Final answer:
The Pharm.D. degree qualifies graduates to practice as pharmacists in various settings. They must have knowledge of chemistry and biology to understand drug effects and provide guidance on medication use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fundamental purpose of the Pharm.D. degree is to qualify the Doctor of Pharmacy graduate for practice as a pharmacist in a variety of settings including community practice, hospitals, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical industry, and government agencies.
Pharmacists must know a lot of chemistry and biology so they can understand the effects that drugs have on the body. They can advise physicians on drug selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects, as well as advise patients on proper medication use.
In the United States, pharmacists must hold a doctorate in pharmacy and be licensed by the state in which they work. Most pharmacy programs require four years of education in a specialty pharmacy school.