As far as just pouring pills into bottles, that is actually the pharmacy technicians job. The pharmacist verifies the medication is what was prescribed by the doctor, verifies there is no interaction (which is made easier by computers, but still requires judgment calls.) The pharmacist is also responsible for answering any questions about any medication or condition that the dr didn't answer (and there is a lot of that at times.)
As far as compounding medications, there is less and less of that all the time. However some drs will still prescribe that 'special' ointment/lotion.
I totally agree with your statement about professionalism. Unfortunately many chains have really cut resources in the pharmacy, and will put unqualified people behind the counter with little training. It's always the bottom line. I was going to be a pharmacist, but didn't like the direction it was going. Too much emphasis on getting the most number of scripts filled with the least amount of people, and way too much hassle with the insurance companies.
I've got nothing against pharmacists whatsoever. I think they for the most part are highly professional.
But I stand by what I say regarding the job description I laid out for them. Six years in school (bachelor's plus two years pharmacy school)? Because we are very highly medicated in this society (likely overmedicated), we need more and more pharmacists. Which is why the major chains are cutting deals with kids BEFORE they graduate from pharm school with offers that START them in the 80s to $90s. Why, is it a hugely skilled job? No, but laws and regulations make sure that there is a "professional" barrier between prescriber and patient--thus the modern-day pharmacist, who really does....
Take pills out of big bottles and put them into little bottles. Software does all the rest. That line you always get, Do you have any questions for the pharmacist?, is corporate policy handed down by lawyers. If they're ever sued, they can say, We ASKED if there were any questions.
And, have you ever asked a pharmacist a question about your medication? They look at the label...and start reading you POSSIBLE side effects.
Two years? On top of four of undergrad work? If it weren't for red tape and "tradition" (another word for the trappings of a profession that the profession itself maintains so as to sustain its "mystique"), I truly believe one could learn all one has to know to be a topnotch modern pharmacist in six months, and even that might be too long.
At least that's what a couple honest pharmacist friends have told me when they were sure no one was looking.