5 answers
Cameron
Student
Dalton, Massachusetts
3
Questions
Updated
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I want to be a pharmacist, What is my time like as clinical pharmacist?
While being a clinical pharmacist do I get paid? What are the hours like? Are there any requirements to begin? And finally do I have to work out the full length of the program?
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5 answers
Martin Schoen
APRN
279
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
Great question! The journey to becoming a pharmacist is indeed a lengthy one. It begins with completing a college degree, followed by several more years of specialized study, culminating in a doctorate. This program is deeply rooted in science, with a strong focus on chemistry. One of the perks is that it often leads to a well-paying job straight out of school.
Now, let's talk about where most pharmacists work. They are typically found in three main areas: hospitals, local pharmacies, or research organizations. However, the landscape is evolving, just like the rest of the healthcare sector. Small, owner-operated pharmacies are becoming less common as large chains like Walgreens and CVS continue to expand their reach.
But it's not all rosy. Working for these big chains can be challenging. While the pay remains attractive, the working conditions can leave much to be desired. You might find yourself supervising technicians as they fill prescriptions, or educating patients about their medications. The hours can be long and stressful, often spent as the only pharmacist on duty with a team of technicians. These companies tend to focus heavily on the number of prescriptions filled and dispensed to evaluate how one is doing. This can lead to last-minute rotations to different stores in your area and long hours if you're short-staffed. Under these conditions, burnout rates can be high.
Despite these challenges, pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare. They are a treasure trove of knowledge and as a healthcare provider, I often reach out to them for advice on patient complaints and medication recommendations. Those who choose pharmacy as a career are typically dedicated to their field and their patients, making them an invaluable resource.
If you're considering this path, I would recommend speaking to several pharmacists, particularly those working in large chain stores, to gain a realistic understanding of what the job entails.
Now, let's talk about where most pharmacists work. They are typically found in three main areas: hospitals, local pharmacies, or research organizations. However, the landscape is evolving, just like the rest of the healthcare sector. Small, owner-operated pharmacies are becoming less common as large chains like Walgreens and CVS continue to expand their reach.
But it's not all rosy. Working for these big chains can be challenging. While the pay remains attractive, the working conditions can leave much to be desired. You might find yourself supervising technicians as they fill prescriptions, or educating patients about their medications. The hours can be long and stressful, often spent as the only pharmacist on duty with a team of technicians. These companies tend to focus heavily on the number of prescriptions filled and dispensed to evaluate how one is doing. This can lead to last-minute rotations to different stores in your area and long hours if you're short-staffed. Under these conditions, burnout rates can be high.
Despite these challenges, pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare. They are a treasure trove of knowledge and as a healthcare provider, I often reach out to them for advice on patient complaints and medication recommendations. Those who choose pharmacy as a career are typically dedicated to their field and their patients, making them an invaluable resource.
If you're considering this path, I would recommend speaking to several pharmacists, particularly those working in large chain stores, to gain a realistic understanding of what the job entails.
Yolanda Williams, PharmD, PhD
Pharmacist
10
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
As a clinical pharmacist do I get paid? Yes, you get paid as a clinical pharmacist once you finished your coursework, pass the NABLEX and in your case I would do a residency because that will make you more competitive. I got my PhD instead of doing a residency because I loved research. A residency is typically one year as to a PhD can take anywhere from 5-10 years depending on your research and your advisor. It took me 9 years. Youget paid less during your residnecy but after you complete it your salary will go up depending on where you decide to work. I did managed care pharmacy where I did prior authorizations for CVS Silverscript and then I worked for Duke in their Population Health Management Office. Durign Covid we got the chance to work from home and I never went back into the office. I am now working for an insurance company writing the criteria for medical policies-still working from home. I really enjoy what I do. I left Duke because I wanted a role where I could utilize both my clinical skills as a pharmacist and my research skills as a researcher.
What are the hours like? My hours are 9-5pm but they can be flexible depending on what you want.
Are there any requirements to begin? Like I said earilier the PharmD degree takes 6 years and then a residency-some are doing 2 residencies-so it depends on what you want to do. If you want to work in a hospital I would definitely need to do a residency. But if you want to do managed care, there are also residencies for managed care pharmacy. So it depends on what you want to do. Either way I suggest doing a residency.
And finally do I have to work out the full length of the program? Yes, you have to complete the whole length of the program. There is a PharmD program online that I think you can complete in 4 years maybe-not sure but that is something you can look in to.
What are the hours like? My hours are 9-5pm but they can be flexible depending on what you want.
Are there any requirements to begin? Like I said earilier the PharmD degree takes 6 years and then a residency-some are doing 2 residencies-so it depends on what you want to do. If you want to work in a hospital I would definitely need to do a residency. But if you want to do managed care, there are also residencies for managed care pharmacy. So it depends on what you want to do. Either way I suggest doing a residency.
And finally do I have to work out the full length of the program? Yes, you have to complete the whole length of the program. There is a PharmD program online that I think you can complete in 4 years maybe-not sure but that is something you can look in to.
Aimee Turcotte, PharmD, BCGP, CMWA
Pharmacist
7
Answers
Baxter, Minnesota
Updated
Aimee’s Answer
Clinical pharmacists are being embedded in all sorts of areas of healthcare. You can potentially become board certified in your area of interest. You do get paid. It depends on what area of the country you live in, how many years of experience you have, if you are managing or supervising others. A typical day may be 8 hours, but often you are salaried. This means you don't get paid by the hour, but a yearly salaried wage that doesn't change from paycheck to paycheck. So you may work some unpaid overtime. But, then you usually get paid 9-11 holidays/ year.
You need to complete your PharmD program from an accredited school and pass your pharmacy board exams (NAPLEX & state law) before you can practice as a pharmacist.
Some clinical pharmacists do medication reconciliation, which means they are comparing what meds (& dose) the patient is taking at home to what the doctor's list says they should be taking. Some will monitor patient labs and adjust medication doses if they have a collaborative practice agreement with a provider or there is a hospital protocol in place. Others may work in long term care, such as assisted livings or nursing homes and assist providers, nurses and educate patients and family members. They make recommendations to prescribers on various things, suchs as changing or stopping a medication to prevent drug
interactions or side effects.
Pharmacist certifications are an opportunity to develop specific interests, knowledge and experience. There are certificate programs in medication safety, pharmacogenomics or how to give vaccines. There are also board certifications. I am a BCGP, which is a board certified geriatric pharmacist. This means I've had additional training on older adults. I believe there are about 4,700 BCGP certified pharmacists is the U.S. You can also become board certified in areas such as, cardiology, pediatrics, critical care/ICU, or infectious disease, just to name a few.
Pharmacogenomics is another emerging area for clinical pharmacy. It is how a person's genes affect their response to a drug. Some people can break down and get rid of certain drugs very quickly, others cannot. But these are some just some that might be helpful as you determine if clinical pharmacy is right for you. There are many areas in which to practice!
You need to complete your PharmD program from an accredited school and pass your pharmacy board exams (NAPLEX & state law) before you can practice as a pharmacist.
Some clinical pharmacists do medication reconciliation, which means they are comparing what meds (& dose) the patient is taking at home to what the doctor's list says they should be taking. Some will monitor patient labs and adjust medication doses if they have a collaborative practice agreement with a provider or there is a hospital protocol in place. Others may work in long term care, such as assisted livings or nursing homes and assist providers, nurses and educate patients and family members. They make recommendations to prescribers on various things, suchs as changing or stopping a medication to prevent drug
interactions or side effects.
Pharmacist certifications are an opportunity to develop specific interests, knowledge and experience. There are certificate programs in medication safety, pharmacogenomics or how to give vaccines. There are also board certifications. I am a BCGP, which is a board certified geriatric pharmacist. This means I've had additional training on older adults. I believe there are about 4,700 BCGP certified pharmacists is the U.S. You can also become board certified in areas such as, cardiology, pediatrics, critical care/ICU, or infectious disease, just to name a few.
Pharmacogenomics is another emerging area for clinical pharmacy. It is how a person's genes affect their response to a drug. Some people can break down and get rid of certain drugs very quickly, others cannot. But these are some just some that might be helpful as you determine if clinical pharmacy is right for you. There are many areas in which to practice!
Godfrey Magawe
Clinical officer nephrology
111
Answers
Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya
Updated
Godfrey’s Answer
That a good question
Clinical pharmacist work hand in hand with the physicians in adjusting and going on the best drug to be prescribed to the patients with minimal side effects and with the best therapeutic window for the elimination of the target organisms.
They form part of the medical multidisciplinary committee in management of patients in acute care,or chronic care.
Clinical pharmacist work hand in hand with the physicians in adjusting and going on the best drug to be prescribed to the patients with minimal side effects and with the best therapeutic window for the elimination of the target organisms.
They form part of the medical multidisciplinary committee in management of patients in acute care,or chronic care.
William Hsieh
Pharmacy Student
7
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
William’s Answer
Hey Cameron, stepping into the role of a clinical pharmacist comes with a great salary. Typically, you'd be looking at a 40-hour work week, with the chance of some weekend duties. To qualify, you'll need to earn your doctorate from an accredited pharmacy. Moreover, a lot of hospitals nowadays are seeking clinical pharmacists who have completed residencies, like PGY1 or PGY2. If you're asking about the function of a clinical pharmacist, it's a profession rather than a specific program.
When you compare it to retail pharmacy, as a clinical pharmacist, you'll find yourself deeply involved in direct patient care, collaborating with a diverse team of physicians, nurses, and physician assistants among others. Generally, hospital pharmacists enjoy a more balanced work-life than their retail counterparts. It's a rewarding and fulfilling career path!
When you compare it to retail pharmacy, as a clinical pharmacist, you'll find yourself deeply involved in direct patient care, collaborating with a diverse team of physicians, nurses, and physician assistants among others. Generally, hospital pharmacists enjoy a more balanced work-life than their retail counterparts. It's a rewarding and fulfilling career path!