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Pharmacists

Healthcare Practitioners and Technical (29-1051)
Bright Outlook

Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications.

At a Glance

Pharmacists earns a median of $137,480/yr with +4.6% projected growth. Typical entry: Doctoral or professional degree. Top skills: Attention to Detail, Dependability, Cautiousness.

Median Annual Wage

$137,480/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+4.6%

Annual Openings

14

Typical Education

Doctoral or professional degree

Skills & Requirements

Skills (17)

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

4.0
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

4.0
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

4.0
Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

3.9
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.9
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.9
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.8
Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

3.6
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.6
Service Orientation

Actively looking for ways to help people.

3.6
Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

3.6
Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

3.6
Science

Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

3.4
Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

3.4
Instructing

Teaching others how to do something.

3.4
Management of Personnel Resources

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

3.4
Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

3.3

Knowledge (10)

Medicine and Dentistry

Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.

4.6
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

4.5
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

4.2
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.2
Chemistry

Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.

4.1
Biology

Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.

4.0
Psychology

Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.

3.7
Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

3.4
Administrative

Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.

3.3
Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

3.3

Abilities (14)

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

4.3
Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

4.1
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

4.1
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

4.0
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

4.0
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.9
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.9
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.9
Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

3.9
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.8
Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3.8
Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

3.8
Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.

3.3
Mathematical Reasoning

The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.

3.3

Technology (9)

Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
MEDITECH software

Category: Medical software | Hot Technology

4.5
Epic Systems

Category: Medical software | Hot Technology

4.5
eClinicalWorks EHR software

Category: Medical software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft SharePoint

Category: Document management software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (19)

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.4
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.3
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.3
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

4.2
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.2
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.2
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

4.1
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.9
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

3.9
Assisting and Caring for Others

Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.

3.8
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.8
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.8
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.7
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others

Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.

3.5
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public

Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

3.4
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.3
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information

Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.

3.3
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.

3.3

Work Styles (6)

Attention to Detail

A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

5.0
Dependability

A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

5.0
Cautiousness

A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

5.0
Integrity

A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

5.0
Intellectual Curiosity

A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

4.3
Cooperation

A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

3.6

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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