Final answer:
Pharmacists dispense prescribed medications and advise on their use, requiring a Pharm.D. degree and licensure. They must understand chemistry and biology and may administer vaccines and emergency meds like epinephrine for anaphylaxis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Career Focus: Pharmacist
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who dispenses medications prescribed by a physician. Pharmacists are required to hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and obtain licensure to practice in their respective states. In addition to dispensing medications, they have a deep understanding of chemistry and biology to understand drug effects on the body. Pharmacists can advise on medication selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects and may be found in various settings, including drugstores and hospitals.
Administering Vaccines and Emergency Medications
To administer vaccines and emergency medications such as diphenhydramine and epinephrine, pharmacists undergo additional training. They learn to respond to scenarios like anaphylaxis, which requires immediate treatment with epinephrine. EpiPens®, pre-loaded syringes with epinephrine, are crucial for such emergencies. Pharmacists may also administer antihistamines and other treatments for allergic reactions and are often trained to manage severe allergies competently.