Pharmacy employment outloook

[MSG]

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Hey folks,

I'm not very new here, I used to troll the board about 4 years ago, but haven't logged on since. In that time, i've been reconsidering my career options, mainly because i'm dissatisfied with my current career -- pretty much who isn't, right? I've always considered a career as a pharmacist to be a good one, and it fits the bill for me in terms of lifestyle, meaningful contributions to society, mobility, job satisfaction, etc... I'm sure the retail pharm's will tell me otherwise, but, honestly, it sure beats what i'm doing now.

I'm wondering though, i've talked to a couple people who are pharmacists now, and asked them what the job outlook in the marketplace currently looks like. 5 years ago, it was very good, and I read articles in various magazines on how tight the market for pharmacists was. I hear now that the market has stabilized, and getting a bit saturated in the more desirable locales, e.g. California, NY, Hawaii, etc... Could I bother you all to provide me with your take on it? It would be much appreciated.

much thanks

 

[BiOGoly]

Hey folks,

I'm not very new here, I used to troll the board about 4 years ago, but haven't logged on since. In that time, i've been reconsidering my career options, mainly because i'm dissatisfied with my current career -- pretty much who isn't, right? I've always considered a career as a pharmacist to be a good one, and it fits the bill for me in terms of lifestyle, meaningful contributions to society, mobility, job satisfaction, etc... I'm sure the retail pharm's will tell me otherwise, but, honestly, it sure beats what i'm doing now.

I'm wondering though, i've talked to a couple people who are pharmacists now, and asked them what the job outlook in the marketplace currently looks like. 5 years ago, it was very good, and I read articles in various magazines on how tight the market for pharmacists was. I hear now that the market has stabilized, and getting a bit saturated in the more desirable locales, e.g. California, NY, Hawaii, etc... Could I bother you all to provide me with your take on it? It would be much appreciated.

much thanks

You'll hear different things from different pharmacists, but individual experience doesn't necessarily reflect the big picture.

BLS pharmacist outlook

 

[sdn1977]

I can only speak for N CA. You can get hired here in a heartbeat in retail - hospital requires experience (3+ years). For the last holiday weekend, which coincided with many school's spring breaks, there were more requested positions off than there were pharmacists to fill. Now with graduations & summer coming up, reflief positions are busy everywhere.

I've been a pharmacist for nearly 30 years & the only time there was a difficult time finding a job was in the late 70's early 80's. I've never been without a job though.....

 

[RxRob]

If you think you will like the actual job aspect of it, I think it's probably safe to say that the profession will probably always provide the mobility and at least a decent living throughout your life, regardless of any changes to the peaks and valleys of it remaining fantastic as it is now.

 

[rxlynn]

Current issue of Money magazine has information on pharmacy as career - I think they have additional information on their website. Also, this particular article was discussed in an sdn thread about 2 weeks or so ago. Basically the article says that pharmacy as a career has a lot of growth potential due to US demographics.