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Male Pharmacist

PHARMACIST

CAREER INFORMATION

Meet Dane!

My name is Dane Luna and I’ve been a pharmacist for 20 years.  I was born and raised on Maui, and graduated from H.P. Baldwin High School in 1989.  I then received a BS degree in Biochemistry from the University of California, San Diego.  After college, I did not know what to do with my degree and ended up working on Oahu for Senator Akaka for a couple years. 

 

After speaking to a couple of family friends who were pharmacists, I decided to pursue a career in pharmacy and attended the University of the Pacific where I graduated with a Pharm D. degree in 1999.  I am most thankful for choosing this profession as it has allowed me to provide for my family and care for the community that I grew up in.

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What do they do?

  • Dispense medications prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners

  • Provide information to patients about prescription and inform them of potential side effects

  • Instruct patients on how and when to take medications

  • Ensure that prescriptions will not interact negatively with other drugs that the patient may be taking or adversely affect the patient’s medical conditions

  • Oversee the work of pharmacy technicians and pharmacist interns

  • Keep pharmaceutical records and perform administrative tasks

  • Offer consultation to physicians and other healthcare practitioners to prescribe the appropriate medication for patients 

  • May administer vaccinations and immunizations 

What equipment do 
they use?

  • Balance and Scales - used to weigh dry materials to ensure proper amounts of ingredients

  • Flasks and Beakers - used to measure liquid drugs and materials 

  • Spatula - used to mix materials together

  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, masks

  • Vials - small glass containers that hold liquid drugs

  • Syringes and needles - used to remove fluid from vials

Sorting Medicine
Responsibilities
Education Guide

To become a pharmacist, complete an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Next, take the pharmacy college admission test to apply for a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. After completing a PharmD, pass a certification exam and obtain a license to practice.

STEP 2

Take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT).

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

  • Required for admission into Doctor of Pharmacy program

  • Duration: 220 minutes

  • Sections: writing, biological processes, chemical processes, critical reading, quantitative reasoning

What opportunities are in Hawaiʻi?

University of Hawaii Programs

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University of Hawaii at Hilo- Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy

Pre-pharmacy

  • 2 years

  • Preparation for Doctor of Pharmacy program

Bachelor of Arts in Pharmacy Studies (B.A.P.S) 

  • 4 years

  • Preparation for Doctor of Pharmacy program 

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

  • 4 years

UH Hilo Pharm. D Program Admission Requirements:

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Complete Prerequisite courses 

  • Total credits: 66 

  • C grade minimum for all classes 

 

Complete PharmCAS Application 

  • Students must apply and submit application through PharmCAS

  • Personal statement 

  • Two professional letters of recommendation 

  • Official transcripts of regionally accredited college/university

 

Supplemental Application integrated in PharmCAS

  • Non-refundable $50 supplemental fee required

STEP 3

Obtain license and certifications to practice.

License and Certifications

  • Take and pass two exams to obtain a license to practice in a state: 

    • The North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) - test on pharmacy knowledge and skills

    • The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a state-specific test on pharmacy law is also required

  • Must complete a certain number of hours as an intern, which varies by state 

  • American Pharmacists Association’s Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery Program Certification - to administer vaccinations and immunizations

  • May choose to take additional certifications for further specialization

STEP 1

Complete an associate’s degree or pre-pharmacy certificate. 

Pre-Pharmacy Certificate

  • 2 years at a university

  • Take courses to prepare for Doctor of Pharmacy program

OR

Bachelor's Degree

  • Bachelor's Degree

  • 4 years at a university 

  • Any major, but must complete Doctor of Pharmacy program prerequisite courses

General Courses

  • Calculus  

  • Human Anatomy and Physiology 

  • Pharmacology 

  • Medical Ethics

  • Chemistry 

  • Biology 

  • Physics

Education
CAREERS

Pharmacist
Specialties

Salary

National Figures

  • Ambulatory Care Pharmacy 

  • Cardiology Pharmacy 

  • Compounded Sterile Preparations Pharmacy 

  • Critical care Pharmacy 

  • Geriatric Pharmacy 

  • Infectious Diseases Pharmacy

  • Nuclear Pharmacy

  • Nutrition Support Pharmacy

  • Oncology Pharmacy 

  • Pediatric Pharmacy 

  • Pharmacotherapy 

  • Psychiatry Pharmacy

  • Solid Organ Transplantation Pharmacy

  • General merchandise stores: $136,320

  • Food and Beverage stores: $132,750

  • Hospitals - state, local, private: $129,740

  • Pharmacies and Drug stores: $125,910

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*Median pay as of 2023*

(from US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

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Hawaiʻi Figures

Select the images in the collage for full view.

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SOURCE: Hawaiʻi Career Explorer

Work Environments

  • Pharmacies 

  • General merchandise stores 

  • Grocery stores 

  • Hospitals 

  • Clinics 

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Hospital
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