So you want to be a ... pharmacist

JOB DESCRIPTION: To dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. Pharmacists also may advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions and side effects of medications.

EDUCATION NEEDED: Two years of prepharmacy education, completion of the Pharmacy College Admissions Test and graduation from accredited college of pharmacy (Pharm.D degree) and state examination tests. Medical license is required.

CONTINUING EDUCATION: Areas of graduate study include pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry (physical and chemical properties of drugs and dosage forms), pharmacology (effects of drugs on the body) and pharmacy administration.

PAY OPTIONS: The West Virginia average is $94,000 per year.

HOW TO APPLY: Apply to hospitals or private drug store companies.

Source: science.education.nih.gov, West Virginia Bureau of Employment Programs