7 answers
Koen
Student
Vienna, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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What are job options are offered once you become a pharmacist?
I'm currently a high school senior who recently got admitted to a direct entry program for pharmacy. Just wondering what other jobs pharmacists can take on that isn't the average retail or clinical positions. I understand pharmacy isn't as surface level as it seems so I'm really curious about all the mini labels and positions that is available. Thanks in advance!
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7 answers
Yolanda Williams, PharmD, PhD
Pharmacist
29
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
The field of pharmacy has changed dramatically over the years. I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years, and even though I love what I do, I would not advise the future generation to go into pharmacy. I say that because now you have to do at least 2 residencies to be competitive. Plus there are so many pharmacy schools now, that the market is overly saturated. To get a job you may have to move to the out skirts where mo one wants to be. I would seriously reconsider your path. But don't take my word for it. Research the profession. Speak to other pharmacists. I would look into becoming a PA or nurse practitioner. Less time in school, better pay, and they are in demand. If you really want job security, look into the mental health profession. Hope this helps. Wish you the best.
Kyle Eickman
Pharmacist
5
Answers
Rochester, Minnesota
Updated
Kyle’s Answer
The majority of positions are probably what you're thinking of in the retail or clinical sites. There are some specialized pharmacist roles where you would perform what you might consider normal tasks of a pharmacist in a specific area; such as nuclear medicine or research sites. There is another growing group of careers which I would summarize as "uses a pharmacist knowledge in another domain". "Pharmacist knowledge" would be things like general pharmaco-kinetics and pharmaco-dynamics, broad range of knowledge of medicines, knowledge of insurance interactions, knowledge of work processes.
Some examples of these roles are: management, safety officers/consultants, informatics and IT experts, medical writers, education and sales personnel. While I said these roles are growing, these roles are often very competitive and they often require additional training or education, such as an additional MBA/MHA or specialized residencies.
If you're just starting pharmacy school, it'd be a good idea to start networking broadly as early as you can. It'd help you to learn what these careers look like, and help you to get prepared early to go a specialized route if you desire one.
Some examples of these roles are: management, safety officers/consultants, informatics and IT experts, medical writers, education and sales personnel. While I said these roles are growing, these roles are often very competitive and they often require additional training or education, such as an additional MBA/MHA or specialized residencies.
If you're just starting pharmacy school, it'd be a good idea to start networking broadly as early as you can. It'd help you to learn what these careers look like, and help you to get prepared early to go a specialized route if you desire one.
Anthony Petrello
Pharmacist
53
Answers
Medford, New York
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi! I believe I've answered a similar question in the past and hope this helps.
"Although retail pharmacists are the most prominent, there are many careers with a doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD). A PharmD is a highly versatile degree and can be used for various positions across multiple settings. Ultimately, pharmacists are masters of medication, and wherever and whenever drugs are used, there is a role for pharmacists.
Clinical pharmacy is likely the second most prominent role for pharmacists. These pharmacists work alongside other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, etc., to optimize patient drug regimens. These pharmacists generally seek residencies after pharmacy school and specialize in psychiatry, pediatrics, infectious disease, etc. Here is information on residences https://www.accp.com/stunet/compass/residency.aspx.
Pharmacy industry is also a popular route for those with PharmDs. These pharmacists usually work with manufacturers and play a role in regulatory or medical affairs and clinical development. Those interested in these positions typically seek fellowships after pharmacy school. Here is a brief article on pharmacy fellowships https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/an-introduction-to-pharmaceutical-industry-fellowships.
There are also opportunities for pharmacists at business and administration levels, academics, law, and even emerging fields such as cannabis dispensaries and pharmacy tech. As I mentioned above, pharmacists can do virtually anywhere where medication plays a role. If you are going to pharmacy school, I would highly suggest getting involved in different organizations to broaden your horizons on the potential areas for pharmacists. I would also recommend pushing yourself outside your boundaries and comfort zones when taking your internships. Many pharmacists are always looking to help future generations, and I would suggest reaching out to any pharmacists involved in a specific field of interest as well.
Best of luck, if you need more information, please let me know,
Anthony"
"Although retail pharmacists are the most prominent, there are many careers with a doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD). A PharmD is a highly versatile degree and can be used for various positions across multiple settings. Ultimately, pharmacists are masters of medication, and wherever and whenever drugs are used, there is a role for pharmacists.
Clinical pharmacy is likely the second most prominent role for pharmacists. These pharmacists work alongside other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, etc., to optimize patient drug regimens. These pharmacists generally seek residencies after pharmacy school and specialize in psychiatry, pediatrics, infectious disease, etc. Here is information on residences https://www.accp.com/stunet/compass/residency.aspx.
Pharmacy industry is also a popular route for those with PharmDs. These pharmacists usually work with manufacturers and play a role in regulatory or medical affairs and clinical development. Those interested in these positions typically seek fellowships after pharmacy school. Here is a brief article on pharmacy fellowships https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/an-introduction-to-pharmaceutical-industry-fellowships.
There are also opportunities for pharmacists at business and administration levels, academics, law, and even emerging fields such as cannabis dispensaries and pharmacy tech. As I mentioned above, pharmacists can do virtually anywhere where medication plays a role. If you are going to pharmacy school, I would highly suggest getting involved in different organizations to broaden your horizons on the potential areas for pharmacists. I would also recommend pushing yourself outside your boundaries and comfort zones when taking your internships. Many pharmacists are always looking to help future generations, and I would suggest reaching out to any pharmacists involved in a specific field of interest as well.
Best of luck, if you need more information, please let me know,
Anthony"
Mary Ehrgott
Pharmacist in HIV specialty setting
15
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Mary’s Answer
There are many career options once you pass licensure exam. You can work in retail pharmacy like independent or chain drug store, you can practice in institutional setting as a clinical pharmacist. You can also pursue a role in pharmaceutical industry. There are also a lot of subspecialties, veterinary pharmacy, radiation, oncology pharmacist, compounding specialty pharmacy, long term care, infectious diseases, ambulatory care, pain management, nutrition support, psychiatry, emergency/ critical care, geriatric pharmacy and pediatrics. I started out in retail pharmacy as a student, worked in pharmaceutical industry, spent the next 35 years in hospital pharmacy, now I am retired and am working in an HIV specialty pharmacy part time. I also have license to give immunizations. It’s very rewarding and offers a lot of choices.
Mary Ehrgott
Pharmacist in HIV specialty setting
15
Answers
Newtown, Pennsylvania
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Pharmaceutical industry, hospital pharmacy, retail pharmacy,
Daniel Shifrin
Hospital Pharmacy Manager
1
Answer
Rahway, New Jersey
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
There are many pharmacist positions that are not the traditional retail or clinical positions. Here are a few:
1) Long Term Care: Pharmacists fill the medications for several nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
2) IV infusion: Pharmacists fill the medications for facilities and individual patients, however all the medications are in the injectable form (intravenous medication, chemotherapy preparations, intramuscular meds, etc.)
3) Pharmaceutical industry: Pharmacists work in a variety of roles for pharmacy companies and laboratories.
4) Management: Pharmacists become Directors or Supervisors and manage others in the retail, hospital, and many other settings.
5) Sales: Pharmacists work in sales to “pitch” their company’s products to doctors, nurses, health professionals, and other pharmacists.
6) Teaching: Pharmacists teach and train others. They might teach others about a new piece of equipment. They might lecture others on a new drug or treatment. Or they might teach a high school or college course.
7) Specialty careers: Many pharmacists are trained in administering a variety of vaccines to the public. Others work in medicenters right in the pharmacy. Still others are quite knowledgeable about surgical supplies.
8) Technology: Some pharmacists have outstanding computer skills. They may provide help desk assistance for pharmacies. Or they may work for companies that provide computerized systems for these pharmacies.
These are a few roles available to a pharmacist. Many of these require added education and training. Others may require an advanced degree. So determine what interests you and never stop learning.
1) Long Term Care: Pharmacists fill the medications for several nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
2) IV infusion: Pharmacists fill the medications for facilities and individual patients, however all the medications are in the injectable form (intravenous medication, chemotherapy preparations, intramuscular meds, etc.)
3) Pharmaceutical industry: Pharmacists work in a variety of roles for pharmacy companies and laboratories.
4) Management: Pharmacists become Directors or Supervisors and manage others in the retail, hospital, and many other settings.
5) Sales: Pharmacists work in sales to “pitch” their company’s products to doctors, nurses, health professionals, and other pharmacists.
6) Teaching: Pharmacists teach and train others. They might teach others about a new piece of equipment. They might lecture others on a new drug or treatment. Or they might teach a high school or college course.
7) Specialty careers: Many pharmacists are trained in administering a variety of vaccines to the public. Others work in medicenters right in the pharmacy. Still others are quite knowledgeable about surgical supplies.
8) Technology: Some pharmacists have outstanding computer skills. They may provide help desk assistance for pharmacies. Or they may work for companies that provide computerized systems for these pharmacies.
Daniel recommends the following next steps:
Nalin Amin
Social impact
1
Answer
Herndon, Virginia
Updated
Nalin’s Answer
There are several options when it comes to pharmacy careers.
1. Pharmaceutical industry - in manufacturing and formulation develpment
2. The Food and Drug Administration - as a project manager reviewing applications
3. Hospital -in the in patient or out patient pharmacy
4. Long term care - dispensing pharmacy
5. Clinical Pharmacy in a hospital setting in specialized fields such as ICU.
6. Home care therapy - total parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy
1. Pharmaceutical industry - in manufacturing and formulation develpment
2. The Food and Drug Administration - as a project manager reviewing applications
3. Hospital -in the in patient or out patient pharmacy
4. Long term care - dispensing pharmacy
5. Clinical Pharmacy in a hospital setting in specialized fields such as ICU.
6. Home care therapy - total parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy