Pharmacists can work in pharmacies, while pharmacologists work in research centers and academia.
Licensing and Regulatory Bodies
Regulatory bodies may request a pharmacy license. Without it, they can close a pharmacy store. It’s advisable for pharmacologists to open pharmacies, but they must be aware that without a proper license, their store can be sealed by regulatory bodies.
Educational Paths and Career Differences
Pharmacists and pharmacologists both contribute to the production and distribution of drugs, but their roles and educational requirements differ. A pharmacist studied pharmacy and a pharmacologist studied pharmacology.
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A pharmacist:
- Dispenses drugs prescribed by doctors.
- Provides medication information.
- Requires a bachelor’s degree in pharmacology, then a doctoral degree in pharmacy (Pharm.D.).
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A pharmacologist:
- Studies the effects of drugs on the body.
- Requires a Ph.D. in pharmacology or a related field, with significant original research.
Prescription Authority
Can a pharmacologist prescribe medication? The answer is no. Pharmacists can prescribe some medications without a diagnosis in certain states, but pharmacologists cannot. Pharmacists need a doctorate to prescribe medications, while pharmacologists focus on researching and testing new medications. Pharmacologists work chiefly in research, whereas pharmacists work directly with patients, dispensing medications.