Pharmacists primarily work in retail pharmacies and hospitals, but there are many other opportunities for this distinguished profession including in long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical industry research, Internet or mail order pharmacies, and private practice.
Rapid Job Growth
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, employment for pharmacists is predicted to increase at a faster than the average rate for all other occupations, with 25% growth expected from 2010 to 2020.
Part of the reason there will be such rapid growth is because there will be a greater amount of older people that will start to need prescription drugs, as well as scientific breakthroughs, which will create new products that can be prescribed. Health insurance reform will also allow individuals not previously covered for prescription drugs to have access, which will in turn, increase demand for pharmacists to dispense medication.
Changing Healthcare Needs
While the traditional role of the pharmacist in dispensing medications will not change, pharmacists will become more involved in patient care. Since pharmacists are an imperative component to preventing drug interactions, their role in assisting patients on proper medication usage and selection of drugs will grow as patients get older and need to take multiple prescriptions.
Resources for Pharmacists
As a professional seeking employment, there are many resources and pharmacy organizations available to you that can help you network with other professionals in the field and gain information about positions in the industry. Use the list we have compiled to your advantage when seeking information about specialized areas of pharmacy or networking opportunities.
