What Do Pharmacists Do? Roles, Skills & Career Paths

Discover the many professional settings where MCPHS Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduates can make an impact, from retail and hospitals to research and regulatory careers.

Are you considering a career in pharmacy? Congratulations, you’re embarking on a field that plays a vital role in improving people’s health and quality of life. Shouldering responsibilities that far exceed mere pill counting, a pharmacist is a trusted health professional who can provide medication guidance, monitor treatment plans, and help patients manage their well-being. Pharmacists are essential members of healthcare teams, with positions in hospitals, research labs, and retail settings. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through what pharmacists do, the different types of pharmacy careers, the skills needed to succeed, and how you can begin your journey with the help of Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS).

Are Pharmacists Doctors?

While pharmacists are not medical doctors (MDs), they do earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which is a professional doctoral pharmacy degree. This advanced training enables pharmacists to understand complex drug interactions, patient counseling strategies, and drug therapy approaches. 

As part of the healthcare team, pharmacists collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and other professionals to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

What Does a Pharmacist Do?

Pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals who specialize in safely and effectively dispensing medication. While their responsibilities vary by setting, pharmacists work directly with patients and providers to ensure medications are appropriate, effective, and taken correctly. They are often the most accessible healthcare professionals—especially a community pharmacist—and serve as a crucial point of care for many people.

Core responsibilities of a pharmacist often include:

Dispensing Medications

Pharmacists ensure prescriptions are filled accurately and safely. They verify dosages, check for potential interactions, and follow up on any issues before a patient receives their medication.

Patient Counseling and Education

You might be surprised how much time pharmacists spend talking with patients. Whether explaining how to take new prescription medication or answering questions about over-the-counter treatments, pharmacists help patients understand their medications and make informed decisions about their health.

Checking for Drug Interactions and Side Effects

Pharmacists review a patient's medication history to identify any potential interactions or contraindications. By spotting issues early, they can help prevent adverse reactions and recommend safer alternatives when necessary.

Administering Vaccines

In many states, pharmacists are authorized to administer vaccines, including flu shots and travel immunizations. This makes it easier for patients to access essential preventive care.

Medication Preparation and Dosage Accuracy

Precision is critical in pharmacy practice. Pharmacists and pharmacy technicians work together to compound, measure, and label medications correctly—especially when it comes to customized medications or high-risk treatments.

Inventory and Supply Chain Management

Pharmacists also manage inventory and ensure that pharmacies are stocked with essential medications. This includes monitoring expiration dates, ordering supplies, and coordinating with distributors to meet patient needs.

Types of Pharmacists and Specializations

Pharmacy is a diverse and evolving field with many areas to specialize in. Whether you're drawn to direct patient care, research, or policy work, there’s a path that can align with your interests and career goals. Academic programs focusing on the field of pharmacy can help you prepare for a career or area of speciality that most interests you, which may include: 

Clinical Pharmacist

Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals and healthcare settings, often consulting directly with physicians to develop specialized patient treatment plans. They focus on optimizing medication use for complex medical conditions.

Hospital Pharmacist

Hospital pharmacists are responsible for preparing and dispensing medications within a hospital setting. They may compound IV medications, monitor patient reactions, and ensure compliance with treatment protocols.

Geriatric Pharmacist

These specialists focus on the unique needs of older adults, who often manage multiple medications. Geriatric pharmacists practice medication management to help reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions and promote safer aging-in-place practices.

Oncology Pharmacist

Oncology pharmacists work alongside oncologists to support patients undergoing cancer treatment. They provide critical expertise on medication therapy, such as chemotherapy, and help manage side effects.

Industrial and Research Pharmacist

If you're passionate about scientific discovery, a role in pharmaceutical research or drug development might be for you. These pharmacists work in labs and manufacturing facilities to create and test new medications.

Regulatory and Policy Specialist

Pharmacists can also work in government agencies or advocacy organizations, shaping healthcare policy and ensuring medications meet safety standards.

Where Do Pharmacists Work?

Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare and can be found in a wide range of professional settings. Whether you’re drawn to patient care, research, or public health, there’s likely a work environment that matches your interests and career goals.

Retail pharmacies

A retail pharmacy is the most familiar place to find a pharmacist. In community pharmacy, you’ll dispense medications, guide patients on over-the-counter treatments, and offer services like immunizations and health screenings. If you enjoy helping people one-on-one and want to play a visible role in your community’s health, this could be a great fit.

Hospitals

In hospitals, you’ll be part of the clinical care team—reviewing medications for safety, collaborating with doctors and nurses, and possibly specializing in areas like oncology or emergency medicine. If you're drawn to high-stakes care and working alongside other healthcare professionals, hospital pharmacy may be the right environment for you.

Ambulatory clinics

If you're interested in outpatient care, you can work in ambulatory clinics where you’ll manage chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension. These roles focus on developing long-term relationships with patients, adjusting medications over time, and supporting preventive care. It’s a great option if you’re passionate about ongoing wellness and personalized support.

Long-term care facilities

You may also choose to work in nursing homes, assisted living centers, or rehab facilities, where you’ll ensure safe and effective medication use for older adults or people with disabilities. You’ll monitor drug interactions, tailor doses, and work with caregivers to promote better health outcomes. If you’re compassionate and detail-oriented, this setting may be especially rewarding.

Pharmaceutical industry

If you're excited by research, innovation, or business, the pharmaceutical industry offers many opportunities. You could help develop new drugs, design clinical trials, or support regulatory and marketing efforts. It’s a dynamic space where your expertise can help shape the future of medicine.

Regulatory agencies

You can also support public health by working at organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. In these roles, you’ll help evaluate new therapies, ensure drug safety, and influence healthcare policies. If you're interested in healthcare from a policy and oversight perspective, this path may be a great match.

Skills Required To Succeed as a Pharmacist: Key Competencies

Pharmacy is a profession that blends science, compassion, and precision. Here are some of the most important skills you'll need to succeed:

Attention to Detail

Pharmacists must be meticulous. Whether reviewing prescriptions or calculating dosages, even a small mistake can have serious consequences. That’s why attention to detail is one of the most essential skills in the profession.

Communication and Counseling

As a pharmacist, you’re often the first person patients turn to with questions regarding their medications. Strong communication skills can help you explain treatment plans clearly, build trust, and empower patients to take control of their health.

Scientific and Mathematical Knowledge

A strong foundation in chemistrapplyy, biology, and pharmacology is essential. You’ll also need to be comfortable with calculations and data analysis, especially when adjusting dosages or interpreting lab results.

Ethical Judgment and Confidentiality

Pharmacists handle sensitive health information and are trusted to make ethical decisions. A deep sense of responsibility and adherence to patient privacy laws are key.

Technology Literacy

From electronic health records to automated dispensing systems, pharmacists use a range of technologies. Staying up to date with digital tools helps streamline your workflow and improve patient care.

Time Management

Balancing patient consultations, medication prep, and administrative duties requires efficient time management. Pharmacists often juggle multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.

Explore Your Career Options With a PharmD From MCPHS

If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacist, the first step is earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited institution. After completing your PharmD, you’ll need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination and fulfill any additional state-specific licensing requirements. 

At MCPHS, we offer multiple pathways to help you earn your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree—whether you're a high school student, a college graduate, or a practicing pharmacist.

Students coming directly from high school can apply to our Direct Entry PharmD program, which provides a streamlined, six-year path to a PharmD without needing to reapply after undergraduate studies.

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree, you may qualify for our Accelerated PharmD program, designed to get you into the field faster with an intensive, year-round curriculum.

For U.S.-licensed pharmacists seeking to advance their careers, our Non-Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy (NTDP) program offers a flexible, part-time online format. This program allows working pharmacists to immediately apply what they learn, while earning their PharmD and expanding their opportunities for growth in the profession.

No matter which path you take, you’ll gain real-world experience, learn alongside students from a range of health professions, and tap into one of the largest health sciences networks in the country.

With over 200 years of experience educating healthcare leaders, MCPHS is uniquely positioned to support your success. Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding and impactful career in pharmacy? Apply to MCPHS and begin your journey today.

At Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), our PharmD programs prepare students to thrive in today’s evolving healthcare landscape. Learn more about our Doctor of Pharmacy pathways through the School of Pharmacy.