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Overview for Specialty Pharmacists

Pharmacists are increasingly moving into nontraditional pharmacy work. Some are involved in research for pharmaceutical manufacturers, developing new drugs and testing their effects. Others work in marketing or sales, providing clients with expertise on the use, effectiveness, and possible side effects of drugs.

Some pharmacists work for health insurance companies, developing pharmacy benefit packages and carrying out cost-benefit analyses on certain drugs. Other pharmacists work for the government, managed care organizations, public health care services, the armed services, or pharmacy associations. Finally, some pharmacists are employed full time or part time as college faculty, teaching classes and performing research in a wide range of areas.

Employment Situation

Employment of all pharmacists is expected to grow by 22 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. As the population ages, assisted living facilities and home care organizations should see particularly rapid growth. Demand will also increase as cost-conscious insurers use pharmacists to educate patients and administer vaccinations in an effort to control expenses. Excellent opportunities are expected for specialty pharmacists between 2006 and 2016. Job openings will result from rapid job growth and the need to replace workers who retire or leave the field for other reasons.

Education Outlook

A license is required, and individuals who want to become professional pharmacists must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy and pass a series of examinations. Those wanting to specialize will need advanced education in their chosen areas.

In the 2006–07 academic year, 70 colleges of pharmacy also awarded the master-of-science degree or the Ph.D. degree. Both of these degrees are awarded after the completion of a Pharm.D. degree. They are designed for individuals who want additional clinical, laboratory, and research experience. Areas of graduate study include pharmaceutics and pharmaceutical chemistry (physical and chemical properties of drugs and dosage forms), pharmacology (effects of drugs on the body), and pharmacy administration. Many pharmacists with master’s and PhDs work in research at a drug company or teach at a university.

Salary Expectations for Specialty Pharmacists

Median annual wage of pharmacists in May 2006 was$94,520. The middle 50 percent earned between $83,180 and $108,140 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $67,860, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $119,480 a year.

Related Information

• All advertised pharmacy jobs
• Find a healthcare school near you

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