Pharmacists are, strictly speaking, health professionals who have studied and apply the science of pharmacy. They are licensed to act as an intermediary between a patient and a physician. Their primary role is to evaluate the appropriateness of the prescription given by the health care provider and advice the patient on the proper use and side effects of that medication. They are trained in various subjects that concern drugs and chemistry, as well as microbiology. Some of their studies include pharmacology - the study of how drugs interact when applied within the biological system, its nature and properties.

Other subjects include, pharmacognosy, chemistry, pharmaceutical chemistry, microbiology, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutics, pharmacy law, physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and many others.

Pharmacy is the science of preparing and dispensing drugs and medications. It is a branch of health care industry that provides proper information to the public about appropriate medication and right dosages of drugs.

Pharmaceutical care is one of the most important roles of a pharmacist, taking direct responsibility towards patients and improving the outcome of their medications. Also, they help in assessing the medication management of a patient before referring it to physicians.

Pharmacist may practice in a wide variety of areas including hospitals, nursing homes, retail, clinics, drug industry and regulatory agencies.
Most pharmacist work in a retail industry, commonly known as a pharmacy - where drugs and medications are being stored and sold. Several customers prefer on-the-counter consultations of their illnesses. This is where the primary function of a pharmacist comes in, which is to advise customers on what medications is best to ease their pain and the proper intake of its dosages. Part of their responsibilities is to answer inquiries on proper treatment of diseases and discuss possible side effects of the medications.

Pharmacies within the premises of the hospitals are more likely to sell and dispose more complex clinical medications compared to small community pharmacies. They keep a stock of a wider range of medications. Therefore, a pharmacist assigned to these areas should be knowledgeable enough to cater the needs of the costumers and must be familiar with all the drugs and their medications, as well as the possible side effects. Slight mistakes may endanger the life of a patient, thus constant awareness and understanding is imperative to this kind of position.

Clinical Pharmacist, on the other hand, provides direct patient care services. They collaborate with physicians and health care professionals to provide optimum pharmaceutical care and medications to patients suffering from illnesses. They are the primary source of scientifically valid information regarding safe and appropriate use of medications. Some potentially dangerous drugs that require close monitoring are assigned to this kind of pharmacists. For that reason, Clinical pharmacist should have extensive education in the biomedical, sociobehavioral and clinical sciences. Most of them acquire a doctorate degree in Doctor of Pharmacy.

In the Philippines, only one accredited school offers the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), the Centro Escolar University.  It is a two-year post baccalureate degree open to all licensed pharmacist.

Pharmacists employed in pharmaceutical company practice compounding drugs; preparing drugs with flavors to enhance the taste especially for children, and mixing different drugs to create a more effective medication for specific illnesses. Pharmacist may also team up with a pharmaceutical chemist to do drug research and development.

In nursing homes, the role of a pharmacist is to supervise the proper intake of medication of an elderly as well as young individuals who suffer from mental or physical incapacities.