How Could You Benefit from an Online Pharmacology Degree?

When it comes to careers in health care, many people instantly think of doctors, surgeons and nurses. But the fact is, the health care field is much broader than simply what goes on in doctors' offices and hospitals, comprised of many skilled individuals from a variety of educational backgrounds. One critically important link in the health care chain is occupied by the pharmacist - a role often equally as important as other providers.  A pharmacist can get started in this position of importance through an Online Pharmacology Degree. 

Online Pharmacology Degree

Pharmacy graduates can pursue a variety of careers in the field, covering nearly every education level from bachelor's degree to a Ph.D. While it's possible to pursue the field at the doctorate level, pharmacy science may be an excellent alternative for those who may not have the resources to pursue the time and money commitment of medical school. The good news is that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports this exciting field is growing, and with the advent of accredited online colleges, diving into the exciting and potentially rewarding world of pharmacy science has never been easier.

A glimpse into the realm of pharmacy science

The world of pharmacy science encompasses several different positions, from the pharmacist him or herself down to the pharmacy assistants and technicians. What they all have in common, though, is the work environment tends to be fairly similar throughout most occupations. Both a pharmacist and a pharmacy technician assist patients by filling prescriptions for customers, doctor's offices and hospitals. The key difference between a technician and a pharmacist is the latter may also be called on to advise patients on the side effects and proper use of drugs and various drug combinations. They may also offer immunizations such as yearly flu shots and provide general health and wellness information to patients.

Possible salaries for a career in pharmacy science

Pharmacy science may present an opportunity for students to enter the medical field without the essential investment in longer-term educational endeavors like medical school.

  • Pharmacy technician: 2012 median annual salary of $29,320 (20 percent growth projected through 2022)[i]
  • Pharmacist: 2012 median annual salary of $116,670 (14 percent growth rate projected through 2022)[ii]

Additional skills required for pharmacy science

In addition to the technical and job training and education acquired either through an Online Pharmacology Degree program or on the job, pharmacists and technicians should also be amicable and service oriented, since pharmacies tend to be customer-facing. O*Net also noted that active listening is important for a pharmacist, especially when addressing patient questions regarding medications, symptoms and side effects[iii]. Reading comprehension is also critical for both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, as reading and understanding prescriptions provided by doctors is essential.


[i] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacy-technicians.htm | [ii] bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm | [iii] onetonline.org/link/summary/29-1051.00