It may seem that with a degree in pharmacy, your options to work are very limited. However, this is not the case because the pharmaceutical industry is massive. Individuals with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree have a wide array of job opportunities if they choose to specialize in one of the various fields of pharmacy.
In this article, we will discuss some of the sub-fields of pharmacy that require skilled and qualified workers across the globe. However, before discussing the different pathways available for pharmacists, it is important to know how one can pursue a career in pharmacy.
What is a pharmacist, and how do you become one?
Pharmacists are knowledgeable, professional experts in the field of drugs. Pharmacists are essential in many commercial and public healthcare settings because of their accessibility, depth of knowledge, and skill in patient evaluation and counseling. Many of the duties that chemists must do are unique to the specialty they have chosen.
A pharmacist can improve patient care while also promoting wellness by dispensing accurate and secure medicines. They look at the characteristics of the medications and instruct patients and their carers on safe use practices to prevent drug interactions. In general, the role of pharmacists is crucial because the general public does not know which kind of medicine should be taken in what doses. Pharmacists are taught about various drugs throughout their professional degree. Due to this, they know the good and harmful properties of all drugs and their age and weight-appropriate dosages.
A solid educational background from a recognized institution or university is essential if you want to become a pharmacist. To practice pharmacy, it is necessary to hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. With its uniquely designed online pharmacy program, the University of Findlay gives prospective pharmacists a rare opportunity to get their degree from a reputable university online. Students are given complete freedom and flexibility to study the course at their own pace.
Different pathways and specializations for pharmacists
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Academic or scientific researcher in pharmaceuticals
If you like experimenting with ideas and are reluctant to give up the books just yet, pursuing a career in research after receiving your bachelor’s degree is a good option. Graduates of pharmacy programs have a wide range of research options available to them, including pharmacotherapy, drug development, clinical sciences, toxicology, public health and more.
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Clinical trials specialist (pharmaceutical sector)
In this field, chemists provide management and delivery assistance for clinical trials of novel medications. To ensure that the medications used in the research investigations are imported, preserved, accounted for, compounded, distributed and utilized in line with stringent procedures, studies must be organized from a medical standpoint. Communication with hospital professionals, therapy of participants and caretakers, and training of medical and nursing workers may all be part of this role.
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Oncology pharmacist
Oncology chemists are essential members of the medical staff. These professionals have specialized understanding of drugs and how they combat cancer. In collaboration with medical and nursing personnel, they aim to reduce toxicities while maximizing the advantages of medication therapy. The whole pharmaceutical schedule, including inpatient chemotherapy infusions and home medication regimens, is coordinated with the aid of chemists. Oncology chemists collaborate with the medical staff to inform patients about what to anticipate during treatment and make sure that each prescription is administered at the appropriate time and dosage.
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Mental health pharmacist
Mental health pharmacists in hospitals are responsible for providing clinical pharmacy services for adult psychological in-patient wards and psychiatric evaluation and planning units. This is a specialized field that calls for excellent interpersonal and collaborative abilities as well as up-to-date medication knowledge for psychiatric drug therapy. The management of antipsychotic medicine supplies to patients with mental health conditions in government agencies, outpatient clinics, community centers and specialized hospitals is the main objective.
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Drug safety officer
A drug safety officer’s main duties include conducting thorough clinical reviews of all reported adverse events and marketed products from within and outside the country, acting as a safety liaison contact for other departments, actively pursuing further investigation through event resolution, and participating in the execution of ongoing safety monitoring for both advertised and investigational drugs. These are just a few of the responsibilities of a drug safety officer.
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Visiting pharmacist
Pharmacy degree holders who are willing to travel and enjoy flexibility in their work can become locum pharmacists. This is a good career pathway for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy-related leave, vacations, employee churn, or relief situations such as when a regular chemist calls in ill, etc. This job can provide a chance to test out various working conditions and procedures. You should consider a job as a locum chemist if you have an adventurous spirit, are searching for flexibility, and want the chance to travel.
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Pharmacy director
Individuals who want to earn a high salary in the field of pharmacy should strive toward becoming a director of a pharmacy as it is among the highest-paying careers. The director of a pharmacy is in charge of managing and overseeing operations. In this position, you may acquire, store and distribute pharmaceuticals to patients securely while coordinating your efforts with the medical team. Along with keeping correct transaction records, you may also respond to pharmaceutical claim disputes and decide whether to update or adopt new operational programs and safety regulations. Implementing strategies, assessing service standards, and enhancing performance for maximum effectiveness could all be part of your duties.
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Pharmaceutical sales representative
A pharmaceutical salesperson helps chemists place orders for new drugs and makes visits to medical facilities to promote new treatments. In this position, you could meet with doctors and other healthcare providers to discuss new medications, provide in-depth knowledge about the drugs you sell, and suggest new medicines that pharmacies would be interested in buying. As a sales representative for a pharmaceutical company, you could travel frequently while promoting the drugs you offer in other cities.