16 Community Pharmacist Skills for Your Career and Resume

Community pharmacists are responsible for providing medication and other health-related products to patients. They also offer advice on the use of these products and services. Community pharmacists need to have a wide range of skills to be successful in their jobs. These skills include customer service, communication, organization, and more.

Clinical Services

Community pharmacists often provide clinical services to patients, including treatment for minor health conditions and advice on how to manage chronic illnesses. Clinical skills include the ability to assess patient needs and prescribe medications that can help them feel better. Community pharmacists also use clinical skills when they conduct research into new drugs or drug combinations.

Problem Solving

Community pharmacists often solve problems for their patients. They may help them find the right medication or dosage, answer questions about how to take medications and suggest lifestyle changes that can improve a patient’s health. Community pharmacists also use problem-solving skills when they’re trying to identify an unknown substance someone has taken.

Pharmacy Operations

Pharmacists use their knowledge of pharmacy operations to ensure that they can operate a community pharmacy efficiently. This includes knowing how to manage inventory, track sales and maintain the pharmacy’s physical space. Community pharmacists also use their skills in pharmacy operations when interacting with insurance companies or other health care providers who send them prescriptions.

Third Party Billing

Community pharmacists often bill insurance companies on behalf of their patients. This is an important skill because it allows them to receive payment for the medications they dispense and ensures that their patients can afford their treatment. It’s also a necessary part of maintaining a successful business, as most community pharmacies rely on third-party billing to stay in operation.

Patient Education

Patient education is an important skill for community pharmacists to have because it allows them to educate patients on how to use medications properly and safely. Community pharmacists often provide information about the side effects of certain medications, what to do if a patient experiences those side effects and any other relevant information that may be helpful to their patients.

Inventory Management

Community pharmacists often manage inventory for their store, which requires them to know how to track and organize the supplies they have. They also need to be able to identify when they’re running low on a product so they can order more before they run out. This is important because it ensures customers are able to get the medication they need.

Customer Service

Customer service skills are important for community pharmacists to have because they interact with patients and customers regularly. Customer service involves providing information, answering questions and resolving issues that customers may have. Community pharmacists should be friendly and welcoming when interacting with their patients so they can help them understand the medications they’re taking or any side effects they may experience.

Patient Counseling

Community pharmacists often work with patients to help them understand their medication and how it works. They may explain the side effects of a drug, what to do if they experience those side effects or if they have any questions about their treatment plan. Patient counseling skills allow community pharmacists to educate patients on how to use medications safely and effectively. This can also help patients feel more comfortable when taking prescription drugs.

Supervisory Skills

Community pharmacists often supervise pharmacy technicians and other staff members. Supervisory skills include the ability to delegate tasks, provide feedback and manage time effectively. Community pharmacists also need to instruct patients on how to use their medications properly and safely. They may also train new employees or act as a mentor for current employees.

Medication Therapy Management

Medication therapy management is the ability to assess a patient’s medication needs and create an individualized treatment plan. Community pharmacists often work with patients who have complex medical conditions that require several medications to treat different symptoms. For example, a patient may need one medication for high blood pressure and another medication to control their diabetes. A pharmacist can help determine which medications are most effective for each condition and ensure the patient understands how to take all of their medications correctly.

Regulatory Compliance

Regulatory compliance is the ability to follow all laws and regulations regarding medication. Community pharmacists must be aware of any changes in laws or regulations that may affect their practice, as well as how to apply these laws and regulations when filling prescriptions for patients. For example, a pharmacist should know what information they need to collect from a patient before filling a prescription and how to store medications safely.

Decision Making

Community pharmacists often need to make decisions about the medications they dispense. They may decide which medication is most effective for a patient’s condition or whether a medication is safe for a certain age group. Pharmacists also use decision-making skills when deciding how to handle an emergency situation, such as if a customer has taken too much of a drug and needs medical attention.

Compounding

Compounding is the process of mixing ingredients to create a medication. Community pharmacists often use compounding skills to prepare medications for patients who need unique dosages or forms of treatment. For example, some patients may require liquid medication while others may need pills. A pharmacist can compound these medications by combining different ingredients and adjusting their proportions.

Attention to Detail

Community pharmacists must be able to accurately measure and mix medications. They also need to ensure that they enter the correct information into a patient’s medical records, including dosage instructions, side effects and potential drug interactions. This ensures that patients receive safe treatment and helps pharmacists monitor their patients’ progress.

Communication

Community pharmacists often work with patients to explain the medications they provide. They also communicate with other medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses, about patient care. This requires strong written and verbal communication skills so community pharmacists can send emails and make phone calls effectively. It’s also important for them to be able to clearly explain medication instructions to patients so they understand how to use their prescriptions properly.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of multiple tasks and responsibilities. Community pharmacists often have many duties, including filling prescriptions, answering customer questions about medications and providing advice on health topics. Having strong organizational skills can help them manage their workload and prioritize their time effectively. It’s also important for community pharmacists to be organized when handling medication so they can ensure patients receive the correct treatment.

How Can I Learn These Community Pharmacist Skills?

Community pharmacists typically gain their skills through on-the-job training. However, there are a few ways that you can learn these skills outside of the traditional work setting. One way is to take courses offered by your local community college or university. These courses will give you the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of community pharmacy and how to perform your duties in this type of setting. Another way to learn these skills is to shadow a community pharmacist in your area. This will allow you to see firsthand how community pharmacists interact with patients and perform their duties.