3 answers
Lillian
Student
Olive Branch, Mississippi
1
Question
Updated
216 views
What is the hardest part about being a clinical pharmacist in a hospital ?
I am a senior in high school this year, and I aspire to be a clincal pharmacist. The healthcare field is a big interest for me. I dream of changing lives and helping others.
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3 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 no 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.
Michelle Monturo
Pharmacist
1
Answer
Gilbert, Arizona
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hi Lillian;
Just an FYI first:
I am a retired Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist and I retired after working at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for over 20 years.
IMHO, the hardest part about becoming a clinical hospital pharmacist is the getting there.
The entry level degree is a 6 year college degree (PharmD or Doctor of Pharmacy) Today, some students go on to specialize and can do another few years in residency programs too. After completion of the PharmD. program you take your
National + state Boards for the RPh. license.
This is when you become an “officially registered + licensed pharmacist” in your respective state
Each state has different licensing requirements and in order to practice in any other state besides the one you are currently in, you may have to take their individual law exam in order to transfer your license. (Example: I originally was licensed in NY but after about 11-12 years, I moved to AZ., so I took AZ.’s law exam) **AZ board of Pharmacy sent me what I needed to apply and I took the AZ law exam online**
The course work for pharmacy is basically pre-med with an emphasis on math, sciences + communications prior to any pharmacy related specific study. You will work towards receiving your Pharmacist Intern Permit.+ you will also do internship rotations in your later college years.
(these rotations are required but you can also choose areas of interest to you)
I found it helpful to also work in pharmacy during my time in school.
It will help you to remember the generic and brand names of medications. It also reinforces what each medication is for and how they are administered plus dosage forms + common strengths.
To be honest, I think that most of my life long experience really came after
School through working on the job.
I think that what you need to know about clinical hospital positions is that no matter what area you choose to work in, you will always start out as a staff member learning the various skills, techniques and methods used by the institution before you even begin going on rounds and/or suggesting medications. Most graduates do not start with a specific clinical title, unless they have residency experience &/or a specific board specialty.
BPS Specialty Certifications
From patient to provider, the value of the BPS-certified pharmacist registers throughout the health care continuum. For pharmacy professionals, documentation of specialized experience and skills yields the additional benefits of personal satisfaction, financial rewards and career advancement.
Currently BPS recognizes more than 62,250 pharmacist certifications worldwide across fifteen specialties: ambulatory care pharmacy, cardiology pharmacy, compounded sterile preparations pharmacy, critical care pharmacy, emergency medicine pharmacy, geriatric pharmacy, infectious diseases pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition support pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, pain management pharmacy, pediatric pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, psychiatric pharmacy and solid organ transplantation pharmacy.
As my opinion, I’d like to add that I was a late starter. I was a medical assistant and went back to school at
about 25yo., I met my husband in college (also a retired pharmacist) we have 3 grown children.
I absolutely loved my many roles at
Phoenix Children’s Hospital and was always impressed and amazed by how much everyone worked together as a team. I have NEVER regretted my decision to become a pharmacist nor our decision to move across the country for me to get my
“dream job” as a pediatric clinical pharmacist”.
In any event, I hope that this information will help you decide on your career. Best of Luck to you!
Just an FYI first:
I am a retired Pediatric Clinical Pharmacist and I retired after working at Phoenix Children’s Hospital for over 20 years.
IMHO, the hardest part about becoming a clinical hospital pharmacist is the getting there.
The entry level degree is a 6 year college degree (PharmD or Doctor of Pharmacy) Today, some students go on to specialize and can do another few years in residency programs too. After completion of the PharmD. program you take your
National + state Boards for the RPh. license.
This is when you become an “officially registered + licensed pharmacist” in your respective state
Each state has different licensing requirements and in order to practice in any other state besides the one you are currently in, you may have to take their individual law exam in order to transfer your license. (Example: I originally was licensed in NY but after about 11-12 years, I moved to AZ., so I took AZ.’s law exam) **AZ board of Pharmacy sent me what I needed to apply and I took the AZ law exam online**
The course work for pharmacy is basically pre-med with an emphasis on math, sciences + communications prior to any pharmacy related specific study. You will work towards receiving your Pharmacist Intern Permit.+ you will also do internship rotations in your later college years.
(these rotations are required but you can also choose areas of interest to you)
I found it helpful to also work in pharmacy during my time in school.
It will help you to remember the generic and brand names of medications. It also reinforces what each medication is for and how they are administered plus dosage forms + common strengths.
To be honest, I think that most of my life long experience really came after
School through working on the job.
I think that what you need to know about clinical hospital positions is that no matter what area you choose to work in, you will always start out as a staff member learning the various skills, techniques and methods used by the institution before you even begin going on rounds and/or suggesting medications. Most graduates do not start with a specific clinical title, unless they have residency experience &/or a specific board specialty.
BPS Specialty Certifications
From patient to provider, the value of the BPS-certified pharmacist registers throughout the health care continuum. For pharmacy professionals, documentation of specialized experience and skills yields the additional benefits of personal satisfaction, financial rewards and career advancement.
Currently BPS recognizes more than 62,250 pharmacist certifications worldwide across fifteen specialties: ambulatory care pharmacy, cardiology pharmacy, compounded sterile preparations pharmacy, critical care pharmacy, emergency medicine pharmacy, geriatric pharmacy, infectious diseases pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy, nutrition support pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, pain management pharmacy, pediatric pharmacy, pharmacotherapy, psychiatric pharmacy and solid organ transplantation pharmacy.
As my opinion, I’d like to add that I was a late starter. I was a medical assistant and went back to school at
about 25yo., I met my husband in college (also a retired pharmacist) we have 3 grown children.
I absolutely loved my many roles at
Phoenix Children’s Hospital and was always impressed and amazed by how much everyone worked together as a team. I have NEVER regretted my decision to become a pharmacist nor our decision to move across the country for me to get my
“dream job” as a pediatric clinical pharmacist”.
In any event, I hope that this information will help you decide on your career. Best of Luck to you!
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Hi Lilian!
It’s wonderful that you’re interested in clinical pharmacy and want to make a difference in people’s lives. Clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in patient care, especially in hospitals. Here are some of the most challenging parts of the job, based on what many professionals in healthcare experience:
1. High responsibility for patient safety
Clinical pharmacists must ensure that every medication ordered, prepared, and administered is safe for the patient. This means catching errors, checking doses, preventing harmful interactions, and making quick decisions — all under pressure.
2. Fast-paced and unpredictable environment
Hospitals can change in an instant. Patients may deteriorate, emergencies happen, and medication needs shift suddenly. Staying focused and calm in stressful situations is one of the toughest parts.
3. Communicating with large medical teams
You’ll work with doctors, nurses, specialists, and families. Sometimes you’ll need to advocate for a safer medication option or explain why a change is necessary. Clear communication is key — and not always easy.
4. Emotionally difficult cases
When you work in a hospital, you see patients who are very sick. Even though pharmacists don’t provide direct emotional care like psychologists or nurses, it can still be hard to watch patients struggle or not improve.
5. Keeping up with constant medical updates
Medications, treatments, and guidelines change fast. Clinical pharmacists must always be learning, researching, and staying updated to give the best recommendations.
The good news
Even with these challenges, many clinical pharmacists say it’s incredibly rewarding. You help save lives, prevent harm, and support patients during their most vulnerable moments.
If you care deeply about health, learning, and helping people — this career can be a beautiful fit.
Feel free to ask more if you want advice about the path to become a clinical pharmacist or what to expect in your training!
It’s wonderful that you’re interested in clinical pharmacy and want to make a difference in people’s lives. Clinical pharmacists play a crucial role in patient care, especially in hospitals. Here are some of the most challenging parts of the job, based on what many professionals in healthcare experience:
1. High responsibility for patient safety
Clinical pharmacists must ensure that every medication ordered, prepared, and administered is safe for the patient. This means catching errors, checking doses, preventing harmful interactions, and making quick decisions — all under pressure.
2. Fast-paced and unpredictable environment
Hospitals can change in an instant. Patients may deteriorate, emergencies happen, and medication needs shift suddenly. Staying focused and calm in stressful situations is one of the toughest parts.
3. Communicating with large medical teams
You’ll work with doctors, nurses, specialists, and families. Sometimes you’ll need to advocate for a safer medication option or explain why a change is necessary. Clear communication is key — and not always easy.
4. Emotionally difficult cases
When you work in a hospital, you see patients who are very sick. Even though pharmacists don’t provide direct emotional care like psychologists or nurses, it can still be hard to watch patients struggle or not improve.
5. Keeping up with constant medical updates
Medications, treatments, and guidelines change fast. Clinical pharmacists must always be learning, researching, and staying updated to give the best recommendations.
The good news
Even with these challenges, many clinical pharmacists say it’s incredibly rewarding. You help save lives, prevent harm, and support patients during their most vulnerable moments.
If you care deeply about health, learning, and helping people — this career can be a beautiful fit.
Feel free to ask more if you want advice about the path to become a clinical pharmacist or what to expect in your training!