Simply put, pharmacists fill prescriptions. They are responsible for ensuring that patients get the exact potency and type of medication prescribed by the physician, and they consult the patients on proper dosage and possible side effects. They maintain accurate records in order to bill insurance companies and limit liability and negligence. Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school, which is typically two or three years beyond a 3- or 4-year bachelor's degree.