The Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes the annual Occupational Outlook Handbook. The handbook describes the demand for pharmacists, working conditions, salary expectations, and educational and licensing requirements.
Here are some highlights:
- The demand for pharmacists remains strong and is expected to grow by 22% through 2016, much faster than average.
- Pharmacists work in clean, well-lit environments, and tend to work 40 hours per week.
- Some downsides to the profession include: a requirement to stand much of the day, and the need to work evenings, weekends and holidays.
Salary Of A Pharmacist:
- According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median salary for pharmacists in May 2006 was $94,520.
- According to www.salary.com, the national average salary for pharmacists is $107,653 as of August 2009.
- In addition to a high base salary, many employers offer sign-on bonuses in the range of $5,000-$15,000, even for pharmacists right out of school. Find the latest up-to-date figures on pharmacists salary here.
Pharmacist Continuing Education
- Since 1992, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.) is required from an accredited college or pharmacy school. Prior to 1992, only a Bachelor of Science degree was required.
- Most Pharm.D. schools require two years of postsecondary education prior to entry.
- Most Pharm.D. schools require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).
- Pharm.D. programs last four years, requiring a total of six years of postsecondary education.
Pharmacy Schools
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education at lists accredited pharmacy schools by state and provides links to the school websites.
Another useful website, which also provides listings by state and summarizes facts about each school, can be found at www.uspharmd.com.
How Much Does Pharmacy School Cost?
The cost varies depending on whether you choose public or private and with public schools, whether you are resident or non-resident. Here are tuition ranges for four years of pharmacy school, according to www.costhelper.com:
- Public Pharmacy School for Residents: $14,800 – $82,000
- Public Pharmacy School for Non-Residents: $39,800 – $131,200
- Private Pharmacy School: $74,800 – $160,000
Pharmacist Internship
Many Pharm.D. programs require an internship in a local pharmacy setting, in order to complete the program. In order to work in a pharmacy, an intern pharmacist license is generally required.
Licensing
- All states require a license to practice as a pharmacist.
- Most states require two exams in order to obtain the license, including:
- The North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) which tests pharmacy skills and knowledge.
- Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) which tests knowledge of pharmacy law.
- States that don’t require these two exams administer their own exams.
Continuing Education Requirements
All states have Continuing Education requirements. Many require an average of 15 CEUs per year. You can find a recently updated list of requirements by state here: http://cme.medscape.com/public/pharmcestaterequirements Always check with your state licensing board for the most current requirements.
Pharmacist Employment
- 62% of pharmacists work in community pharmacies – including independent drugstores, drugstore chains, grocery chains, and department stores.
- 23% of pharmacists work in hospitals.
- The remaining pharmacists work for Internet pharmacies, pharmaceutical wholesalers, physicians’ offices, and the Federal Government.
Pharmacist Job Search
- Use the career center at your pharmacy school.
- Review career opportunities listed on the websites of the largest employers of pharmacists, including CVS Caremark, Walgreen’s, and Rite-Aid drugstore chains as well as major department stores like Wal-Mart and Target.
- Rxcareercenter.com
Pharmacist Job Description
- American Pharmacists Association (APhA) – founded in 1852, this is the largest association of pharmacists in the U.S. The website is very informative.
- National Community Pharmacists Association – an association of independent community pharmacists.
- Each state has a pharmacy association. Simply do an internet search on “pharmacy association” along with your state name.
Summary
In short, pharmacists must complete a long and rigorous course of study before they may practice. In the end, the financial rewards are excellent. However, before you commit to entering a pharmacy program, make sure the job itself is a good fit for your strengths and passions. Do all the research you can. You might even consider obtaining an entry-level position in a pharmacy to see what it’s really like.
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