For the precursor profession, see. For a scientist trained in the study of chemistry, see. Pharmacists, also known as chemists or druggists North American and, archaically, Commonwealth English , are who practice in , the field of health sciences focusing on safe and effective use. A pharmacist is a member of the team directly involved with care. Pharmacists undergo university-level education to understand the biochemical mechanisms and actions of drugs, drug uses, therapeutic roles, side effects, potential , and monitoring parameters. This is mated to anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. Pharmacists interpret and communicate this specialized knowledge to patients, , and other health care providers. Pharmacist Related jobs , , , , other Among other licensing requirements, different countries require pharmacists to hold either a , , or degree. The most common pharmacist positions are that of a also referred to as a retail pharmacist, first-line pharmacist or dispensing chemist , or a , where they instruct and counsel on the proper use and adverse effects of drugs and medicines. In most countries, the profession is subject to. Pharmacists may also practice in a variety of other settings, including industry, wholesaling, research, academia, military, and government. See also: Historically, the fundamental role of pharmacists as a was to check and distribute drugs to doctors for medication that had been prescribed to patients. In more modern times, pharmacists advise patients and health care providers on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications, and act as a between a prescriber and a patient. Pharmacists monitor the and progress of patients to ensure the safe and effective use of medication. Pharmacists may practice ; however, many medicines are now produced by pharmaceutical companies in a standard dosage and drug delivery form. In some jurisdictions, pharmacists have to either independently prescribe under their own authority or in collaboration with a through an agreed upon protocol. Increased numbers of drug therapies, ageing but more knowledgeable and demanding populations, and deficiencies in other areas of the seem to be driving increased demand for the clinical counselling skills of the pharmacist. One of the most important roles that pharmacists are currently taking on is one of pharmaceutical care. Pharmaceutical care involves taking direct responsibility for patients and their disease states, medications, and management of each to improve outcomes. Pharmaceutical care has many benefits that may include but are not limited to: decreased ; increased in medication regimen; better state management, including hypertension and other cardiovascular disease risk factors; strong pharmacist—patient relationship; and decreased long-term costs of medical care. Pharmacists are often the first point-of-contact for patients with health inquiries. Thus pharmacists have a significant role in assessing medication management in patients, and in patients to physicians. In many contexts, students must first complete pre-professional undergraduate coursework, followed by about four years of professional academic studies to obtain a degree in pharmacy such as. Pharmacists are educated in , , , , , , , including , medicine monitoring, medication management , , pharmacy law, , , , , drug delivery, pharmaceutical care, , , and compounding of medications. Additional curriculum may cover diagnosis with emphasis on laboratory tests, disease state management, therapeutics and prescribing selecting the most appropriate medication for a given patient. On graduation, pharmacists are licensed, either nationally or regionally, to dispense medication of various types in the areas they have trained for. Some may undergo further specialized training, such as in cardiology or oncology. It conducts examinati
