What the diffrence between a Nurse and Pharmacist

memphispanda, RN · Jan 30, 2004

I believe that pharmacy is a 6 year program. Salary for pharmacist is pretty nice. They take a lot of the same basic courses, but they move on to other things--a lot more chemistry and of course a lot more pharmacology. Check out a few pharmacy programs online to get an idea of what they have to go through.

gypsyatheart · Jan 30, 2004

Are you asking what the diference is in the educational requirements/courseload? Or are you asking what is the actual difference between a pharmacist and an RN? :confused:

If it's just the courses they take, you could probably look in your college's course book and it should list all their requirements and required courses. They do have some of the same courses we do, but it is two very different fields.

2bnurse_it · Sep 22, 2006

How is the salary between a pharmacist and a nurse?

I mean, more specifically, a pharmacist and a CRNA? i've been considering both and everytime I tell someone I may be going the CRNA route, they reply with "oh, but a pharmacist makes more money..."

do they really?

MegNeoNurse · Sep 22, 2006

To be a pharmacist you must go through a graduate program. Nursing school to become an RN is an undergrad program. There are pharm techs but I suppose that is not what you're asking.

2bnurse_it · Sep 23, 2006

im actually curious about the salary difference.

My friends tell me I should be a pharmacist instead of a crna because it pays more.

is that true?

augigi, CNS · Sep 23, 2006

Discussion about that here:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=320549

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=313476

coopsc1 · Sep 23, 2006

Maybe I can answer some of the questions here. I am a pharmacist and I am thinking of going back to nursing school to become a CRNA.

1) Nursing school (BSN) and pharmacy school are not the same. Pharmacy is a doctorate program and a BSN is a bachelor's. Most, but not all, people that get into pharmacy school have an undergrad degree in chemistry, biology, etc.. Pharmacy school is getting ultra competitive and it will not be long until an undergrad degree will be required! I don't think for a nursing program you have to take organic chem, physics, and calculus.

2) The salary for a CRNA is more than a pharmacist. I think it depends on where you work and how much you work. Pharmacist make 90 to 120 depending on where you work. CRNA's can make a lot more than that but again I think it depends on where and how much you work.

3) In order to decide between the two I think you should really think about what you want out of your career. Do you like actual hands on patient care? Or would you like to work behind the scenes. I initially chose pharmacy because I was not prepared to go to med school (this was before I even knew what a CRNA was). I think pharmacy is a great career, especially for women (not to be sexist), but it is great money for part time moms and great flexibility. There were a few single moms in my class and what a great way to support thier families!

4) As an RN you have the opportunity to get a masters to treat patients and prescribe medication. Pharmacist will never be able to prescribe medecines even with a doctorate degree.

Hope this helps

SC

2bnurse_it · Sep 23, 2006

thanks!

maryshome8 · Sep 24, 2006

How is the salary between a pharmacist and a nurse?
I mean, more specifically, a pharmacist and a CRNA? i've been considering both and everytime I tell someone I may be going the CRNA route, they reply with "oh, but a pharmacist makes more money..."
do they really?

I can second the fact that a CRNA pulls down a TON of money. I sometimes wonder why anyone would want to go to med school to be an anesthesiologist (sp) when you can be a CRNA and do pretty decent in alot less time in school.

rambisisking · Sep 24, 2006

Please do not choose nursing. Your focus, from what you say is not on nursing but on how much money you will make. This should not be the reason anyone becomes a nurse. In My Opinion only, You may be a wonderful person and I am not taking anything away from that. However we already have enough people in nursing who's goals are money and power, I was hoping to see a change in that before I leave this earth. I truly mean no offense.

2bnurse_it · Sep 25, 2006

thank you for your concern.

But it was just a question.

My original plan was to become a pharmacist, but I gave up on that and decided to do nursing instead--and when I tell others about my career change, the first thing they always mention is the money and it bothers me.

I know money shouldn't be a reason, but from what others always point out, that's the first thing they mention.

So you can't blame me for asking about something others first complain to me about.

don't worry, im not doing it for money, but I appreciate your comment.