ChatGPT Answers 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacy Practice...the Answers are Shocking!
AI is currently a hot topic given its ability to improve and change how information is obtained and processed, but how well does it know the profession of pharmacy? Can you rely on the information it provides you about being a pharmacist? Well today I am answering these questions by asking ChatGPT 7 questions about the pharmacy profession and using my 11 years of pharmacy experience to evaluate the answer.
Before I dive in, I want to specify that I am using ChatGPT Mar 23 version to answer these questions. As AI improves and develops, the answers to these questions will likely change, hopefully for the better.
Question 1: What does a pharmacist do?
Here is my evaluation of the answer:
Overall, the answer to this question is correct. These are the duties of some pharmacists, but it only scratches the surface of the duties of a pharmacist.
I would say this mostly covers the basics of what a community pharmacist does, but doesn’t mention some of the lesser known duties such as administering immunizations, completing medication therapy management, and providing health screenings.
It also doesn’t cover any other the jobs outside of patient care that pharmacists participate in such as industry, research, academia, nuclear and more.
Question 2: How do you become a pharmacist in the United States?
I see some issues with this one:
First, you do not need a bachelor’s degree to become a licensed pharmacist in the United States. I personally do not have one and have many classmates who also got into pharmacy school without a bachelor’s degree. It is important to look at each school’s requirements as some pharmacy schools may require a degree, but most only require certain prerequisite courses.
I do agree that your exact major doesn’t matter. I know pharmacists who majored in English or music rather than a science-based major that were successful in pharmacy school. While chemistry, biology, and other science majors are the most common, you can be successful without it.
Second, the PCAT is not required for most pharmacy school admissions. In fact, the PCAT usage has gone down significantly as pharmacy school applications decreased over the past several years. While the PCAT may be included in some school applications, the 2023-2024 admissions cycle will be the last time the PCAT will be offered.
Question 3: How much does it cost to become a pharmacist?
This answer is pretty good, but I have one thing to add…
One of the biggest differences in pharmacy school tuition cost comes from out-of-state tuition which can double tuition cost even within the same institution. (and it if you are out-of-country can triple your cost). Staying in state can save you tens of thousands of dollars if that is an option for you. Make sure you are attending an accredited school of pharmacy that has good NAPLEX pass rates!
Question 4: What is the best job for a pharmacist?
I have a few thoughts on this answer:
I’m not sure if this list is really the best jobs for pharmacist or maybe the most commonly known jobs for pharmacists, but they are all options. I do agree that what is best is really going to depend on your interests, the hours you want to work, and if you want to get additional education such as a residency or fellowship after obtaining your PharmD.
I also want to point out that most retail pharmacists don’t work regular hours anymore. Frequently, retail pharmacists work longs shifts with minimal to no breaks.
If you wanted to get the best answer from ChatGPT in regards to the best job for you, include your strengths and areas of interests in your question.
Question 5: Name 10 types of jobs for pharmacists.
The answer to this question is accurate!
I like that ChatGPT mentions some of the lesser known jobs like consultant, government, and nuclear. I was also surprised to see that research pharmacist made the list since that is what I do! I may be a little biased, but I think this is a solid answer.
Question 6: How much does a pharmacist make?
Good job, ChatGPT!
I would like to mention, like ChatGPT said, these numbers are very general and may have increased slightly since 2020 due to inflation. Starting salaries in certain pharmacy jobs such as industry are typically higher and pharmacists in management positions can often make over $200,000 per year. Unfortunately, there isn’t much salary growth if you maintain a staff pharmacist position long term.
Question 7: How do you get a pharmacy residency?
This answer is mostly correct.
When applying for a residency, you are not required to have you PharmD yet. The application process typically occurs in the 6 or so months leading up to graduation or you may choose to apply in the years after you graduate. Additionally, you don’t have to be licensed as a pharmacist before starting your residency program. Licensure does have to be obtained within 90 days of your residency start date (or sooner) as dictated by ASHP and each residency program.
Overall, ChatGPT can be a good place to start if you are looking for direction, but make sure to check the answers it gives to ensure it is the most up to date or accurate information. Also, if you are looking for resources regarding residency interview tips, you can grab my free residency masterclass by completing the form below!
