How to Be Pharmacy Advisor - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jun 11, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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The rise in medical costs has had a direct effect on the demand for pharmacists and pharmacy advisors. As medication prices continue to rise, patients are increasingly looking for more affordable options, which often means consulting with a pharmacy advisor before making a purchase. This increased demand has resulted in a greater need for experienced professionals to help provide advice on medications, potential side effects, and alternate options.

Pharmacy advisors can also help patients understand how to take their medications properly and ensure they are taking the correct dosages. they provide an invaluable service by helping to identify and prevent potentially dangerous interactions between medications.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelors Degree. A bachelors degree in pharmacy or a related field, such as pharmaceutical sciences, is typically required to become a pharmacy advisor. Many schools offer pre-pharmacy or pharmacy programs that can prepare students for this career path.
Obtain a Pharmacy License. Every state requires pharmacists to be licensed in order to practice. This involves passing two examinations: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).
Complete a Pharmacy Residency Program. After becoming licensed, many pharmacists choose to complete a postgraduate residency program in order to gain more experience and specialize in a particular area of pharmacy. For those interested in becoming pharmacy advisors, completing a residency in managed care or ambulatory care is recommended.
Seek Certification. Even though it is not always required, obtaining certification from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) can help demonstrate an individuals knowledge and expertise in their area of practice. The BPS offers certification in nine specialty areas, including managed care pharmacy.
Gain Experience. Working as a pharmacist or pharmacy technician can help individuals gain experience that may be beneficial when applying for a job as a pharmacy advisor. Pharmacists should also consider joining professional organizations and attending conferences in order to stay up-to-date on industry trends and developments.
Network. Developing a strong network of contacts in the pharmacy field can be beneficial when seeking employment as a pharmacy advisor. Making connections with other pharmacists, attending industry events, and joining professional organizations can all help individuals increase their visibility and make themselves more attractive to potential employers.

The quality of a pharmacy advisor is highly dependent on their level of reliability and competence. Reliability means that a pharmacy advisor can be trusted to provide accurate and timely advice and services, while competence means that they possess the necessary knowledge and skills to do so. When both reliability and competence are present, it ensures that patients receive the best advice and service possible, which can help them make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

In order for a pharmacy advisor to remain reliable and competent, they must stay up to date with the latest developments in their field, obtain necessary certifications, and maintain a high level of communication with their patients. Furthermore, they should be open to feedback from both patients and colleagues, so that any adjustments or improvements can be made in order to ensure that patients receive the best advice and service possible.

You may want to check Pharmacy Sales Representative, Pharmacy Data Analyst, and Pharmacy Technician Supervisor for alternative.

Job Description

Pharmacy Technician: responsible for assisting the pharmacist with day-to-day operations, including entering prescription information into the computer, maintaining inventory, filling prescriptions, accepting payments, and providing customer service.
Pharmacy Clerk: responsible for stocking shelves, checking in orders, helping customers find products, and providing customer service.
Pharmacist: responsible for providing medications to patients, consulting with physicians and other medical professionals, verifying prescriptions, and ensuring proper storage and labeling of medications.
Pharmacy Manager: responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the pharmacy, developing policies and procedures, hiring and training staff, monitoring inventory levels, and managing budgets.
Pharmacy Advisor: responsible for providing advice to patients on medications, educating patients on proper use of medications, answering questions about prescription medications, and helping patients make informed decisions about their health care.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pharmaceutical products and related medical terminology
Understanding of relevant laws and regulations pertaining to the sale of pharmaceuticals
Excellent customer service and communication skills
Ability to build relationships with customers and healthcare professionals
Attention to detail and accuracy when advising customers
Proficiency in the use of computers and related software applications
Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize workloads
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Excellent organizational skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Being a successful Pharmacy Advisor requires a variety of skills and abilities. First, an in-depth knowledge of medicines, prescription drugs, and their effects is essential. Knowing the differences between medicines and how they interact with one another can help a Pharmacy Advisor advise customers on the best option for their needs.

strong communication skills are essential in order to provide clear explanations to customers and to build trust and rapport. problem-solving skills are important as Pharmacy Advisors must be able to identify and resolve customer issues quickly and efficiently. Finally, an understanding of the relevant regulations and laws governing the pharmaceutical industry is vital in order to ensure that customers receive accurate and up-to-date advice.

With all these skills combined, a Pharmacy Advisor can effectively advise customers on the best course of action for their individual needs.

Pharmacy Benefits Analyst, Pharmacy Systems Administrator, and Pharmacy Buyer/Purchasing Agent are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have as a Pharmacy Advisor?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest pharmacy trends and regulations?
What do you believe are key components of successful pharmacy customer service?
How do you handle customer complaints regarding medications and advise them accordingly?
What methods do you use to ensure accuracy when counseling patients?
Describe a situation where you had to make a difficult decision in the workplace?
How do you prioritize tasks when there are conflicting demands?
What strategies do you use to stay organized and efficient with customer interactions?
What challenges have you faced as a Pharmacy Advisor and how did you resolve them?
What would you do if a customer had a question that you couldnt answer?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Health Record (EHR). An electronic system for storing patient medical records, used by healthcare providers to track and manage patient data. (eg: Epic EHR)
Medication Management Software. Software designed to help pharmacists and other healthcare professionals organize and manage medications, such as prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs. (eg: RxSafe)
Drug Interaction Checker. A tool used to identify and evaluate potential risks associated with drug combinations. (eg: Lexicomp drug interaction checker)
Prescription Verification Software. Software that allows pharmacies to quickly and accurately verify a prescription before dispensing a medication. (eg: Medimass Prescription Verification System)
Pharmacy Refill Reminder. A tool used to remind patients to refill their medications when they are running low. (eg: PillPack Refill Reminder)
Clinical Decision Support System (CDSS). A system that helps healthcare providers make more informed decisions about patient care. (eg: UpToDate CDSS)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)

We also have Pharmacy Operations Manager, Pharmacy Technician Trainee, and Pharmacy Intern jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Drug Interactions. A drug interaction occurs when a substance changes the way a drug works. This can be caused by taking two or more drugs at the same time, or by taking a drug while using certain medical devices or consuming certain foods and drinks.
Prescriptions. A prescription is an official written order from a doctor or other medical professional that authorizes a patient to receive a medication or medical treatment.
Medication Reconciliation. Medication reconciliation is the process of comparing a patients current medications to the medications that are prescribed by their provider. This ensures that patients are taking the right medications, in the right doses, at the right times.
Drug Formulary. A drug formulary is a list of the drugs that a particular pharmacy, health plan, or hospital will carry and is typically used to control costs and improve patient safety.
Pharmacogenomics. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how genetic variations affect an individuals response to medications. It is used to predict how effective and safe a drug will be for an individual patient.
Drug Allergies. A drug allergy is an adverse reaction to a medication that is caused by an immune system reaction. Symptoms of a drug allergy can range from mild to severe, and may include itching, hives, rash, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pharmacy Advisor?

Pharmacy Advisor is an online platform that provides personalized medication advice and support. It helps people make informed decisions about their medication and ensure they are taking the right medicines in the right way.

How does Pharmacy Advisor work?

Pharmacy Advisor uses advanced algorithms to analyse a person's health records, including information about existing medications and any allergies, to provide personalised advice. It also provides reminders and notifications to ensure that medications are taken on time.

What data does Pharmacy Advisor use?

Pharmacy Advisor uses data from a person's health records, including their medication list, allergies, and any other relevant medical information. It also uses data from external sources such as pharmacies and hospitals.

Is Pharmacy Advisor secure?

Yes, Pharmacy Advisor is secure and all data is encrypted to ensure privacy and security. The platform also has strict security protocols in place to protect user data.

How much does Pharmacy Advisor cost?

Pharmacy Advisor is free for individuals to use. There is also a subscription-based service for healthcare providers which offers additional features and functionality.