A primary difference between the field of pharmacy and dermatology is the responsibilities that each include. A pharmacist is a health professional that dispenses prescriptions and instructs patients on safe usage. A dermatologist and a pharmacist are similar because they both give advice to patients. Pharmacists advise patients on how to live a healthy lifestyle while dermatologists advise patients on how to maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair (“Pharmacists”). Dermatologists provide physical examinations and perform minor skin …show more content…
Both fields of study require pre-med courses such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy (Colucci). Most Doctor of Pharmacy programs require at least two years of undergraduate study; however, some must have a bachelor’s degree. The next step to becoming a pharmacist is attending a pharmacy school program which takes about four years to complete (“Pharmacists”). After finishing the degree program, the student must pass the NAPLEX and MPJE exams to become licensed. They must complete a number of hours as an intern before they are ready to work independently (“Pharmacists”). Dermatologists must receive a bachelor’s degree in courses related to pre-med. Then, they have to obtain a medical degree which typically takes about four years. The last major step in becoming a dermatologist is completing a three-year dermatology residence program (DeBenedette). In order to practice as a physician, he or she must pass the United States Medical Examination (Colucci). All in all, it can take up to eight years to become a pharmacist and around twelve to become a licensed