A pharmacist prepares medications, fills doctors' prescriptions, and counsels patients about the proper use of medications. Some pharmacists specialize as educators and advocates in connection with specific disorders, but all pharmacists have extensive general training. Pharmacists are also able to perform some medical duties, such as checking blood pressure and giving certain injections.

Long ago, pharmacists made medicines from raw materials, such as herbs and minerals. Nowadays, the actual production of drugs is usually handled by large pharmaceutical companies, which employ many pharmacists.

Pharmacists also work in hospitals, clinics, home healthcare facilities, retail stores, nursing homes and managed care facilities, in the armed forces, and in many other settings. Some pharmacists are research chemists as well, and some choose to work in sales and marketing for pharmaceutical companies.

Currently, demand for pharmacists is very high, and is likely to get higher as the American population ages and becomes more health-conscious. In most cases, pharmacists can command high salaries. It's a physically demanding job, since the hours can be irregular and many pharmacists spend most of their working hours on their feet.

To become a pharmacist, you need a license, which requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from a college of pharmacy, plus several examinations. Admission to a Pharm.D. program requires at least two years of specific professional study. Pharm.D. programs usually take four years to complete, and further degrees and accreditations are available. A list of American pharmacy schools can be found at http://www.pharmacychoice.com/education/pharmschools.cfm.