4 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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3 answers
Anthony Petrello
Pharmacist
51
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"
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.
Yolanda Williams, PharmD, PhD
Pharmacist
20
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.