Pharmacist vs. Physical Therapist: What Are the Differences?

Pharmacists and physical therapists are both health care professionals who help people improve their quality of life. Though they share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two careers. In this article, we discuss the differences between pharmacists and physical therapists, and we provide additional information about each profession.

What is a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the correct medications at the correct dosages. They fill prescriptions, counsel patients on the proper usage of their medications and advise doctors and other healthcare professionals on the best medications for their patients. Pharmacists also keep track of patients’ medical histories to avoid any harmful drug interactions. They may work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, clinics, pharmacies or nursing homes. Some pharmacists specialize in a particular area, such as nuclear pharmacy, compounding or managed care pharmacy.

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapists are medical professionals who help patients improve their mobility and relieve pain. They work with patients who have been injured or who have chronic conditions that limit their movement. Physical Therapists create individualized treatment plans to help their patients achieve their specific goals. They may use exercises, stretches, massage, heat or cold therapy to help their patients reduce pain and improve their range of motion. Physical Therapists also teach their patients how to properly use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers, and how to perform exercises at home to continue their progress.

Pharmacist vs. Physical Therapist

Here are the main differences between a pharmacist and a physical therapist.

Job Duties

Although both roles involve working with patients to address their health concerns, the duties they perform differ. Pharmacists evaluate patient medication needs and provide medications as needed. They also educate patients about medications, including how to take them safely and the potential side effects. Physical therapists evaluate a patient’s physical capabilities and help them develop plans for regaining function. They may prescribe therapeutic exercises or recommend orthotics, prosthetics or wheelchairs as necessary.

The duties of each profession can also vary depending on the type of patient. For example, pharmacists often work more closely with patients taking prescription drugs for long-term conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure, while physical therapists typically see patients who have suffered an injury and need rehabilitation services.

Job Requirements

Pharmacists typically need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree to enter the profession, which takes four years to complete. Some pharmacists also pursue a residency after graduation, which can last one to two years. During their residencies, pharmacists gain experience in a specific area of pharmacy, such as hospital pharmacy or community pharmacy.

Physical therapists must first earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited physical therapy program. After graduating, they must pass the National Physical Therapy Exam administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy. Once they have passed the exam, they can apply for state licensure. Some states require physical therapists to complete a certain number of continuing education credits every year to maintain their licenses.

Work Environment

Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies and long-term care facilities. They may also work for pharmaceutical companies to develop new medications or conduct research. Physical therapists typically work in private practices, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers and nursing homes. Some physical therapists work for sports teams or as athletic trainers.

Skills

Both pharmacists and physical therapists need to have excellent communication skills. Pharmacists need to be able to explain how medications work and their potential side effects to patients. They also need to be able to understand the specific needs of each patient in order to make recommendations about which medication or combination of medications would be the best for them. Physical therapists need to be able to listen to their patients describe their symptoms and pain levels. They also need to be able to explain the exercises and treatments that they are recommending.

Both pharmacists and physical therapists need to have strong organizational skills. Pharmacists need to be able to keep track of the medications that each patient is taking, as well as any allergies or reactions that they have had to medications in the past. They also need to be able to stay up-to-date on new medications and changes to existing medications. Physical therapists need to be able to keep track of the progress of each patient and tailor their treatments accordingly.

Pharmacists need to have strong critical thinking skills in order to be able to identify drug interactions and contraindications. They also need to be able to troubleshoot problems that patients are having with their medications. Physical therapists need to be able to assess a patient’s condition and develop a treatment plan

Salary

Pharmacists can earn an average salary of $128,828 per year, while physical therapists can earn an average salary of $84,744 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the location of the job, the level of experience and the type of employer.