How hard is it for a pharmacist to find a job?

[Glasses4239]

1. I asked if pharmacists are still in demand, and a pharmacist said no. If they are not in demand, how hard is it for a pharmacist to find a job?
2. Retail pharmacists make the most money, but clinical pharmacists have a better job according to the pharmacist. How much less do clinical pharmacists make? Clinical pharmacists need a residency after pharmacy school. How long does a residency last, and how hard is it to get one? Do most pharmacists who want a residency usually get one?

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[mentos]

1. I asked if pharmacists are still in demand, and a pharmacist said no. If they are not in demand, how hard is it for a pharmacist to find a job?
2. Retail pharmacists make the most money, but clinical pharmacists have a better job according to the pharmacist. How much less do clinical pharmacists make? Clinical pharmacists need a residency after pharmacy school. How long does a residency last, and how hard is it to get one? Do most pharmacists who want a residency usually get one?

The answers to these questions can easily be found in these forums (the very first sticky at the top of this forum, for example) or with a simple Google search. But I'll answer them anyway.

1. Jobs are hard to find in any desirable area to live, aka urban cities, places near any body of water, towns that have grocery stores in them, etc. It's not as hard to get a job in rural West Virginia or northern Idaho.
2. Depends. It's usually a negligible amount in the long run. A retail pharmacist is not much better off in life than a clinical pharmacist. A residency is 1-2 years. They are competitive. No.

 

[gwarm01]

There's middle ground between a clinical pharmacist and a retail pharmacist, at least there used to be. It seems "hospital pharmacist" and "clinical pharmacist" are used pretty interchangeably lately, but you can still find hospital staffing jobs. Even without a residency. It's an option to get your foot in the door with a smaller hospital if you don't match.

 

[Glasses4239]

So clinical pharmacists are more in demand? Is it easier for a clinical pharmacist to find a job then?

 

[gwarm01]

So clinical pharmacists are more in demand? Is it easier for a clinical pharmacist to find a job then?

The vast majority of jobs are in retail. True clinical positions are few and far between. I wouldn't call that in demand.

 

[Dred Pirate]

eating popcorn...

and soon people will jump in and.

 

[Glasses4239]

So basically pharmacists are not in demand at all. I think I might not want to go to pharmacy school. I don't want to suffer unemployment after accumulating so much debt. Thank you for your answers.

 

[zelman]

So basically pharmacists are not in demand at all. I think I might not want to go to pharmacy school. I don't want to suffer unemployment after accumulating so much debt. Thank you for your answers.

Smartest person on the board.

 

[njac]

So clinical pharmacists are more in demand? Is it easier for a clinical pharmacist to find a job then?

I did a PGY-2 and am a specialist in a specific area - every time I apply for a job in my specialty I hear back via phone or email within 24-48 hours, even on weekends.

 

[Glasses4239]

That's a good thing, right?

 

[jasonkido]

We definitely need to turn away more potential pharmacist. All your jobs are belong to us!

 

[bacillus1]

That's a good thing, right?

Yes, also depends on the specialty. I know of clinical specialists that are having a hard time finding jobs (of course we're talking about "more desirable" areas such as NYC, Philly, DC, SF, etc...).

 

[Glasses4239]

What is the acceptance rate to a residency? What is the chance that you can get one if you want one?

 

[stark3]

Yes, also depends on the specialty. I know of clinical specialists that are having a hard time finding jobs (of course we're talking about "more desirable" areas such as NYC, Philly, DC, SF, etc...).

Which specialties would you consider to be in high demand vs low demand ?

 

[W19]

So basically pharmacists are not in demand at all. I think I might not want to go to pharmacy school. I don't want to suffer unemployment after accumulating so much debt. Thank you for your answers.

Look into PA school or RN----->NP.... NP psych are in demand and making banks now.

 

[Lnsean]

I did a PGY-2 and am a specialist in a specific area - every time I apply for a job in my specialty I hear back via phone or email within 24-48 hours, even on weekends.

lmao...yea ok

 

[PharmtoCS]

What is the acceptance rate to a residency? What is the chance that you can get one if you want one?

Very competitive, and getting more so every year. The number of graduates not matching with any residencies is rising each year. Before, nearly every graduate could match with at least one residency.

 

[UGAZ]

I did a PGY-2 and am a specialist in a specific area - every time I apply for a job in my specialty I hear back via phone or email within 24-48 hours, even on weekends.

Why would you spend another 2 years after Pharm.D? Unless you wanna teach, I don't see any reason for going into residency. It's a scam, in my own opinion. Not trying to offend you.
I work in hospital setting too and I'm a hybrid pharmacist( Both staff/clinical roles) and never had to do any residency.

 

[Glasses4239]

Can I have a number like a percentage of graduates who try to get a residency that get it?

 

[bacillus1]

Can I have a number like a percentage of graduates who try to get a residency that get it?

About 60-65%, depending on the year. Keep in mind that this is a self-selecting sample, usually with the people with the best grades/resumes applying for residency.

 

[Auriel619]

Can I have a number like a percentage of graduates who try to get a residency that get it?

I vaguely remember reading somewhere that it's around ~55%. Keep in mind that the applicants who get a residency are usually pretty good students with a solid mix of clinical knowledge and present themselves well. In my limited experience accepted residents are usually in ~top 30% of the graduating class.

 

[Glasses4239]

One more thing. Is it true that a 0 6 pharmacy program will result in 300k debt? Assuming 50k cost (35 k tuition plus 15k room board etc) for six years.

 

[zelman]

Can I have a number like a percentage of graduates who try to get a residency that get it?

https://www.natmatch.com/ashprmp/stats/2015applstats.html

 

[y0ssarian87]

https://www.natmatch.com/ashprmp/stats/2015applstats.html

This is good for national stats, but some schools fare better than others in the Match. We had a greater than 80% match rate this year (of those who entered the Match). I'd venture that some schools have a much lower match rate.

 

[Momus]

How much is bank?

100-150k same as rph I guess...

 

[njac]

lmao...yea ok

It's true. I've only applied for jobs in the desirable cities previously mentioned by another poster.

But it's n=1 and all anecdote.

Just saying that at no time have I regretted the residency, and I definitely feel it helps my job prospects. I live in a very saturated market, ands coworker of mine with 5 years of hybrid clinical/staffing experience doesn't get the same response I do when applying for jobs. (We're all always sort of job hunting)

 

[Lnsean]

It's true. I've only applied for jobs in the desirable cities previously mentioned by another poster.

But it's n=1 and all anecdote.

Just saying that at no time have I regretted the residency, and I definitely feel it helps my job prospects. I live in a very saturated market, ands coworker of mine with 5 years of hybrid clinical/staffing experience doesn't get the same response I do when applying for jobs. (We're all always sort of job hunting)

]

I know man...you're just that special and your friend with real experience in that same specialty just doesn't cut it. He's a peasant compared to you, man.

Let me guess, you've been a pharmacist for 10 years and when you apply for jobs, you still list your education at the top...am I right? lol.

 

[gwarm01]

]

I know man...you're just that special and your friend with real experience in that same specialty just doesn't cut it. He's a peasant compared to you, man.

Let me guess, you've been a pharmacist for 10 years and when you apply for jobs, you still list your education at the top...am I right? lol.

Honestly, I don't doubt his experience. I've seen many examples of people with paper credentials and little to no experience getting hired just because directors are excited to have a PGY1/2 in a position, even if they are unproven. I think it's ridiculous, but it happens every day.

 

[Glasses4239]

So a residency really does make it a lot easier to get a job?

 

[W19]

How much is bank?

100k+ with minimal student debt...

 

[Lnsean]

Honestly, I don't doubt his experience. I've seen many examples of people with paper credentials and little to no experience getting hired just because directors are excited to have a PGY1/2 in a position, even if they are unproven. I think it's ridiculous, but it happens every day.

No, no...he's implying that residency without experience is better than someone with 5 years of experience but no residency in the same specialty.

 

[njac]

No, no...he's implying that residency without experience is better than someone with 5 years of experience but no residency in the same specialty.

This coworker and I both graduated in 2009. Coworker is not specialized but can and does work most of the shifts at our hospital including icu and nicu.

I graduated the same year but have primarily only work in my speciality area. I'll occasionally pick up shifts elsewhere.

I'm saying that the residency pays off mobility wise.

 

[Glasses4239]

So basically a residency/being in a specialty changes you from not being able to find a job to being in demand right? Can I have any more people second me on this?
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION TOO: How much money (without financial aid) is the full cost of a 0-6 pharmacy program?

 

[gwarm01]

So basically a residency/being in a specialty changes you from not being able to find a job to being in demand right? Can I have any more people second me on this?
I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION TOO: How much money (without financial aid) is the full cost of a 0-6 pharmacy program?

It's all going to depend on where you want to live and the job market in that area. These days a PGY1 is basically expected for all entry-level hospital positions in any major city. PGY2 is less common, but so are positions that necessitate one. Who knows, by the time you graduate it could be expected to have a PGY2 just to get a shot at a staffing job.

 

[njac]

Another anecdote: pharmacist graduated in 2009, did pgy1. Got a clinical/staffing hybrid job, worked primarily icu, after 2-3 years went back to do critical care pgy2.

Due to geographic limitations on their job hunt, this individual now works 2-3 per diem staffing jobs because there aren't any specialist positions open in their area.

So your mileage may vary. I think your choice of specialty certainly weighs in to the situation, as does geography.

 

[Glasses4239]

You guys still didn't answer my second question:How much money (without financial aid) is the full cost of a 0-6 pharmacy program?

 

[zelman]

You guys still didn't answer my second question:How much money (without financial aid) is the full cost of a 0-6 pharmacy program?

Tuition at MCPHS Boston = ($30 530 * 2) + ($35 830 * 3) + ($1090 * 36) = 207 790 US$

 

[y0ssarian87]

You guys still didn't answer my second question:How much money (without financial aid) is the full cost of a 0-6 pharmacy program?

Why should people on this forum be answering this question for you? You can find tuition and associated costs and fees on many school websites. JFGI

 

[Dred Pirate]

Why should people on this forum be answering this question for you? You can find tuition and associated costs and fees on many school websites. JFGI

this x1000 - seriously, how dang hard is it - google "(insert school here) tuition and fees" Unfortunately this is the type of candidate schools are attracting - those than can figure out a simple search. Ridiculous. Although that is the first time I have seen JFGI - and that should be a school admission question. If you can't figure it out - you are denied. We should start to quote California Northstate's tuition - that should scare anybody away from the profession.

P1 Total Estimated Tuition and Fees per year 7 $79,792.00
P2 Total Estimated Tuition and Fees per year 7 $79,630.50
P3 Total Estimated Tuition and Fees per year 7 $79,708.50
P4 Total Estimated Tuition and Fees per year 7 $79,696.50

If you want to pay 320k to get a degree you should be shot.

 

[Glasses4239]

Tuition at MCPHS Boston = ($30 530 * 2) + ($35 830 * 3) + ($1090 * 36) = 207 790 US$

Thank you. That gives me a good idea of cost. And I will do my own research, but for now I am searching other things, sorry. People have a higher chance of matching with a residency if they do better in pharm school right? The chance that you will be matched is determined by how good of a student you are from what I hear

 

[JMUDuke]

To those saying they are having luck getting calls back. If you you don't mind disclosing, what specialty did you end up in?

 

[Digsbe]

The way I see it, there are lots of clinical pharmacy positions out there. When I do job searches they seem to pop up frequently. However, the pay is probably less than retail which remains as being the highest paid area of pharmacy.

It's not "hard" to find a job if you're willing to relocate. The northeast area and Chicago seem to be the most saturated areas, but outside of there you should be able to find a job within at least a 1 hour drive from a major city.

I'm considering residency among other things, and it appears that doing one opens up many more doors and employment opportunities. If you hate it or just want money there is nothing stopping you from working retail if you want even after being residency trained, I've met pharmacists that did that.

 

[Glasses4239]

People have a higher chance of matching with a residency if they do better in pharm school right?The chance that you will be matched is determined by how good of a student you are from what I hear, can anyone second this?

 

[Digsbe]

People have a higher chance of matching with a residency if they do better in pharm school right?The chance that you will be matched is determined by how good of a student you are from what I hear, can anyone second this?

Yes. Think of residency as trying to apply to another graduate program. They look at your grades from pharmacy school, your experiences, leadership roles, etc. Some programs will sift out people below a certain GPA threshold and not even consider their app. It appears that roughly 60% of the people that apply actually get matched. Doing a residency opens the door for more job opportunities, but typically they'll never pay more than retail pharmacy. Much of the future job growth may take place in clinical areas where residency may be expected for employment. Pending provider status legislation and states expanding scopes some are looking to residency trained only pharmacists to give legal qualifications too. I believe CA and NC have "Advance Practice Pharmacists" legally designated with one requirement being residency or equivalent training to get that designation.

Applying for residency is going to require tons of time management though. Most people apply during their P4 year with applications being due in December. Interviews take place in January-February and the match happens in March. In my opinion, the most stressful part appears to be the interviews because they typically take place during APPE rotations and you'll have to account for missed time in order to interview while also getting preceptor permission (and oftentimes making up hours missed).

 

[gwarm01]

Another anecdote: pharmacist graduated in 2009, did pgy1. Got a clinical/staffing hybrid job, worked primarily icu, after 2-3 years went back to do critical care pgy2.

Due to geographic limitations on their job hunt, this individual now works 2-3 per diem staffing jobs because there aren't any specialist positions open in their area.

So your mileage may vary. I think your choice of specialty certainly weighs in to the situation, as does geography.

I just don't understand this mindset. You have the job. Why give that up for a year to be trained by someone who likely has similar credentials to your own? Is the hope to get your PGY2 and then find the same job again? It seems like some people live in an academic fantasy world where the credentials in their e-mail signature mean more to them than the reality of their life and career.

I know someone with a PGY1, substantial student loan debt, and several years of experience who just quit their job to do a PGY2. I just don't get it.

 

[zelman]

...It appears that roughly 60% of the people that apply actually get matched...

Or, closer to 53% if you look at the numbers. The residency system is, on average, a coin toss.

 

[y0ssarian87]

Or, closer to 53% if you look at the numbers. The residency system is, on average, a coin toss.

True, it does depend on which set of numbers you're looking at. If you're looking at individuals who submitted applications for residency, then 53% is about right. If you're looking at people who submitted rankings, it's closer to 65%. Still, these are national numbers, and one's school may have very different numbers. Our school had a greater than 80% match rate this year. I would venture that some schools have a match rate much lower than 50 or 60%. It's quite a stressful numbers game.

 

[zelman]

True, it does depend on which set of numbers you're looking at. If you're looking at individuals who submitted applications for residency, then 53% is about right. If you're looking at people who submitted rankings, it's closer to 65%. Still, these are national numbers, and one's school may have very different numbers. Our school had a greater than 80% match rate this year. I would venture that some schools have a match rate much lower than 50 or 60%. It's quite a stressful numbers game.

Submitting rankings only happens when you've interviewed, so it's not always under the applicant's control.

 

[bacillus1]

Or, closer to 53% if you look at the numbers. The residency system is, on average, a coin toss.

My calculation of 60-65% includes the 55% or so that matched plus ones that scrambled. Anyway, there are various ways of calculating it. I'm sure there are faults with my calculation as well.. Regardless, it's not that high of a percentage anymore.

 

[y0ssarian87]

Submitting rankings only happens when you've interviewed, so it's not always under the applicant's control.

True, but not all people who submit their application but don't participate in the match fail to receive interviews. Many decide to not pursue residency after receiving a job offer or a fellowship offer. That can inflate (slightly) the initial number of participants.