Consider working as a pharmacist if you’re interested in a profession in medicine. Customers can receive high-quality care from professionals in this position by receiving medication for a range of requirements.
In this post, we go over the duties and qualifications for becoming a pharmacist and provide a list of some possible pharmacy careers in this area.
What is the role of a pharmacist?
Pharmacy technicians write prescriptions in independent pharmacies associated with healthcare facilities. Also, they dispense OTC drugs after assessing a patient’s need. Working for pharmaceutical firms, food and beverage corporations, research groups, and laboratories are further pharmacy job opportunities.
The pharmacists working here are mostly engaged in pharmaceutical research, drug design, and quality control. Writing about pharmacy-related topics for magazines, newspapers, and other media is another employment option. They can also serve as lecturers in academic and research settings. They must always abide by the pertinent legal and regulatory obligations.
Qualifications for a career in pharmacy
Before starting a career in pharmacy, think about the degree of education required for your preferred position. A high school diploma is sufficient for entry-level pharmacy clerk work, while advanced roles necessitate specialist or doctoral degrees.
You must pay close attention to detail and have a thorough understanding of how medications work to succeed in any pharmacy profession you choose. Pharmacy technicians must properly fill prescriptions, ensure that the drugs are harmless to patients, and ensure that they don’t exacerbate any pre-existing allergies or disorders. They must treat patients with compassion, advise them on their medication schedule, and warn them of any potential adverse effects of the prescription.
Strong communication skills are necessary for this position because it necessitates regular interactions with consumers, employees, healthcare experts, suppliers, and others. To manage their personnel, they need to have good managerial abilities. They also need to be capable of budgeting, managing finances, and keeping track of dispensary accounts. Moreover, pharmacists are responsible for managing the pharmaceutical inventory, supervising its storage, and ordering additional supplies as needed.
Pharmacy careers
The occupations in the pharmacy sector listed below are ones you might want to think about pursuing.
1. Medication dispenser
Nationwide average hourly wage: $13.04
Primary responsibilities: A pharmacist dispenser in pharmacy careers chooses medical supplies or equipment by a patient’s medication order and places them in an appropriately labeled receptacle. The patient’s individual and insurance data is also updated on the computer. They help the pharmacist with documentation processing, phone screening, insurance carrier communication, maintaining inventory, making wholesale purchases, organizing goods properly on shelves, and processing documentation.
2. Pharmacy assistant
National median hourly wage: $12.39
Primary responsibilities: A pharmacy clerk’s tasks in pharmacy careers include revising patient information files, writing prescriptions for consumers, and processing cash machine transactions. Also, they guarantee that the pharmaceutical area is tidy and organized. They help the pharmacist order supplies and input them into the inventory as well.
3. Pharmacy technician
Nationwide average hourly wage: $16.27
Primary responsibilities: A pharmacy technician in pharmacy careers operates in a healthcare facility or pharmacy under a certified pharmacist. They assist with running the pharmacy office, which includes placing orders for drugs for the stock as well as maintaining the shelves’ cleanliness, stock levels, and organizational order. They also write prescriptions for patients, give out the right drugs in the right amounts, and look out for allergies and drug-food combinations. They pay attention to the patient’s health issues and could recommend over-the-counter drugs for certain of the patient’s conditions.
4. Pharmacy assistant
National median hourly wage: $14.31
Primary responsibilities: A pharmacy assistant in pharmacy careers assists the management of the pharmacy with routine administrative chores such as monitoring inventories, creating invoices, conducting audits, and obtaining office supplies. They maintain personnel records and run background investigations on new hires. They also make sure that every one of the pharmacy rooms and equipment is maintained clean and educate employees for compliance and security needs.
5. Pharmacist for chemotherapy
National median hourly wage: $52.55
Primary responsibilities: A chemotherapy pharmacist’s in pharmacy careers main responsibilities include preparing and dispensing the chemotherapy medications used during cancer treatments. They evaluate the efficacy of these medications and provide cancer clinics and cancer treatment facilities with their analysis. The healthcare professionals can then determine how well the medications will work to treat cancer patients.
6. Pharmacist
National median hourly wage: $52.47
Primary responsibilities: The main responsibilities of a pharmacist in pharmacy careers are to have extensive knowledge about pharmaceutical items and how they should be used. They evaluate patients, fill prescriptions for medications, and, if necessary, consult with healthcare providers and physicians about alternative medications. Medication is ordered, stocked, and properly arranged on drugstore shelves. They also keep track of patient and drug information.
7. Long-term care pharmacists
National median hourly wage: $54.63 is the average hourly wage in the country.
Primary responsibilities: A long-term care pharmacist’s main responsibilities include managing the pharmaceutical services provided to residents of the facility. They collaborate with the hospital’s doctors, nurses, and medical personnel to assess patients’ health, administer any prescribed medications, and address any pharmacy-related issues. They monitor and document the outcomes of the patient’s pharmaceutical regimen and update the patient’s drug information in a clinical system. Also, they generate reports on drug usage and offer suggestions to enhance clinical patient care.
8. Nuclear pharmacist
National median hourly wage: $52.55
Primary responsibilities: The main responsibilities of a nuclear pharmacist in pharmacy careers include producing, testing, and distributing radiopharmaceuticals for the detection and treatment of various cancers and other disorders. Along with overseeing lab processes and testing tools used in drug production, they also keep an eye on how radiopharmaceuticals are handled, packaged, and delivered. They take an active role in preserving workplace safety and in the proper disposal of dangerous biohazardous material products. They also maintain manufacturing and sales records, adhere to corporate standards, and follow regulatory requirements.
9. Pharmacy director
National median hourly wage: $108,574
Primary responsibilities: A pharmacy director in pharmacy careers is in charge of managing and supervising the activities of a pharmacy. To securely provide pharmaceuticals to patients, they obtain, store, and collaborate with medical personnel. They respond to pharmaceutical claims adjudication in addition to keeping precise documentation of accounting activities. They decide whether to update current operational plans and safety practices or propose better ones. For maximum effectiveness, they improve performance, review service standards, and execute strategic strategies.
10. Employee pharmacist
National median hourly wage: $55.16
Primary responsibilities: A staff pharmacist’s main responsibilities in pharmacy careers include dispensing precise prescription orders, administering vaccines, and advising patients on how to take their drugs. They perform quality and operational assurance evaluations, install and monitor safety procedures, and evaluate and interpret findings. They also make sure that laws and regulations are followed.
11. Pharmacy supervisor
National median hourly wage: $112,139
Primary responsibilities: A pharmacy manager’s main responsibilities in pharmacy careers include running the day-to-day business of a pharmacy. They manage prescriptions and other items, offer effective client service and keep a database of patient medicines. They seek advice from medical professionals before writing prescriptions and give consumers advice about taking medication and any negative effects. They follow administrative and legal norms and procedures while prescribing over-the-counter drugs for minor diseases.
12. The lead pharmacist
National median hourly wage: $111,019
Primary responsibilities: A lead pharmacist in pharmacy careers hires pharmacy employees and supervises their work. They also conduct daily operations in conjunction with the pharmacy administration. They keep a record of patient medical information, speak with patients about their prescription needs, and consult with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals regarding prescriptions.
They are in charge of placing orders, maintaining inventories, storing pharmaceuticals, and disposing of stale or tainted medication. Additionally, they guarantee that the pharmacy abides by all rules and laws.
13. Clinical pharmacist
National median hourly wage: $117,977
Primary responsibilities: A clinical pharmacist in pharmacy careers reviews and dispenses medications to patients in collaboration with doctors and other medical health professionals. When a patient’s prescription medications cause adverse responses, they assess their drug regimen and might suggest a different pharmacotherapeutic strategy. They counsel patients on how to take their medications properly and keep an eye out for any health issues.
14. Pharmaceutical expert
National median hourly wage: $112,282
Primary responsibilities: The key responsibilities of a pharmacy specialist in pharmacy careers include compiling and maintaining patient health records and reviewing them to assess a patient’s needs for self-care. They educate patients about self-care medications, goods, and services while tracking them using computerized medical records and other electronic methods. They also set up appointments with the necessary medical professionals and financial advisors, as well as inform them about the registration requirements for the various drug assistance programs that are available. They collaborate with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to manage the patient’s needs and medical condition.
15. Pharmacologist
National median hourly wage: $140,020
Primary responsibilities: A pharmacologist in pharmacy careers collaborates with medical facilities, biopharmaceutical businesses, and other institutions to identify and create treatments for the treatment of cancer and a variety of other disorders. In several clinical development initiatives, they frequently work with research scientists to carry out quantitative analysis, clinical study simulations, and safety checks. The pharmacologist investigates, evaluates, and assesses patient pharmacokinetic as well as pharmacodynamic data.
16. Health outcomes pharmacist
National median hourly wage: $115,375
Primary responsibilities: A health outcomes pharmacist’s main responsibilities in pharmacy careers include developing and implementing various clinical pharmacy patient care initiatives. They could include illness condition management, pharmaceutical therapy management systems, and immunization services. They make that the pharmacy complies with FDA guidelines and operates by best practices. They assist and establish connections with customers and pharmacy workers using pharmacy system digital technologies. Additionally, they read journals and content about the pharmacy, attend training, and stay current on advancements in the pharmaceutical industry.
17. Technician in pharmaceutical research
National median hourly wage: $40,248
Primary responsibilities: Pharmaceutical research technicians in pharmacy careers aid medical professionals, such as physicians, veterinarians, and scientists, in the study and creation of new and existing pharmaceuticals. They frequently oversee research, record lab findings, keep records, and conduct tests for various chemicals. Also, the pharmaceutical research staff maintains a tidy lab.
18. Laboratory technician
National median hourly wage: $49,793 annually.
Primary responsibilities: Doing numerous tasks in a laboratory environment is the main responsibility of a laboratory technician in pharmacy careers. They look after the equipment, keep the area tidy, and assist the scientists while they conduct various experiments. Laboratory technicians also do tests by established protocols and assess samples.
19. Medical science liaison
Nationwide average yearly salary: $66,167
Primary responsibilities: Medical science liaisons in pharmacy careers serve as peers for scientists within the medical field. They guarantee that a product is used correctly and offer their coworkers scientific knowledge. Additionally, medical science liaisons interact with university researchers, attend conferences, and have talks on disease and medication management.
20. Coordinator of clinical research
Nationwide average yearly salary: $68,881
Primary responsibilities: Clinical research managers in pharmacy careers oversee clinical trials, which are administered by clinical research coordinators. They oversee and supervise clinical studies, compile data, inform participants of a study’s purpose, and distribute questionnaires.
21. Medical writer
National average yearly salary: $71,844
Primary responsibilities: Writing scientific papers, literature, or content for websites devoted to medicine or healthcare are the main responsibilities of a medical writer in pharmacy careers. They collaborate with scientists or doctors as they compose and revise their medical writing products.
22. Pharmacy sales representative
National average yearly salary: $75,327
Primary responsibilities: Pharmaceutical sales agents in pharmacy careers offer the pharmaceutical products of their organization. They inform medical practitioners about these goods and how these medications, equipment, and therapies can suit the requirements of the patients they serve. Medical practitioners can also get assistance from pharmaceutical sales personnel in understanding how their goods vary from those of rival companies.
23. Healthcare representative
National average yearly salary: $77,813
Primary responsibilities: Key responsibilities include selling the company’s goods, such as pharmaceuticals and medical equipment. To reach potential clients in medical facilities like clinics, hospitals, and care facilities, they go to various sites. To market their company’s products to hospital health workers, medical representatives in pharmacy careers frequently schedule appointments.
24. Medical research assistant
National average yearly salary: $97,140
Primary responsibilities: The main responsibilities of a clinical research associate in pharmacy careers are managing clinical trials and studies involving biotechnological and pharmaceutical goods, treatments, and procedures. They research to guarantee the marketability of these products.
25. Research scientist
National average yearly salary: $107,617
Primary responsibilities: Research scientists in pharmacy careers plan and analyze data from laboratory trials, studies, and investigations. They collaborate with other teammates and support staff, prepare grant ideas, submit funding applications, and organize and carry out tests.
26. Supervisor of regulatory affairs
National average yearly salary: $107,783
Primary responsibilities: Managers of regulatory affairs in pharmacy careers have the primary responsibility of ensuring that businesses follow all rules and regulations established by various regulatory agencies. In addition to coordinating corporate inspections, they supervise the regulatory process and develop protocols to ensure compliance.
27. A clinical research scientist
National average yearly salary: $112,564
Primary responsibilities: Clinical research scientists conduct medical research in a lab setting. They devote the majority of their time to studying and analyzing various illnesses to pinpoint health issues. They make use of their findings to assist doctors in accurately diagnosing patients. In addition to designing trial materials, clinical research experts in pharmacy careers guarantee the security and efficacy of drugs, therapies, procedures, and gadgets.
Advice for pharmacy careers
To enter or advance in the field of pharmacology, use the following advice:
- Attend meetings. Attend a pharmacology convention to get new knowledge and network with professionals in your area. These conferences can also be used to gain insight into various career options in pharmacology.
- Make connections with business leaders. Get to know the pharmacists in your neighborhood. You can talk about your experiences and gain more knowledge about the business as a whole by doing this.
- Take a course. Even if you have a degree, think about taking programs for continuous education. Your passion for pharmacology may be rekindled and your knowledge of your area may increase as a result of taking these courses.
Professional experience
To demonstrate to prospective employers that you are eager and capable of applying the knowledge you have acquired during your degree to the workplace, it is crucial to gain relevant job experience.
The majority of retail companies provide six to eight-week-long summer placement programs in community pharmacies. Some companies will use these programs to find their pre-registration trainees.
You might gain experience working at a hospital pharmacy, albeit it might only be through unpaid work shadowing that lasts some couple of days up to a couple of weeks.
Depending on your passions, you might also have the chance to complete a placement with a pharmaceutical firm.
You can gain valuable skills, such as those in patient or client service, through experience in retail or volunteer work in a medical environment. You can also learn more about over-the-counter medicines.
Common employers
In the UK, most private pharmacies and large chain stores employ local pharmacists of all specialties. Others work for small- or medium-sized large retailers, GP offices, or medical facilities.
The bulk of clinical pharmacists is employed by NHS hospitals. You could also work for a private hospital.
Pharmacists who meet the requirements can serve as a locum (short replacement) pharmacists, either independently or through an organization.
Graduates of pharmacy programs can find employment in the private sector at businesses like pharmaceutical and food and beverage firms, where they can work in fields like quality control, marketing, sales, and management.
Different forms of employers include:
- The armed forces: The Royal Navy, Army, and Royal Air Force all employ military pharmacists.
- For a job as an academic pharmacist, consider universities and research facilities.
- Veterinary pharmaceutical practices – As a veterinary pharmacist, you may work for specialized clinics, college veterinary programs, the pharmaceutical sector, as well as government organizations and departments like the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.
Skills for your resume
You can learn abilities particular to the position of a pharmacist by studying pharmacy, such as:
- A functional understanding of the information and hypotheses relevant to the design, development, production, and delivery of medications.
- Understanding of the characteristics and medical use of drugs
- Understanding how patients respond to the medications they take and having successful communication with patients and other healthcare providers
- Creation of scientific documents particular to pharmacies
- The functioning of pharmaceutical equipment
- Understanding of the rules of law and moral issues about the distribution of medicines
- Analysis of medications, knowledge of the needs of specific patients, and public health concerns.
Also, you acquire a variety of abilities that appeal to companies outside your field. They consist of:
- Social and communication abilities
- The capacity to perform well in a team environment
- Computation and quantitative skills
- Analytical thinking and research abilities
- Ability to think logically and methodically, as well as the capacity to solve problems
- Organizational and time management abilities
- Commercial sensibility.
Additional studies
Few pharmacy graduates continue their education immediately after graduation. This is because a pre-entry postgraduate degree is neither required nor typically advantageous while seeking employment in the field of pharmacy.
Pharmacy graduates who are interested in a career in scientific study and development can pursue an MSc or Ph.D. in a variety of areas, including biological or chemical sciences, pharmacy, prescription, and drug research and development.
Graduates who choose to pursue jobs outside of pharmacy may enroll in an appropriate postgraduate or vocational program to hone their abilities and enhance their knowledge in related fields.
Conclusion
Your next step if you’re a person who wants to pursue a profession in pharmacy is to get a degree from an approved college or university. There is a starting point for you in a PharmD program regardless of whether you have previously earned a bachelor’s degree or are currently pursuing one. You can earn your degree in four to six years, based on where you’re at in your university education.
Why do you persist in waiting? Select the finest program to launch your pharmacy careers and guide you along the professional path that best suits your skills and interests.
Frequently Asked Questions about pharmacy careers
- What do pharmacy careers entail?
They can help patients by utilizing their expertise in medications. Three specialties largely separate the area of pharmacy: Pharmaceutics. Pharmaceutical Science & Medical Chemistry. Pharmacy Techniques.
- What area of pharmacy offers the best pay?
The jobs with the highest salaries for pharmacists include those working in retail (average pay: $156,000), compounding ($150,000), hospitals ($148,000), and pharmacometricians ($142,000). It can be challenging to attend pharmacy school.
- Can someone studying pharmacy become a doctor?
After completing your B. Pharm., you are, regrettably, not eligible for employment as a doctor. since a doctor is a different career than a pharmacy. You must complete MBBS, BDS, or Ayush Doctor coursework to become a doctor. BAMS, BHMS, B.U.M.S., etc. are necessary based on a minimum level of education.
Elizabeth is a seasoned content writer with multiple years of experience writing on different topics under the general terms of scholarship, academics, business management, and human resource management and development.
She has a degree in Mass Communication and other relevant certifications.