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Pharmacy

What does a Pharmacist Do?

While responsibilities vary among the different areas of pharmacy practice, the bottom line is that pharmacists help patients get well. Pharmacist responsibilities include a range of care for patients, from dispensing medications to monitoring patient health and progress to maximize their response to the medication. Pharmacists also educate consumers and patients on the use of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications and advise physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals on drug decisions.
 
Pharmacists also provide expertise about the composition of drugs, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties, and their manufacture and use. Pharmacists ensure drug purity and strength and make sure that drugs do not interact in a harmful way. They are the drug experts ultimately concerned about their patients’ health and wellness.
 
From (http://pharmacyforme.org/) June 6, 2014
 
For current NMSU sophomores and juniors interested in a career in Pharmacy, check out the UNM/NMSU Early Assurance Program to see if you qualify. http://cpp.nmu.edu
 

What should I major in?

Although some Pharmacy Schools do not require an undergraduate degree to apply, due to the academic preparation required Pharmacy School application, the most common Pre-Pharmacy majors at NMSU are: Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemistry

Generally Required Courses:

General Biology (BIOL 2610G/2610L and BIOL 2110G/2110L)
General Microbiology (BIOL 311/311L)
General Chemistry (CHEM 1215G and CHEM 1225G)
Organic Chemistry (CHEM 313, 314 and 315)
Biochemistry (BCHE 395)
Physics (PHYS 1230G/1230L and PHYS 1240G/1240L )
Calculus (non-business is most commonly required)
Statistics (MATH 1350G or A ST 311G)
Principles of Microeconomics (ECON 2120G)
Human Communication (COMM 1115G)
General Psychology (PSYC 1110G)
Sociology (SOCI 1110G)

Recommended Courses:

Calculus II Human Anatomy Physiology Ethics

*Although coursework listed is recommended by most Pharmacy Schools, admissions requirements may vary from school to school. Please check specific pharmacy school admission websites for detailed prerequisite requirements. https://pharmacyforme.org/admissions-faqs/#1577988512303-e2d25e21-9e19 

Career Opportunities

Community pharmacists work in retail stores such as chain drug stores or independently owned pharmacies.
Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They spend little time dispensing prescriptions. Instead, they are involved in direct patient care.
Consultant pharmacists advise healthcare facilities or insurance providers on patient medication use or improving pharmacy services.
Pharmaceutical industry pharmacists work in areas such as marketing, sales, or research and development.
College professors may teach pharmacy students or conduct research.

Salary and Job Outlook

Median Salary: $116,670 per year/$56.09 per hour
Projected 14% growth from 2012 to 2022

University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy

Albuquerque, New Mexico
Seats: 90
Average GPA (Science): 3.2
Average GPA (Overall): 3.2


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University of Colorado - Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharaceutical Sciences

Denver, Colorado
Seats: n/a
Average GPA (Science): 3.4
Average GPA (Overall): 3.4


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Midwestern University

Glendale, Arizona
Seats: 155
Average GPA (Science): 3.33
Average GPA (Overall): 3.33


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University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona
Seats: 100
Average GPA (Science): 3.53
Average GPA (Overall): 3.59


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University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy

El Paso, Texas
Seats: 
Average GPA (Science):
Average GPA (Overall):

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