbs not listed. Although most of us are familiar with our neighborhood retail pharmacy chains such as Walgreens, Long's, or RiteAid, many are unaware of the other exciting opportunities in the pharmacy field such as: Hospital Pharmacy - Staff Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacist and Pharmacy Adminstrator. Pharmacy Consultant - Home Health Care, Long-Term Care Facilities, Internet Consultant. Pharmaceutical Industry - Research and Development, Manufacturing, Pharmacogenomics.

Government Agencies - Hospice and Home Care, Public Health Services, FDA inspector. College and Universities - Professor/Lecturer. Medical and Scientific Publishing - Editor-in-Chief, Science Writer. Nuclear Pharmacy - Chemotherapy pharmacist. Law - Retail Pharmacy/Pharmaceutical Company Attorney. Thus, pharmacy is more than just counting pills. It’s an important and trustworthy occupation that reaches into almost all aspects of medicine and healthcare. From direct patient care and guidance to the forefront of pharmaceutical research, pharmacy caters to many fields. Most importantly, the pharmacist's role in society is to promote the well-being of their patients.