The practice of pharmacy is a vital part of a complete health care system. Pharmacists are professionals, uniquely prepared and available, committed to public service and the achievement of this goal. Pharmacists are the principal resource to patients and other health professionals in assuring appropriate use of and optimal therapeutic outcomes from medications. They are committed to pharmaceutical care. The principal goal of pharmaceutical care is to achieve positive outcomes from the use of medication which improves patients’ quality of life.
As a pharmacist, your decisions and actions involve human life and well being. In order to meet pharmacy's demands, you must assess your qualifications for judgement, dependability and conscientious performance. You must pay close attention to details and be willing to check and double check your work.
By law, pharmacists are entrusted with the proper storage, handling and dispensing of dangerous and habit-forming drug substances; thus you must be scrupulous in handling them. Your ethical standards must be high and you must use facts and good judgement when answering the patient's questions.
Pharmacists are considered the drug information expert.
Being a pharmacist goes well beyond "counting pills". Many career options are available in pharmacy.
One may choose to become a community pharmacist, which is working in the retail distribution aspect of medications. A community pharmacist would work for a large retail chain or privately owned business. You may venture in to the world of a consulting pharmacist, offering expert advice in areas such as Medicaid pharmacy consultants or legal expert.
Academia is another career path for a pharmacist, teaching in a college/school of pharmacy, medicine, dentistry or allied health.
Industry based pharmacists are involved in producing or manufacturing chemicals, prescription and nonprescription drugs. They may be involved in sales, medical information or product formulation.
There are also many options for pharmacist in the regulatory/government fields. Agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Agency or Food and Drug Administration employ pharmacists to regulate the use and distribution of drugs. Institution pharmacists are employed by government affiliate or private hospitals. Also, there are employment opportunities with the Armed Services and third party insurance companies.
We are pleased that you have selected to take a look at the University of Louisiana College of Pharmacy program.
Admission to the professional program requires planning and several different processes. We have an early admissions program, as well as the regular admissions process.
Please take a moment to review the information regarding the 2012 Admissions Cycle.