Pharmacist vs. Software Engineer: What Are the Differences?
Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.
Pharmacists and software engineers are both professionals who work with complex systems. Though they share some qualities, many aspects of these careers differ. If you’re interested in working in pharmacy or software engineering, learning more about each field and what you may earn can be beneficial. In this article, we explain what pharmacists and software engineers are, provide a list of differences between the two and review helpful tips you can use when choosing a profession.
What is a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by doctors and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about the proper use of those medications. They also counsel patients on the side effects of medications and the importance of taking them as prescribed. In some states, pharmacists can prescribe medications themselves. Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, retail pharmacies, and pharmaceutical companies. They typically work full time, and some pharmacists work evenings or weekends.
What is a Software Engineer?
Software Engineers are responsible for developing, testing and maintaining software applications. They work with other IT professionals to create systems that solve business problems or support business processes. They also liaise with business users to understand their needs and ensure that the software they develop meets those needs. Software Engineers typically work in office environments and use computers for the majority of their work. They may work on teams or individually, and their work may include both coding and debugging software.
Pharmacist vs. Software Engineer
Here are the main differences between a pharmacist and a software engineer.
Job Duties
Pharmacists perform a wide range of tasks to ensure the safety and efficacy of medications. They evaluate patient information, consult with physicians and formulate medication solutions. Software engineers design and develop computer programs that help users complete specific functions. Their job duties may involve researching user needs, designing software architectures and conducting testing and debugging procedures.
The duties of both professions can overlap, as pharmacists sometimes use software engineering skills to assist in drug development. Similarly, software engineers may apply their knowledge of medicine to create e-prescriptions for patients who need them.
Job Requirements
Pharmacists typically need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree to enter the profession, which takes four years to complete. During their studies, pharmacists take classes on topics like chemistry, biology and physiology. They also complete clinical rotations, where they gain hands-on experience working in pharmacies under the supervision of licensed pharmacists. After graduating, pharmacists must obtain a license from the state they wish to practice in.
Software engineers usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field to enter the profession. Some software engineering positions may require a master’s degree or even a doctorate. During their studies, software engineers take classes on subjects like mathematics, computer programming and software development. They might also participate in internships or co-ops to gain practical experience working with software before entering the workforce.
Work Environment
Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies and doctor’s offices. They may also work for pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs or improve existing ones. Pharmacists can work full time or part time depending on their employer.
Software engineers typically work in an office setting where they collaborate with other software developers to create programs that meet the needs of their clients. Some software engineers work as consultants who travel to different locations to complete projects. Software engineers usually work full time but may have irregular hours due to deadlines and client meetings.
Skills
Both pharmacists and software engineers use problem-solving skills in their jobs. Pharmacists use these skills when they are trying to figure out the best medication for a patient or how to solve a customer’s issue with their medication. Software engineers use problem-solving skills when they are trying to debug a piece of code or find a way to make a program more efficient.
Both pharmacists and software engineers need to have excellent communication skills. Pharmacists need to be able to explain complex medical concepts to patients in a way that is easy for them to understand. They also need to be able to build relationships with customers and answer any questions they may have. Software engineers need to be able to communicate with other members of their team, including developers, testers and project managers. They also might need to give presentations about their work to clients or upper management.
Pharmacists need to have strong attention to detail because they need to be able to dispense medications accurately. They also need to be able to keep track of inventory and order supplies as needed. Software engineers also need to have attention to detail because they need to be able to write code that is error-free. They also need to be able to test their code to ensure it works properly.
Salary
The average salary for a pharmacist is $128,828 per year, while the average salary for a software engineer is $106,619 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the location of the job, the size of the company and the level of experience the professional has.