What is a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals and medication experts who play a crucial role in keeping patients safe and healthy. They ensure that medications are effective, safe, and tailored to individual needs. More than just dispensing prescriptions, pharmacists provide guidance on drug interactions, side effects, and lifestyle factors that affect medication use.
Pharmacists are one of the most trusted healthcare professionals, helping patients manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and chronic illnesses while improving public health through immunizations, smoking cessation programs, and health screenings.
What Do Pharmacists Do?
Pharmacists are involved in nearly every aspect of healthcare, ensuring better outcomes for patients and communities. Their responsibilities include:
Dispensing and creating medications while ensuring prescriptions are safe, effective, and appropriate for each patient.
Educating patients on medication use, potential side effects, and interactions with foods, drinks, and other drugs.
Collaborating with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to optimize patient treatment plans.
Providing clinical services, including blood pressure monitoring, diabetes management, and smoking cessation support.
Compounding medications to create customized treatments for patients with unique needs.
Supervising the preparation and quality of medications to maintain safety and effectiveness.
Where Can You Find a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including:
Community pharmacies (grocery and drug stores)
Hospitals and clinics
Research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies
Government agencies and the military
Veterinary hospitals
Digital health and telepharmacy
Who Supports Pharmacists? Pharmacy Technicians!
Pharmacy technicians work alongside pharmacists in community pharmacies, hospitals, and other healthcare settings, helping to prepare and distribute medications. They assist with:
Processing prescriptions and insurance claims
Managing pharmacy inventory
Providing essential medication information to patients
Supporting pharmacists in ensuring safe and accurate medication use
Pharmacy technicians are a vital part of the pharmacy team, keeping operations running smoothly and ensuring that patients receive the care they need.
How to Become a Pharmacist
Step 1: Pre-Pharmacy Studies (3-4 years)
Students must complete prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, and mathematics at an accredited college or university.
Step 2: Pharmacy School (3-4 years)
Pharmacy schools typically require four years of study to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Some schools offer accelerated three-year programs. In addition to coursework, students complete at least 1,500 hours of clinical training.
Step 3: Licensure Exam & State Requirements
After earning a PharmD, graduates must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and meet state-specific licensing requirements. In California, pharmacists must also pass the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Exam before they can legally practice.
Did You Know?
Of the 67,000 pharmacies in the U.S., nearly 5,600 are in California—more than any other state.
40,800 licensed pharmacists practice in California, compared to 54,000 primary care physicians.
Pharmacies receive 13 billion visits per year nationwide, with an average of 270 million patient visits each week.
91% of Americans live within 5 miles of a pharmacy, making pharmacists one of the most accessible healthcare professionals.
Ongoing Education
Pharmacists must complete 30 hours of Continuing Education (CE) every two years to maintain their license in California.
Career Advancement in Pharmacy
Pharmacists can specialize in a variety of areas to expand their expertise and career opportunities:
Residency (1-2 years)
Postgraduate training focused on specialized patient care in a hospital, clinic, or research setting.
Fellowship (1-2 years)
Advanced, individualized training in academia, research, or the pharmaceutical industry.
Board Certification
Licensed pharmacists can pursue board certification in specialties such as:
Infectious Diseases
Pediatrics
Cardiology
Critical Care
Psychiatry
Nutrition
Advanced Practice Pharmacist (APh)
A new category of pharmacist that CPhA helped create, APhs can:
Perform patient assessments
Order and interpret drug therapy-related tests
Refer patients to other healthcare providers
Independently manage chronic diseases
Join CPhA and Advance Your Career in Pharmacy
The California Pharmacists Association (CPhA) is the largest and most influential pharmacy association in the state. Whether you are a pharmacy student, pharmacy technician, or licensed pharmacist, CPhA provides unmatched resources, advocacy, and professional development to help you succeed.
Why Become a CPhA Member?
Advocacy & Policy Leadership – Stay informed on the latest legislative changes and help shape the future of pharmacy.
Continuing Education & Career Growth – Access exclusive CE courses, networking events, and leadership training.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs) – Join SIGs tailored to your practice setting and connect with professionals in your field.
Exclusive Member Benefits – Gain discounts, career support, and industry insights.
