Pharmacy Career Guide

With the need for pharmacists steadily increasing, a career in pharmacy is in high demand. However, there are many factors to consider when becoming a pharmacist, and a multitude of career paths under its umbrella. Here are some ways to get started and jump-start your career as a pharmacist.

Types of Pharmacy Careers 

• Pharmacy Assistant 

Requirements: High school diploma and on-the-job training

Duties: Keep a record of medications delivered, stock supplies and merchandise, and manage the cash register.

Median salary:  $29, 930

• Pharmacy Technician

Requirements: Certified Pharmacy Technician credential and a formal education program that leads to a certificate or associate’s degree; Background checks and drug screenings.

Duties: Collect information from customers, measure medication, package prescriptions, process insurance, manage customer service, and organize inventories.

Median salary: $36,740 

• Pharmacist

Requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree 

Duties: Check prescriptions to ensure accuracy, give flu and vaccination shots, ensure prescriptions won’t negatively interact with a customer’s other medications, test blood sugar or cholesterol, operate health and wellness screenings, and oversee the duties of pharmacy technicians and assistants.

Median salary: $128,570

Steps to Become a Pharmacist 

• Select a degree path

Many pharmacy schools have dual-degree programs in which you can obtain your bachelor’s degree as well as a PharmD over six to seven years.

• Complete the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

The PCAT is a required test for most pharmacy programs, in which the passing score varies from school to school.

• Attend pharmacy school

You will take science-related courses as well as Healthcare Management and Pharmacological Measurements. Also, a formal internship at a pharmacy is required to complete during your schooling.

• Take two licensure exams

Once you have completed your PharmD program, the next step is to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and either the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a state-specific jurisprudence exam.

• Apply for your pharmacy license

Once education and licensure exams are complete, it's time to apply for licensure. Depending on your state, specific requirements may vary. 

How to Find a Pharmacy Job You Love

As a licensed pharmacist, you will have the ability to work at a variety of locations to find the best fit for you. Examples include retail pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, government and military facilities, research labs, clinics/patient care settings, and private practices as a consultant. It can be overwhelming to find a job in the world of pharmacy when there are so many options and such a high demand for incoming pharmacists. HealthCare Support can help you get started in finding your dream career as a pharmacist.

A premiere, national staffing resource for the healthcare industry, HealthCare Support helps talented, passionate healthcare professionals like you find a job you love. We offer custom solutions, compassionate guidance, and highly responsive support so you can grow in your pharmacy career.

To learn more about our open jobs and services, please give us a call at 888-219-6285.