From the beginning, the human
body has been susceptible to breaking down every now and again. People across
the globe have been seeking cures for what ails the physical form for
centuries, and the healing powers of the natural world have revealed
themselves. This knowledge was stored, catalogued, and passed down from
generation to generation. Thus, an industry was born.
Pharmaceuticals and natural treatments have come
a long way over the years. From the ancient apothecary to the tribal medicine
man to the modern day pharmacist, the prescriber of medication has always been
revered in the community. The pharmacist is often a trusted member of a healthy
society, one who promotes well-being and cares a great deal about patients’
needs. This has created the everlasting goal of the pharmacy: to heal and
provide the best possible patient care.
While the goal of the industry has remained the
same throughout history, the focus has shifted to a more rigorous training and
education process in order to ensure an outcrop of the best possible candidates
for open positions. Here’s a look at what’s changed in the pharmaceutical world
over the past few centuries.
Education
The best way to learn a trade is to study under
the tutelage of a skilled instructor. Historically, pharmacists have often
started out right in the shop, learning from the older generation by studying
their systems and their prescriptions. But as time went on, it became evident
that pharmacists should have a formal education in the field of study as well
as the hands-on training received directly from experienced pharmacists. That’s
why in 1821, the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy opened its doors. Many others
followed suit, and it wasn’t long before there was a myriad of colleges offering
programs in pharmacy. By the end of World War II, public as well as private
institutions were looking to offer expansive medical care at the university
level, and with it came the growth of formal education in the pharmacy field.
Originally, pharmacy programs were designed
around a four year curriculum, and many professional pharmacists possessed only
a bachelor’s degree. It wasn’t until the 1940s that programs moved toward a
five or six year program, which included both classroom matriculation and hands-on
apprenticeships. Today, a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) is required to practice
at a professional level. The PharmD can take anywhere from 6 to 8 years to
complete.
Prospective pharmacists are also encouraged to
complete clinical training in a pharmaceutical setting. The length of the
clinical training varies, but the average program requires about one year of
in-pharmacy experience.
Licensing
In order to begin your career as a pharmacist,
licensure is required. You must apply to the board of pharmacy in your state to
take the necessary examination to acquire a license to practice. The exam
itself has changed over the years in structure and content, but today it
consists of two parts. The first part is the North American Pharmacist
Licensure Examination, known as
NAPLEX and it assesses whether
you possess the minimum competence to be admitted. The second part is the
Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination, or the MPJE, and it asks
questions on the federal and state laws to ensure you understand and agree to
the government regulations.
Necessary Adjustments
Pharmacies have come a long way over the past
century, and the journey has certainly been an exciting one. The goal of the
pharmacy has always been to provide the best possible patient care, and the
evolution and the adjustments to the training process have been shaping the
industry to meet this goal. The good news? Advancements in education serve to
make you a better pharmacist. You have
chosen an industry that meets challenges and solves problems.
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