Curious about a career in pharmacy? You’re not the only one! The demand for pharmacists is soaring, with lots of amazing jobs on offer. This article gives a summary of the job market for pharmacists. Plus, it has other helpful info to help you be successful in this extremely rewarding field.
Introduction
Pharmacy is expanding! Demand is on the rise, especially in the US, where there are over 333,000 pharmacists. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a 3% job growth from 2019 to 2029. Pharmacists are needed in many settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, and other healthcare facilities. As the population ages and medication therapies advance, the demand for pharmacists will grow. Pharmacists play a vital role in patient care, providing expert advice to ensure safe, effective drug use. With a bright career outlook, pharmacy is a fantastic option for those who love healthcare and helping people.
Overview of Pharmacy Careers
Pharmacy offers many career chances for those seeking a job. The need for healthcare is rising, so the pharmacy sector will likely keep growing in the future.
In 2020, the US had around 314,300 pharmacist jobs. It’s predicted to increase by 3% in the next 10 years, creating 9,400 new positions. Pharmacists can work in many different places, such as community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities and government agencies.
Besides pharmacists, there are other pharmacy-related roles, including pharmacy technicians, pharmacology researchers, drug safety specialists and pharmaceutical sales reps. As healthcare keeps developing, job prospects for people in pharmacy will remain plentiful.
Pro Tip: To boost your job opportunities in the pharmacy industry, get extra certifications, like advanced practice pharmacists or board-certified pharmacotherapy specialists.
Education Requirements for Pharmacists
Pharmacists are highly sought after. Job growth is predicted to be 6% from 2019-2029, faster than average for all occupations.
To become a pharmacist, education and training are required. A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is the minimum educational requirement. It takes 4 years to complete, consisting of coursework and clinical rotations.
To apply for the PharmD program, having a bachelor’s degree is necessary, as well as a minimum GPA and certain coursework.
After the PharmD program, two exams need to be passed: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam.
Pro Tip: Pharmacy students can gain experience and network in the field by attending pharmacy conferences and joining professional organizations.
Job Opportunities for Pharmacists
Pharmacists are essential in the healthcare world. Demand for them is predicted to soar in the future. The job outlook is favorable, with many job openings.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 314,300 pharmacists in the US in 2020. The BLS believes that pharmacist employment could rise by 3% from 2020 to 2030, which is the average rate for all occupations.
With growing need for healthcare services, notably in the elderly population, there is a greater requirement for pharmacists in numerous healthcare settings, including hospitals, retail pharmacies, clinics and pharmaceutical companies.
Besides traditional pharmacy roles, pharmacists can similarly find work in non-traditional areas such as research, education, government and consulting.
Job prospects for pharmacists are expected to stay strong, making it an appealing career option.
Salary Range for Pharmacists
The salary for pharmacists depends on experience, location, and industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage as $128,710 in May 2020.
Pharmacists can work in healthcare, retail, or pharmaceutical manufacturing. Federal government and pharmaceutical manufacturing offer the highest pay, with $141,020 and $138,980 in median wages respectively.
Outlook is positive, with a 3% growth projected from 2020 to 2030. This is due to an aging population and improved access to healthcare.
For higher salary and job prospects, consider specializing, getting an advanced degree, or obtaining certifications. Research the industry and location for best results.
Benefits of Working as a Pharmacist
Pharmacists have a dazzling future! There are many global job openings. Online pharmacies and the need for drugs in society make the demand for skilled pharmacists higher than ever. Benefits of being a pharmacist include:
- Earnings that are high
- Diverse job prospects, from retail to research
- Assisting people and making a positive difference in their lives
- Possibility of learning and growing
- Flexible work hours and the chance to work part-time.
Pharmacists are essential in the healthcare system and their know-how is priceless.
Pro Tip: To stay ahead, keep up-to-date with the latest medication developments and technology.
Challenges of Working as a Pharmacist
Being a pharmacist has its troubles. From long working hours to a high-pressure environment and dealing with insurance companies, these can all be challenging. Despite this, there are many job openings for pharmacists.
Here are some facts:
- The Bureau of Labor Statistics says there were 314,300 pharmacist jobs in 2020 in the U.S.
- The employment outlook for pharmacists is stable with a 3% growth rate estimated for 2019-2029.
- 60% of pharmacists work in retail pharmacies and 25% in hospitals.
- Advanced degrees and specialized training might open up more job possibilities. For example, clinical and research pharmacists may get jobs in universities, research institutions and consulting firms.
In conclusion, being a pharmacist can be difficult, but there are many job opportunities in the field with different sub-disciplines to explore.
Conclusion
To finish, there’s a lot of jobs for pharmacists in many industries and environments. Let’s see some examples:
- Community Pharmacy: Most pharmacists work in shops near drugstores, grocery stores, or supermarkets. They give out medication, and offer advice on prescriptions and non-prescription drugs.
- Hospital Pharmacy: At hospitals, pharmacists work in the pharmacy department. They check and provide medication to patients, and work together with doctors and other medical personnel to ensure all orders are correct.
- Pharmaceutical Industry: In the pharma industry, pharmacists may take on research and development, drug safety, and medical information roles. They have an important part in creating new drugs, ensuring patients receive quality medication.
- Government Agencies: Pharmacists can also work in government bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These roles involve regulating drugs, and keeping the public safe.
Pro tip: To find more job opportunities, research and build your network.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many jobs are available for pharmacists in the United States?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 314,300 jobs for pharmacists in the United States as of May 2020.
2. What industries employ the most pharmacists?
The majority of pharmacists are employed in the retail industry, followed by hospitals, ambulatory healthcare services, and the federal government.
3. Are there any regions in the United States with a higher demand for pharmacists?
Yes, regions with a higher population density tend to have a higher demand for pharmacists. States such as California, Texas, Florida, and New York have the highest number of employed pharmacists.
4. What qualifications do I need to become a pharmacist?
Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and a state license. They must also complete a residency program and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination in order to become licensed.
5. Is the demand for pharmacists expected to increase or decrease in the future?
The demand for pharmacists is expected to increase in the future due to an aging population and the need for more healthcare services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 3% growth in employment for pharmacists from 2020 to 2030.
6. What types of job opportunities are available for pharmacists?
Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings such as retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, and government agencies. They can also pursue careers in research, academia, or the pharmaceutical industry.