About the Profession

Pharmacy combines science, health care, computer technology, business, math and counseling. Often, jobs in the sciences involve limited interaction with the public, but pharmacy offers a rare balance of independence and interaction with patients, which can be very appealing if you’re a “people person.” If you’re looking for adventure, you might be surprised to learn that pharmacy can be very exciting; there’s a place for pharmacists out on the front lines, offering services during natural disasters, epidemics, and other crises.

Pharmacists are consistently ranked as some of the most highly trusted professionals because of the important care and health-related services they provide. If friends and/or family members frequently turn to you for advice, pharmacy may be a great field for you to explore.

There is a need for pharmacists in a wide variety of work settings: community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, mail order pharmacy centers, managed care organizations, and government agencies (Department of Defense, Department of Veterans Affairs, Public Health Service). What’s more, those with advanced pharmacy training can often move easily between these different areas. Pharmacy can offer many interesting opportunities over the course of your entire career.

Pharmacy is one of the most financially rewarding careers.  In 2016, over 90% of pharmacists report earning more than $100,000 per year.  Of those who reported an annual salary, 45.4% earned between $120,000 and $140,000 yearly. Pharmacists are consistently in demand, even in times of economic downturns, war, political reform and natural disasters, so there is a relatively high level of job security that comes with a career in pharmacy. Great pharmacists pursue continuing education opportunities not only because they are required to in order to maintain their licenses, but also because they are interested in new developments in the industry. In addition, they keep up with research journals and other relevant news.¹

Pharmacy is a very exciting, rewarding, and fast growing career. Pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals who practice in many health care settings including community pharmacy, hospital/health system pharmacy, consultant pharmacy, pharmaceutical sales and marketing, drug research and development, managed care pharmacy, academia, mail service pharmacy, specialty care pharmacy, and government agencies. Pharmacists deliver healthcare services to diverse patient populations with acute and chronic medical and surgical conditions. A pharmacist has the professional knowledge and skills to perform at a high level of competency in providing health promotion, patient-centered care, and medication management in community and institutional settings. Pharmacists are consistently ranked as one of the most highly trusted professionals because of the care and service they provide. The profession will challenge you by requiring the ability to communicate effectively and to multitask with a high caliber of accuracy. Additionally, the profession offers above average financial and personal rewards.  Visit the Pharmacists for Healthier Lives and Pharmacy is Right For Me websites to learn more about the profession of pharmacy. 

¹ Pharmacy Is Right For Me. Why Pharmacy May Be Right For You. https://pharmacyforme.org/why-pharmacy-may-be-right-for-you/. Accessed February 4, 2019.