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Job outlook for staff pharmacists, hospital in the United States
Are staff pharmacist, hospital jobs in demand?
Staff pharmacist, hospital job and salary trends over time
Staff pharmacist, hospital jobs over time
Staff pharmacist, hospital job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,810 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,827 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,802 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,793 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,791 | 0.00% |
Average staff pharmacist, hospital salary over time
Staff pharmacist, hospital salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $90,107 | $43.32 | +0.5% |
| 2024 | $89,673 | $43.11 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $88,294 | $42.45 | +1.6% |
| 2022 | $86,929 | $41.79 | +1.6% |
| 2021 | $85,571 | $41.14 | +0.6% |
Staff pharmacist, hospital jobs by state
Most common states for staff pharmacists, hospital
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vermont | 623,657 | 202 | 32% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,111 | 31% |
| 3 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 214 | 31% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 321 | 24% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 303 | 23% |
| 6 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,527 | 21% |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,563 | 20% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 191 | 20% |
| 9 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 912 | 19% |
| 10 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,548 | 18% |
| 11 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,060 | 18% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 1,054 | 18% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,000 | 18% |
| 14 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,216 | 17% |
| 15 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,930 | 17% |
| 16 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 698 | 17% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 528 | 17% |
| 18 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 176 | 17% |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,618 | 16% |
| 20 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 899 | 16% |
Most common cities for staff pharmacists, hospital
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Waukesha | 2 | 3% | $72,244 |
| 2 | New Orleans | 2 | 1% | $86,287 |
| 3 | Redding | 1 | 1% | $109,275 |
| 4 | Santa Barbara | 1 | 1% | $115,795 |
| 5 | Austin | 1 | 0% | $93,170 |
| 6 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $70,608 |
| 7 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $73,104 |
| 8 | Lincoln | 1 | 0% | $88,807 |
| 9 | Miami | 1 | 0% | $90,481 |
| 10 | Riverside | 1 | 0% | $115,501 |
| 11 | Sacramento | 1 | 0% | $111,603 |
Staff Pharmacist, Hospital job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of staff pharmacist, hospital experts
Wilkes University
University of Southern California
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
The University of Findlay
Harding University
University of Connecticut
Western New England University
University of Rhode Island
Chapman University
University of the Incarnate Word
Lipscomb University
University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Butler University
Chicago State University
Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Concordia University School of Pharmacy
University of Connecticut
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: Speaking strictly from a supply and demand perspective, yes. In the next four to five years, the amount of pharmacy graduates is going to drop significantly as enrollment has dropped nationwide. I've seen data and had conversations with hiring managers about what the traditional practice role market will look like in the near future and all point to quite the increase in demand.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Be open to new possibilities, network with pharmacy professionals, communicate effectively, and never stop learning.
What Staff Pharmacist, Hospital skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Negotiate upfront, consider the field you want to go into, take business courses to climb the ladder quickly.
What will help Staff Pharmacists, Hospital increase their earning potential?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Critical thinking, adaptability, effective patient counseling, and effective communication with healthcare professionals.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: Pharmacists ensure that each patient is receiving the right therapy, at the right dose at the right time to maximize a patient’s health. They do this in a variety of settings working alongside other health care professionals all committed to ensuring the best for the patient. Depending on the type of pharmacist the day to day activities vary greatly and thus attract people who have interest into going into a health profession that provides them with a variety of opportunities. Pharmacists can help develop medications, produce and test them in accordance with regulatory guidance, determine the best market to ensure patients have access, work in health systems that provide patients with these medications in a hospital or clinic setting, or be the most accessible healthcare provider when they work in community pharmacies. But then there are also pharmacy specializations that attract more people such as cardiology, oncology, mental health, global health, industry, government organizations, or even new and exciting roles in sports pharmacy and digital health
What will help Staff Pharmacists, Hospital increase their earning potential?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: The challenges we hear related to pharmacy are typically associated with those that work for larger health care providing organizations whose bottom line drives some of the decisions regarding the workforce.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
James Wheeler: Pharmacists are medication experts and work in a variety of settings including community pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, long term care settings, the pharmaceutical industry, and many other areas. Day to day responsibilities vary depending on role and setting, but often include preparing and dispensing medications, counseling and educating patients, administering vaccines or other medications, and collaborating with many healthcare professionals. Pharmacists engaging in direct patient care often perform comprehensive medication management, which includes designing, managing, and monitoring pharmacotherapy regimens via collaborative practice.
What Staff Pharmacist, Hospital skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Wheeler: Pharmacists enjoy the versatility of the PharmD degree, allowing for a wide variety of career paths and specialization opportunities in various pharmacy practice areas. It’s a trusted profession where pharmacists tackle complex medical issues, build relationships with patients and colleagues, and improve population health. Pharmacists enjoy the opportunity to serve patients, grow as clinicians, and make a positive impact in their communities. Like other healthcare professions, the role is demanding and requires constant learning and professional growth, but the work is meaningful and improves patient’s lives.
What will help Staff Pharmacists, Hospital increase their earning potential?
James Wheeler: It’s a great time to enter the profession of pharmacy as there is strong demand for pharmacist services, excellent earning potential, and the opportunity to work directly with patients and healthcare professionals.
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy PracticeThe University of Findlay
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Give yourself patience and grace as you transition from a student pharmacist into a registered pharmacist (RPh). Being a new practitioner comes with many learning curves: responsibility for patient care, working efficiently, and learning site-specific policies and procedures that will be new to you, to name a few. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day – you’re beginning your career and will learn more about the site and yourself as a pharmacist every day. Pharmacy school may be over, but maintain your willingness to learn. Ask questions, take notes during your training for reference later, and remember that every shift comes with opportunities to learn.
Julie Hixson-Wallace
Dean and ProfessorHarding University
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Be flexible! A pharmacy degree can be used to practice in a variety of settings. Having an open mind to explore all the available opportunities can open doors most people don't associate with the traditional view of pharmacists.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in pharmacy, I would advise someone to start by exploring salary trends within the various career paths for pharmacy. Some geographic locations offer more competitive salaries, and some specialized areas of pharmacy can also increase your earning potential. Staying abreast of the evolving pharmacy healthcare environment can inform you of the need to seek out advanced education or additional certifications. Continuously upgrading your skills and knowledge can make you more valuable to employers which can command a higher salary. Also, building and leveraging your professional network will help you identify hidden job opportunities.
What Staff Pharmacist, Hospital skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: Pharmacy practice is increasingly reliant on technology for managing various aspects of the practice. Staying up-to-date on the latest technology and pharmacy software tools will help improve efficiency and accuracy. As healthcare continues to move towards more data-driven decision-making, skills in data analysis, informatics, and health informatics will be highly valuable. Effective communication skills continue to be important and prevalent in the field whether it is with patients, colleagues, or other healthcare professionals. With medication use becoming increasingly complex, it is critical that this information can be relayed to patients in terms that are clear and easy to understand.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
C. Michael White: Challenges include being the drug information expert, dealing with anxious or upset patients, breaking bad news, and the need to be physically present during work hours. Working from home may not be an option for some roles, leading to pros and cons in career choices.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Kimberly Pesaturo PharmD, BCPS: Becoming both a true professional and an expert are longtime, if not lifetime, processes.
Continued self-development and being open to new ideas, concepts, and innovations are key to
career progression. New doors are going to open, and some when you least expect them. Take
advantage of opportunities that come your way! Be open to the fact that growth takes time and
change is inevitable.
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP
Director, Co-Curriculum and Experiential EngagementUniversity of Rhode Island
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: I think of maximizing salary potential as a combination of strategic planning, ongoing skill development, and effective negotiation. It is valuable to have insights into the job market and salary trends in that area through networking and perhaps some research on websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed. Salary levels for pharmacists can differ significantly depending on geographic location, cost of living, and demand for healthcare services, which can mean potentially exploring job opportunities in areas where demand for pharmacists is high and salaries are competitive. Graduates may also consider, as part of their ongoing professional development, pursuing advanced credentials or certifications in specialized areas of pharmacy practice of interest, such as board certification in pharmacotherapy, ambulatory care, or critical care to make you more competitive in the job market, potentially leading to higher salary offers. It is also worth noting that development and advanced training can involve participating in postgraduate residency and fellowship programs. Employers may offer higher starting salaries to candidates with relevant experience and specialized training. Many new graduates are wary about negotiating salary and benefits, but it is important and beneficial to do when done well. Do your research beforehand on industry standards and keep in mind what qualifications and experience you bring to the table so that you can articulate your value proposition effectively. Be prepared to negotiate not only salary but also benefits such as sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance, continuing education allowances, and opportunities for career advancement which can sometimes have more room for adjustment than salary.
What Staff Pharmacist, Hospital skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: Pharmacy is a field that is ever-evolving as new medications, technologies, and regulations emerge, so it is crucial that graduates prioritize staying informed about changes and being a lifelong learner to expand their knowledge and clinical skills. It is also valuable to find experienced pharmacists who can serve as mentors and provide guidance as they navigate their career; they can learn from their experiences and seek advice on professional development opportunities and career advancement. I would also be remiss if I did not point out the value of investing in professional networking with colleagues, mentors, and other professionals that can provide worthwhile insights into salary negotiation strategies, job opportunities, and career advancement paths. Attend professional conferences, join professional associations, and participate in online forums to expand your professional network and stay connected to changes in the profession. Above all, it is critical for new graduates to stay resilient and flexible as pharmacy practice can be demanding and fast-paced with unexpected challenges. Being adaptable to change and identifying effective ways to manage stress and cope with the demands of the profession will help ensure a long and fulfilling career.
Lawrence Brown
Professor & Associate Dean of Undergraduate Pharmacy Programs and PartnershipsChapman University
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Lawrence Brown: Typically, in pharmacy practice, the highest salaries are in management positions. For example, in community pharmacy that means working your way from a Pharmacist in Charge position, to an Area Manager, and then Regional Manager position. If you don't feel that management is for you, then you might try to find a company that pays their pharmacists a bonus based on their performance during the year. Another option might be switching from a pharmacy practice position to an office job in a health care or managed care company, that might not only offer a higher initial salary, but also has multiple levels of non-management positions available.
What Staff Pharmacist, Hospital skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lawrence Brown: Direct patient care skills will become more important and prevalent. Specifically, the skill of providing medication therapy management for patients with chronic diseases. In the next 5 years there will be a lot more opportunities for pharmacists to be embedded in a medical group to provide care for patients with chronic diseases. And to be as successful as possible caring for these patients, pharmacists will need to learn and use motivational interviewing skills, since those skills will allow them to establish a rapport with their patients and work with the patient to meet their disease state goals rather than offending the patient or just telling the patient what to do.
What skills stand out on Staff Pharmacist, Hospital resumes?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: On paper, the skills that stand out the most are leadership positions. These can be officer positions in school organizations, committee chair positions, head of a project at work, or a leadership position in a professional organization. Anything that shows that you, as a staff pharmacist, can lead a team. Leading a group of people, regardless of the specific situation, is challenging. Quickly, you learn that it is nearly impossible to please everyone all at once, and you need to balance fairness and compassion to best serve your team and your customers/patients.
What soft skills should all Staff Pharmacists, Hospital possess?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: Basic conversation/communication skills along with problem-solving skills are crucial for a successful pharmacist. One of the most basic questions I ask myself about a candidate is, "can I see myself working next to this candidate? Also, could I go to work every day and have this person as my partner?" To find the answer to my questions, I typically rank how well a conversation went during the interview. I try to get a sense of the candidate's personality and start thinking about where this candidate could fit into a particular team. Without basic communication skills, you won't be able to succeed in a stressful team environment, and you won't be able to build rapport with your patients. For critical thinking, detailed but succinct answers to situation-based questions are revealing on how a candidate would handle certain situations. Every day in the pharmacy is different from the last. Being able to problem solve critically makes for a strong pharmacist.
Patience and empathy are skills every pharmacist must have to help our patients. Many times patients come to the pharmacy sick or short on time. A small problem could easily escalate. The pharmacist does not know what happened to that person during the day. Time, understanding, and a kind word can make that patient feel as if you care only about them at the moment.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Staff Pharmacists, Hospital?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: First, a strong clinical knowledge base is essential for the health and safety of the patient. Second, knowledge of electronic medical record systems (EMR) is important. The specific EMR or database is not important, but the basic skills of finding pertinent patient information within a database are crucial to day-to-day tasks. Third, you need to know how to find answers to questions. I appreciate candidates that will admit they don't know an answer to a question but will then explain how they would find the answer.
What skills will help Staff Pharmacists, Hospital earn the most?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: Flexibility and adaptability. The days of standing or sitting in front of one station in the pharmacy with technicians handing you work while you stay in one place are gone. The modern pharmacy has pharmacists completing technical tasks like prescription verification and patient counseling, but now they are expected to complete medication therapy management (MTM) calls, assess a patient's immunization needs, potentially complete point of care testing for disease state management or pharmacy-based prescribing through a collaborative practice agreement. If you show an ability to be flexible and adaptable in the skills you practice, you will be able to earn more in the long term. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, adapting to the ever-changing healthcare field can make or break a pharmacy.
What skills stand out on Staff Pharmacist, Hospital resumes?
Chad Gentry: Numerous skills stand out on a pharmacist's resume. The specific skills that stand out to a potential employer will be practice setting dependent. However, three skills that are translational across practice settings are additional training and education. While obtaining a doctor of pharmacy will open numerous career opportunities and advancement within organizations, the addition of some level of training/education beyond the doctor of pharmacy could aid in obtaining that dream job. First, post-graduate training is a big differentiator. Whether this training consists of one or two residencies and/or a fellowship, additional training is always a positive, and invaluable skills are gained from this dedicated time. Secondly, formal additional education pursuit or achievement is a valuable skill. Additional degrees at the master's or doctoral level or unique certifications will also reflect a skill set that will garner attention on a pharmacist's resume. Finally, the willingness to serve others in various capacities (e.g., mission trips, volunteering opportunities, community service, etc.) gives insight into the compassionate element needed to be a pharmacist.
What soft skills should all Staff Pharmacists, Hospital possess?
Chad Gentry: From my perspective, the most important soft skills are evidence of successful team collaboration, leadership experience, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and good communication skills.
What skills will help Staff Pharmacists, Hospital earn the most?
Chad Gentry: I keep going back to education through degrees, certifications, and/or training. For example, additional skills in healthcare informatics is a field in pharmacy that has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years with exponential growth forecasted.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Staff Pharmacists, Hospital?
Chad Gentry: The list of hard/technical skills that are most important from my perspective is obviously the tangible evidence of quantifiable knowledge or abilities gained through completing a doctorate in pharmacology, additional degrees, certificates, or examples of work. Another extremely important hard/technical skill is at minimum proficiency in computer skills.
Dawn Havrda
Associate Dean For Academic Affairs and AssessmentUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
Pharmacy Department
What skills stand out on Staff Pharmacist, Hospital resumes?
Dawn Havrda: Ability to multitask. For students, maintaining good grades, involvement in organizations or dual-degree programs (PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH, etc.), work/internships. Also, self-directed activities such as research, summer internships, or other opportunities, that show career exploration or personal growth. For pharmacists, additional training (degrees or certificates), leadership, breadth of experiences, board certification, etc. Items that show the individual went beyond others to improve their skills set and diversify.
What soft skills should all Staff Pharmacists, Hospital possess?
Dawn Havrda: Definitely problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovative thinking. You want individuals who are professional and advocate for the patient's wishes and the best care. Empathy, being nonjudgmental, and communication are important, as are prioritization and efficiency. Want individuals who pose solutions to problems, not just identify the problem. Positivity is needed and the ability to see the good in a situation versus only the bad.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Staff Pharmacists, Hospital?
Dawn Havrda: Computer skills and knowledge of technological advances. Business sense and management skills. Marketing skills to adapt to the needed stakeholder is important.
What skills will help Staff Pharmacists, Hospital earn the most?
Dawn Havrda: The use of the skills above should help an individual be strategic. A good understanding of the healthcare system, especially billing and compensation and what a pharmacist is able to do per the state's scope of practice, allows individuals to transform problems into new opportunities, novel services, and innovative approaches to tackle health care or patient care problems that leverage the skills and unique expertise of the pharmacist.
Dr. Yen Dang
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Director of Global HealthUniversity of Maryland Eastern Shore
Pharmacy Department
What skills will help Staff Pharmacists, Hospital earn the most?
Dr. Yen Dang: Adaptability is a great trait to have as it will let you adjust to different and changing environments. Also, being a self-directed learner where you can be in charge of your own professional development is essential. There are always new drugs and evolving guidelines, so pharmacists need to be up-to-date with that.
What skills stand out on Staff Pharmacist, Hospital resumes?
Dr. Yen Dang: Past pharmacy experience in the related pharmacy setting definitely helps the candidate to adjust to the job. Additionally, good clinical skills and communication skills help separate candidates from the crowd.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Staff Pharmacists, Hospital?
Dr. Yen Dang: Being detail-oriented is essential as pharmacists have to catch mistakes all the time. Also, multitasking is often needed as there are many distractions in the pharmacy between order entry, phone calls, dispensing, etc.
Vraj Patel
Medication Error Pharmacovigilance and Risk Management FellowButler University
Pharmacy Practice
What skills stand out on Staff Pharmacist, Hospital resumes?
Vraj Patel: -Adaptability - being flexible has been key during COVID, and with multiple interviews and projects
-Critical thinking/independence - someone that can analyze a problem and work independently to solve problems/projects
-Proactive and self-motivated - This is probably the one that most people are looking for. For example: when someone sees a problem, they come up with a potential solution that they then bring to their manager
-Followership - has been very important and a growing trend we have noticed.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Staff Pharmacists, Hospital?
Vraj Patel: -Clinical knowledge - pharmacists will shine in clinical knowledge and can bring a lot about drug knowledge to the table
-Understanding insurances and payer markets - many times, people rely on the pharmacist to understand this confusing world of insurances and a place where pharmacists can shine
Understanding pharmacy law - other healthcare professionals usually do not have to take a law exam, so this is unique to pharmacists within the pharmacy/drug space, especially since the pharmacy laws change in every state.
Dr. Vicky Shah
ProfessorChicago State University
Pharmacy Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Staff Pharmacist, Hospital job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Vicky Shah: Trends for Pharmacist jobs has been an ongoing roller coaster for the past few decades as the supply of jobs become saturated for a few years followed by a surge of new opportunities. During 2020, the pandemic disrupted the job market in a drastic way as newly graduated students had difficulty obtaining licensure and the number of jobs decreased due to budget cuts and furloughs.
As we fight the pandemic, the opportunities for pharmacists have increased despite numerous limitations. Pharmacists have continued to provide patient care through these difficult times as well as expanding services through Telepharmacy and playing a major role in the vaccination process. The job market can only improve for pharmacists as the need for vaccine clinics continues to grow. Newer graduates may be concerned about a saturated market; however, as life transitions to the new normal, opportunities will continue to arise.
What soft skills should all Staff Pharmacists, Hospital possess?
Dr. Vicky Shah: There are three skills which are needed for graduates to succeed in the world of pharmacy. Even prior to the pandemic, every graduate should be able to collaborate with others, communicate professionally and be able to utilize technology.
Collaboration is always key, even before the pandemic. Working in a strong healthcare team with nurses, doctors, nurse practitioners and many other amazing healthcare workers is a necessity to ensure safe and effective patient care. To collaborate with others, new graduates should be able to communicate professionally to dissolve any issues that may arise within the team. One piece of advice for graduates is to use "please" and "thank you" as simple gestures allow connections to develop much quicker. As pharmacy advances, technology does as well. It is imperative that graduates be able to keep up with all technology advances or they may fall behind.
Dr. Jayden Lee
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy PracticePhiladelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Department of Pharmacy Practice
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Staff Pharmacists, Hospital?
Dr. Jayden Lee: I think completing a residency or fellowship program will make a positive impact on your job prospects. Almost all clinical pharmacist positions will require candidates to have completed a residency or fellowship training. Residency and fellowship programs certainly prepare pharmacists to be more equipped in clinical settings. In addition, certifications from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties will make candidates stand out. Specific board certification is typically listed as a preferred quality in job descriptions. Thus, having a board certification can be a sign of experience and knowledge. Other types of certifications can also make a positive impact on your job prospects, depending on the job-related tasks. For example, a certification on anticoagulation management can make you stand out for a clinical pharmacist position with responsibilities in managing anticoagulation care. Other examples can include smoking cessation, medication therapy management, diabetes education, etc.
Emily Bryant
Assistant Professor, Clinical PharmacistConcordia University School of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Practice
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Staff Pharmacists, Hospital?
Emily Bryant: Absolutely, I do feel there will be a lasting impact. Students graduating during and after our pandemic have been forced to become familiar with navigating virtual meetings and interviews. They needed to be adaptable and resilient. They understand deeply the importance of human connection.
Many of them have experienced interruptions in their ability to attend experiential rotations and/or courses; which I hope has not impacted their learning negatively but that remains to be seen.
Regarding the job market, many roles have seen a shift from what have historically been entirely on-site to either partly or entirely remote. Some will revert back to in-person, but I think remote work for pharmacists in part is here to stay. The pandemic pushed our industry (healthcare) to increase availability of telemedicine, and pharmacists are part of that as well.
Currently without the availability of in-person interviews candidates can easily apply to geographically diverse roles without the constraints of travel costs and time; however this means there are more applications received and therefore more competition. I do believe virtual interviews will continue even after the pandemic. They are less expensive for employers with candidates who would otherwise need to travel and allow for a bigger applicant pool.
What soft skills should all Staff Pharmacists, Hospital possess?
Emily Bryant: As I mentioned earlier, the pandemic has taught us just how necessary it is to be adaptable. Regardless of whether you work in a community pharmacy, clinic, industry, hospital, or a school of pharmacy we are faced with ever-changing environments. To be successful wherever their career trajectory goes, graduates must know how to adapt to change.
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) highlights a number of "soft skills" in the standards for schools of pharmacy to uphold for all graduates, including: problem solving, patient advocacy, interprofessional collaboration, cultural sensitivity, communication, self-awareness, leadership, innovation, and professionalism. Practically speaking, I would add critical thinking, time management, and a positive attitude to this list of essential soft skills.
What general advice would you give to a Staff Pharmacist, Hospital?
Stephanie Gernant: Don't confuse What You Do with Who You Are. Our society, unfortunately, highly correlates profession with identity (go to any party and eventually someone will ask 'and what do you do for a living?'), but your value as a human being is so, so much more than just your capacity 'to do work.'
There is no such thing as a 'Forever Job.' Quite the contrary, the average worker remains in their entry-level job only a few years. Even if by some remarkable felicity a new graduate landed what they believed their 'perfect job,' (yet another myth)-- that job will never remain the 'same job' because healthcare, people, and industries are volatile. We all start somewhere, and you, too, will move and grow throughout your career.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Staff Pharmacists, Hospital, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Stephanie Gernant: Over the last three decades, U.S. workers' have experienced salary stagnation compared to inflation, despite gains in both productivity and GDP. We know that, on average, workers receive higher pay advances when they change jobs or switch employers than if they remain in a position or are internally promoted. So, while the previous generation regularly spent entire careers within a single company, this is a rarity today. This change is due, in part, to the fact that industries change much more quickly today; jobs come and go; relevant trends one decade are replaced with new trends that require novel skill-sets.
This is certainly true for healthcare, and as such, pharmacists have better salary prospects throughout their career than most other healthcare professionals. Specifically, pharmacists experienced a cataclysmic shift in professional identity beginning in the 1990s: in the wake of closing 'mom and pop pharmacies,' pharmacists had to re-imagine and diversify their roles. As such, pharmacists have a leg up with a developed professional culture already adept and flexible in meeting future needs. I have no doubt in the profession's ability to continue matching the ever-variable needs of healthcare and the prospects for future generations of pharmacists.