The Condition of Pharmacist Jobs Today


by A Noton - Date: 2010-08-19 - Word Count: 545 Share This!

When people are sick they often require medicine and they often want it now. Pharmacist Jobs are some of the most important in the world in that persons in this field must possess much knowledge not only of individual medications, but of the interaction of various medicines as well. For those who are considering a Pharmacy career, the knowledge that one is helping others while earning a good salary makes the effort in schooling worth the time.

In the US and elsewhere in the world careers in pharmacy are dwindling and not because the need has seen a decline. Many who have served in this field for years are now of retirement age. Additionally, newcomers of both genders are selecting other career paths, many opting for part-time over full-time work in the field due to changes in the system.

Some find Pharmacy Jobs are limiting in that the only thing required is dispensing of medication. A recent survey by the Pharmacy Manpower Project, Inc., however, revealed that the desire to focus on the care of individual patients, through drug counseling and administration of immunizations, is very strong. Despite the fact pharmacists are busier than ever and they might not have the additional time required to get to know their patients, the results in the actual numbers of people entering the field is telling.

There is no doubt that Staffing Agencies are having and harder time filling vacant positions and it appears that the trend will continue. Due to changing demographics (46% are now female) the part-time over full-time positions are preferred. A majority of males are finding themselves in an aging group (40% of males are over 55 compared to 10% females); therefore, part-time positions allow pharmacists access to leisure activities they lacked previously.

One of the key changes is not only the position where pharmacies are now found. Many can now be located in places such as supermarkets, chair stores, and independent businesses as well as hospitals. However, even though pharmacists may be working less they are earning an average of 38% more annually.

Despite the declining numbers of Pharmacists, the prescription market is on the rise. This has been compensated for in many locations with the addition of non-pharmacist jobs whose primary responsibility it is to see to the needs of their clients. They take in prescription scripts, check authorizations, contact doctors when needed, run the cash register, and have many other duties that provide the Pharmacist with the time needed to actually fill the prescriptions and counsel patients.

Another change in the field is technology. Over 60% of the survey respondents indicated that new equipment has improved efficiency and saved a significant amount of time which allows them to vary individual work schedules. The automatic refill phone system, medication counters for non-prescription drugs, and bar coding system have all proven to improve quality of care, productivity, and job satisfaction for those who have selected a Pharmacy career.

Many select Pharmacist Jobs because they are helping others while earning a good salary. According to the survey, 77% indicated their job satisfaction was very high, which is unusual to find in any industry. Additionally, with the shortage currently being experienced, finding a job would be easier than ever. For those researching career options, a career in pharmacy is well worth investigating.


With full- and part-time pharmacy jobs opportunities in every state and every setting, one of our RPh on the Go career consultants can help you go wherever you want to go in your career.n
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