In the US, as of December 2022, there are 142 colleges and schools of pharmacy with accredited programs. As soon as they graduate, people start to ask themselves what they want to do with a Degree in Pharmacy. Working as a traditional pharmacist is an option. However, there are endless other opportunities on how you can use this knowledge of pharmacy to make a living. Here are 10 careers you can pursue with a Degree in pharmacy:
1. Teaching and Consultancy Services
Teaching is a great way to share all your experience and knowledge with future pharmacists. What’s more, you can help them to develop the skills they need for their future. Meanwhile, consultancy services are an opportunity to use your experience and expertise to support other businesses in the health sector.
2. Hospital Care
You´ll be working in an interdisciplinary team with other professionals. More specifically, your goal is to provide patients with the best possible pharmaceutical care. Some of your main duties are, for instance, dispensing medications to patients and preparing sterile products. In addition, the education of patients as well as participating in meetings with the medical team. Another important duty is to ensure that the hospital’s medication supply is up-to-date and secure.
3. Drug Manufacturing
As someone working in drug manufacturing, you are responsible for the production of pharmaceuticals. For example, it is possible to work in a laboratory to develop new drugs. However, you can also work in a factory, where drugs are mass-produced. So, it is necessary to have a strong background in chemistry and biology. Furthermore, team skills are required.
4. Regulatory Affairs
Specialists for regulatory affairs ensure that pharmaceutical products comply with all regulations. One of their main tasks is to work closely with drug manufacturers to ensure that clinical trials are conducted correctly. Besides that, the products are safe and effective. Moreover, regulatory affairs specialists also participate in the development of new regulations and policies.
5. Home Health Care Agency
Working for a home healthcare agency means that pharmacists focus on patient education and counselling. In fact, it is a job with a lot of contact with patients. The main goal is to ensure that patients understand their medication regimens and know how to properly take it. In special cases, they also visit their patients at home to check how the patient is progressing.
6. Clinical Drug Research
As a clinical drug researcher one of your main tasks is to test new medications and treatments. Those trials are usually conducted in four phases. For that reason, clinical drug researchers work closely with patients as well as doctors. Another important part of this job is to keep track of any side effects of medications that might occur. Furthermore, they report any changes to the FDA.
7. Pharmacy Technician
A pharmacy technician is an expert, who dispenses medication to patients at community pharmacies. One thing they do is compile prescriptions by selecting medication, measuring quantities and packing items. What’s more, they advise patients on how to take or apply medication safely. However, they also participate in administrative and service tasks.
8. Clinical Trial Administrator
A clinical trial administrator oversees each stage (usually there are four) of a test medications research trial. In particular, they prepare the clinical paperwork before each trial starts. In addition, they distribute them amongst researchers and file them with regulators. They may also check research sites to ensure that junior researchers follow test patient safety rules.
9. Science writer/journalist
During your studies you learn a huge amount of specialist knowledge. For instance, you thoroughly understand the process of drug production and development. Apart from that, you are always aware of the latest developments. This specialist knowledge makes you a valuable writer. Therefore, it is your job to turn complex information into accurate, entertaining content that people want to read.
10. Medical Sales Representative
As you have excellent knowledge on drugs and their uses, it is your job to persuade health professionals to buy the medicine you’re selling. Usually medical sales representatives work independently. They have to set up meetings and to be good at networking. This is because you present the products in front of large groups, so you must have excellent communication skills.
Job opportunities after a Degree in Pharmacy
In summary, there are more career options with a degree in pharmacy than the traditional career. A degree in pharmacy offers a broad variety of opportunities in different areas, depending on your strengths and interests. Thus, a good way to find out more about you, your strengths, and your future is an internship in the job you are interested in.