5 answers
Taylor
Student
Grundy Center, Iowa
8
Questions
Asked
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Types of pathways in pharmacy?
I want to be a pediatric pharmacist as of right now, but what others can I do? #pharmacy
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5 answers
Christiana Silva
Pharmacy Intern
5
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Christiana’s Answer
There are SO many different paths you can take out of pharmacy school. More specialized pathways require the completion of residency (1 or 2 years depending on the path) which is something you would learn more about during school. Some examples of different paths include:
1. Retail/community
2. Clinical pharmacy
3. Ambulatory care pharmacy
4. Veterinary pharmacy
5. Nuclear pharmacy
6. Compounding (sterile, nonsterile)
7. Emergency medicine pharmacy
8. Critical care pharmacy
9. Oncology
10. Geriatric pharmacy
11. Pediatric pharmacy
12. Industry pharmacy
1. Retail/community
2. Clinical pharmacy
3. Ambulatory care pharmacy
4. Veterinary pharmacy
5. Nuclear pharmacy
6. Compounding (sterile, nonsterile)
7. Emergency medicine pharmacy
8. Critical care pharmacy
9. Oncology
10. Geriatric pharmacy
11. Pediatric pharmacy
12. Industry pharmacy
Bryan Hoang
Student
5
Answers
Amarillo, Texas
Updated
Bryan’s Answer
Retail (outpatient; e.g. walgreens)
Industry (multiple career options)
Clinical pharmacist (inpatient)
Administration (Director)
Industry (multiple career options)
Clinical pharmacist (inpatient)
Administration (Director)
Libby Shyu
Pharmacist
1
Answer
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Updated
Libby’s Answer
There are over 70 careers you can do. Pediatrics is primarily practiced at a Children’s hospital as a clinical pharmacist. You could also specialize in oncology, geriatrics, psych, critical care, administration, IT, and others in the hospital. Outside the hospital there is retail, industry (drug companies), managed care (insurance), consulting, and so much more
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Taylor
Jaylenn Washington
Pharmacy Technician
1
Answer
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Jaylenn’s Answer
Hi, Taylor
I'm a CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician). Its great that you already know what field you want to get into as a high school student. If I was in high school like you then I would first volunteer at a hospital , that way you'll some kind of clinical experience. You'll also receive a letter of recommendation from the volunteer director, and be exposed to other professions. Once you graduate you should look into an accredited pharmacy technician program at a accredited school. I went to PIMA Medical Institute. If you don't have one in your city, compare whatever schools there are to PIMA because they have an exceptional Pharmacy Technician program. After your second month in the program, apply for some pharmacy technician jobs for CVS or Walgreens. These Chain pharmacies don't require you to take the PTCB-PTCE , they have on the job training. This will be a great way to expose you to the retail side of pharmacy and you'll be able to make some money in a industry you plan on having a career in anyway. Once you graduate and pass the PTCE , try to work for an institutional pharmacy where you can make good enough money to make a living while you go to pharmacy school. You may even make enough to pay part of your tuition as you go to pharmacy school so by the time you graduate you'll owe a lot less. . Also, if you do get a inpatient pharmacy tech job, then by the time you graduate Pharmacy school, that hospital will be willing to hire you. Hospital pharmacist make the big bucks, and their work load isn't heavy and stressful like retail pharmacist. I work at 2 hospital pharmacies in a busy city as a per deim , and I can tell you that the best pharmacist were technicians first, in-fact both of the pharmacy supervisors were technicians first.
I'm a CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician). Its great that you already know what field you want to get into as a high school student. If I was in high school like you then I would first volunteer at a hospital , that way you'll some kind of clinical experience. You'll also receive a letter of recommendation from the volunteer director, and be exposed to other professions. Once you graduate you should look into an accredited pharmacy technician program at a accredited school. I went to PIMA Medical Institute. If you don't have one in your city, compare whatever schools there are to PIMA because they have an exceptional Pharmacy Technician program. After your second month in the program, apply for some pharmacy technician jobs for CVS or Walgreens. These Chain pharmacies don't require you to take the PTCB-PTCE , they have on the job training. This will be a great way to expose you to the retail side of pharmacy and you'll be able to make some money in a industry you plan on having a career in anyway. Once you graduate and pass the PTCE , try to work for an institutional pharmacy where you can make good enough money to make a living while you go to pharmacy school. You may even make enough to pay part of your tuition as you go to pharmacy school so by the time you graduate you'll owe a lot less. . Also, if you do get a inpatient pharmacy tech job, then by the time you graduate Pharmacy school, that hospital will be willing to hire you. Hospital pharmacist make the big bucks, and their work load isn't heavy and stressful like retail pharmacist. I work at 2 hospital pharmacies in a busy city as a per deim , and I can tell you that the best pharmacist were technicians first, in-fact both of the pharmacy supervisors were technicians first.
Anthony Petrello
Pharmacist
49
Answers
Medford, New York
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Taylor,
This question is very similar to the question you asked about the type of jobs you can get as a pharmacist, so that I will copy my answer here.
“Hi, Taylor,
Although retail pharmacists are the most prominent, there are many careers with a doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD). A PharmD is a highly versatile degree and can be used for various positions across multiple settings. Ultimately, pharmacists are masters of medication, and wherever and whenever drugs are used, there is a role for pharmacists.
Clinical pharmacy is likely the second most prominent role for pharmacists. These pharmacists work alongside other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, etc., to optimize patient drug regimens. These pharmacists generally seek residencies after pharmacy school and specialize in psychiatry, pediatrics, infectious disease, etc. Here is information on residences https://www.accp.com/stunet/compass/residency.aspx.
Pharmacy industry is also a popular route for those with PharmDs. These pharmacists usually work with manufacturers and play a role in regulatory or medical affairs and clinical development. Those interested in these positions typically seek fellowships after pharmacy school. Here is a brief article on pharmacy fellowships https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/an-introduction-to-pharmaceutical-industry-fellowships.
There are also opportunities for pharmacists at business and administration levels, academics, law, and even emerging fields such as cannabis dispensaries and pharmacy tech. As I mentioned above, pharmacists can do virtually anywhere where medication plays a role. If you are going to pharmacy school, I would highly suggest getting involved in different organizations to broaden your horizons on the potential areas for pharmacists. I would also recommend pushing yourself outside your boundaries and comfort zones when taking your internships. Many pharmacists are always looking to help future generations, and I would suggest reaching out to any pharmacists involved in a specific field of interest.
Best of luck, if you need more information, please let me know,
Anthony”
I’d also like to note that many students change their minds throughout pharmacy school on their passions, and you do not need to decide what field of pharmacy you are committed to immediately. Many students who graduate from pharmacy school and pursue their first-year residency change their minds on what they want to specialize in during their second residency year! Ultimately, if you have a passion for medicine and patient care, I think pharmacy is a profession that should be on your radar.
I should look into volunteering at a local hospital to shadow pharmacists or get a job as a pharmacy technician to earn some money, learn about the profession, and strengthen my resume. Even if you decide not to pursue pharmacy as a career, these experiences boost any resume and will be helpful in your pursuit of any profession.
Anthony
This question is very similar to the question you asked about the type of jobs you can get as a pharmacist, so that I will copy my answer here.
“Hi, Taylor,
Although retail pharmacists are the most prominent, there are many careers with a doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD). A PharmD is a highly versatile degree and can be used for various positions across multiple settings. Ultimately, pharmacists are masters of medication, and wherever and whenever drugs are used, there is a role for pharmacists.
Clinical pharmacy is likely the second most prominent role for pharmacists. These pharmacists work alongside other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, etc., to optimize patient drug regimens. These pharmacists generally seek residencies after pharmacy school and specialize in psychiatry, pediatrics, infectious disease, etc. Here is information on residences https://www.accp.com/stunet/compass/residency.aspx.
Pharmacy industry is also a popular route for those with PharmDs. These pharmacists usually work with manufacturers and play a role in regulatory or medical affairs and clinical development. Those interested in these positions typically seek fellowships after pharmacy school. Here is a brief article on pharmacy fellowships https://www.pharmacytimes.com/view/an-introduction-to-pharmaceutical-industry-fellowships.
There are also opportunities for pharmacists at business and administration levels, academics, law, and even emerging fields such as cannabis dispensaries and pharmacy tech. As I mentioned above, pharmacists can do virtually anywhere where medication plays a role. If you are going to pharmacy school, I would highly suggest getting involved in different organizations to broaden your horizons on the potential areas for pharmacists. I would also recommend pushing yourself outside your boundaries and comfort zones when taking your internships. Many pharmacists are always looking to help future generations, and I would suggest reaching out to any pharmacists involved in a specific field of interest.
Best of luck, if you need more information, please let me know,
Anthony”
I’d also like to note that many students change their minds throughout pharmacy school on their passions, and you do not need to decide what field of pharmacy you are committed to immediately. Many students who graduate from pharmacy school and pursue their first-year residency change their minds on what they want to specialize in during their second residency year! Ultimately, if you have a passion for medicine and patient care, I think pharmacy is a profession that should be on your radar.
I should look into volunteering at a local hospital to shadow pharmacists or get a job as a pharmacy technician to earn some money, learn about the profession, and strengthen my resume. Even if you decide not to pursue pharmacy as a career, these experiences boost any resume and will be helpful in your pursuit of any profession.
Anthony