Pharmacy Over-supply??

[avuong]

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From the pharmacy students forum:


http://www.pharmacytimes.com/issues/...05-01_1830.asp

PHARMACIST OVER-SUPPLY?

Fred M. Eckel, RPh, MS, Pharmacy Times Editor-in-Chief
In 2 different presentations I heard something I have not heard discussed for a long time. Both speakers suggested that we could experience an over-supply of pharmacists. Recently, I have heard some pharmacy leaders suggest that the supply of pharmacists seems to be adequate in their geographic area, but they have not suggested an over-supply. The first presentation suggested that as e-prescribing increases, expert system-enhanced computer systems become more common and technicians' role expand, the number of pharmacists needed to fill prescriptions will decline. The other speaker suggested that if pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are able to promote restricted distribution systems and mandate more mail order usage, it could reduce the number of prescriptions filled in community pharmacy. A PBM executive suggested that there is an excess of 20,000 community pharmacies because the existing mail order capacity could absorb the prescription dispensing from those stores and at a lower cost. In 2003, mail order filled 17.2% of all prescriptions, and, more importantly, this was the fastest growing segment, with over a 10% increase over the previous year. If the new Medicare Part D allows a prominent role for PBMs with restricted distribution networks and mandatory mail order options, then it is possible that there will be less need for pharmacists to dispense prescriptions in community pharmacy. Interestingly Walton, et al. reported (J Am Pharm Assoc 2004;44:673-683) that the most accurate predictor of the number of pharmacist positions was the number of community pharmacy prescriptions. Thus, it is logical to suggest that any policy change to decrease prescription filling in community pharmacy will adversely affect the number of pharmacist positions. That is why you are now seeing campaigns from pharmacy groups to publicize the consequences of mail order and restricted distribution systems on patient access as well as the hidden costs associated with PBM programs. Of course, PBMs have mounted their own public relations campaign. This suggests that the economic consequences of any decisions made about where prescriptions will be filled could have significant financial implications. If these scenarios were to occur in the next few years, are you prepared for the possible decreased need for dispensing pharmacists?

 

[Lotus89]

From the pharmacy students forum:


http://www.pharmacytimes.com/issues/...05-01_1830.asp

PHARMACIST OVER-SUPPLY?

Fred M. Eckel, RPh, MS, Pharmacy Times Editor-in-Chief
In 2 different presentations I heard something I have not heard discussed for a long time. Both speakers suggested that we could experience an over-supply of pharmacists. Recently, I have heard some pharmacy leaders suggest that the supply of pharmacists seems to be adequate in their geographic area, but they have not suggested an over-supply. The first presentation suggested that as e-prescribing increases, expert system-enhanced computer systems become more common and technicians' role expand, the number of pharmacists needed to fill prescriptions will decline. The other speaker suggested that if pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are able to promote restricted distribution systems and mandate more mail order usage, it could reduce the number of prescriptions filled in community pharmacy. A PBM executive suggested that there is an excess of 20,000 community pharmacies because the existing mail order capacity could absorb the prescription dispensing from those stores and at a lower cost. In 2003, mail order filled 17.2% of all prescriptions, and, more importantly, this was the fastest growing segment, with over a 10% increase over the previous year. If the new Medicare Part D allows a prominent role for PBMs with restricted distribution networks and mandatory mail order options, then it is possible that there will be less need for pharmacists to dispense prescriptions in community pharmacy. Interestingly Walton, et al. reported (J Am Pharm Assoc 2004;44:673-683) that the most accurate predictor of the number of pharmacist positions was the number of community pharmacy prescriptions. Thus, it is logical to suggest that any policy change to decrease prescription filling in community pharmacy will adversely affect the number of pharmacist positions. That is why you are now seeing campaigns from pharmacy groups to publicize the consequences of mail order and restricted distribution systems on patient access as well as the hidden costs associated with PBM programs. Of course, PBMs have mounted their own public relations campaign. This suggests that the economic consequences of any decisions made about where prescriptions will be filled could have significant financial implications. If these scenarios were to occur in the next few years, are you prepared for the possible decreased need for dispensing pharmacists?

You know what? I heard the exact same thing, but on bls.gov it says that there is an expected job growth of 22% because of the growing technology and the fact that people are living longer these days and the longer you try to live, the more drugs it takes to keep you comfortable or alive...in a general sense

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos079.htm#outlook

 

[inquirer89]

^ To play devil's advocate, that information is based off of 2006 data (even though the page says 2009 edition).

 

[Kruton]

Alright I am finally going to let you guys out of the fog.

There will be no pharmacy jobs when you graduate (or would have). There will be no such thing as pharmacists. In fact, there never really were. The whole "pharmacy" thing was just a ploy by Walgreens/Technology/Government. So just don't even go to Pharmacy school, it is not worth it.

 

[Lotus89]

im not the one worried so you all can just chill....
I was just inserting me opinion and what i have heard....geeze

 

[Spock87]

Alright I am finally going to let you guys out of the fog.

There will be no pharmacy jobs when you graduate (or would have). There will be no such thing as pharmacists. In fact, there never really were. The whole "pharmacy" thing was just a ploy by Walgreens/Technology/Government. So just don't even go to Pharmacy school, it is not worth it.

Oh...no! Too late! LOL

 

[fhx06]

Alright I am finally going to let you guys out of the fog.

There will be no pharmacy jobs when you graduate (or would have). There will be no such thing as pharmacists. In fact, there never really were. The whole "pharmacy" thing was just a ploy by Walgreens/Technology/Government. So just don't even go to Pharmacy school, it is not worth it.

But... I already made a lifetime supply of business cards and complementary bumper stickers detailing my awesome adventures... 🙁

 

[ValeRx]

Kruton is correct. There will be no jobs for pharmacy students so just quit now and go to med school. Thank you.

 

[SHC1984]

im not the one worried so you all can just chill....
I was just inserting me opinion and what i have heard....geeze

This is a public forum, so most people on here are going to be sarcastic a**holes. 🙄

Anyway, yes there will be a surplus of pharmacists, but there will still be pharmacists around of course...It will be harder and harder to find a job and of course there are no more sign on bonuses...so basically it will just be harder to find a job as the years go on and most likely the income won't go up...but other then that everything else should still be the same...Oh and you will be a floater for a LONG time, which will really suck if the gas prices are back up again! 🙄

 

[dreezy10]

The future of retail is in question, because of it's roots in the business aspect of the world, which is always being changed and improved. but pharmacy positions in hospital, research, and specialties, are here to stay. there are mail order pharmacist, nuclear pharmacist, and so many other positions in pharmacy. If you are truly worried, take that extra year for a residency, that way if retail hits the fan, you can maneuver into a more stable field easily. That's my plan.

 

[vinny808]

The best thing to do is not go into community pharmacy. Specialize in something. The current push is for...i'll leave it at that 😛. Not going to tell you.

 

[Jack555]

This stuff really makes me nervous. I can't imagine going to pharmacy school and then not being able to get a job.

Makes me seriously consider being a PA instead.

 

[ValeRx]

This stuff really makes me nervous. I can't imagine going to pharmacy school and then not being able to get a job.

Makes me seriously consider being a PA instead.

Wow, something like this makes you nervous? What are you going to do when there is a legitimate reason to be worried? Do you honestly think there will be too many pharmacists and not enough jobs to go around?

 

[genesis09]

You people do understand that the only sector of pharmacy which is expected to decline in the upcoming years is hospital pharmacy.

 

[avuong]

really? I thought it would be retail since walgreens and CVS are slowing expansion.

 

[Jdario86]

I think it's time to start a new sub-forum for people worrying about the future of pharmacy.

It should be titled: "Speculations about the Future of Pharmacy: Insert Complaint Here"

 

[Jack555]

Wow, something like this makes you nervous? What are you going to do when there is a legitimate reason to be worried? Do you honestly think there will be too many pharmacists and not enough jobs to go around?

Worry about it (as much as I feel is needed) and solve the problem.

Your laughing now but when that data was calculated they may or may not have been expecting this serious economic downturn which I feel is going to get worse. I feel it could affect how many retail pharmacies can stay open and if having one on every corner is sustainable.

Your so funny, keep laughing.

 

[ValeRx]

Worry about it (as much as I feel is needed) and solve the problem.

Your laughing now but when that data was calculated they may or may not have been expecting this serious economic downturn which I feel is going to get worse. I feel it could affect how many retail pharmacies can stay open and if having one on every corner is sustainable.

Your so funny, keep laughing.

I will. Since you are so worried about not having a job, quit bitching and pick another profession. We won't miss you. Bye bye.

 

[Kruton]

I will. Since you are so worried about not having a job, quit bitching and pick another profession. We won't miss you. Bye bye.

👍

Couldn't have said it better myself.

 

[Jdario86]

Worry about it (as much as I feel is needed) and solve the problem.

Your laughing now but when that data was calculated they may or may not have been expecting this serious economic downturn which I feel is going to get worse. I feel it could affect how many retail pharmacies can stay open and if having one on every corner is sustainable.

Your so funny, keep laughing.

I think no one could have predicted this economic downturn. What makes you think that you or anyone, for that matter, can predict the future for the healthcare industry?

 

[cdpiano27]

But at least the MD's have a STABLE lobbying organization. I think the MD still has more respect, since they have political power. Sorry to say this. But it is only the facts.

I really do think they opened WAY too many pharmacy schools!
It is reallly ridiculous!!

The MD's:

1. make it hard for foreigners to come in and practice
2. only open limited schools
3. and protect the good of the doctors

if pharmacy is going to be respected profession like doctors, the same measures will need to be taken as what the AMA does. That is the only way to stop this.

 

[Jdario86]

But at least the MD's have a STABLE lobbying organization. I think the MD still has more respect, since they have political power. Sorry to say this. But it is only the facts.

I really do think they opened WAY too many pharmacy schools!
It is reallly ridiculous!!

The MD's:

1. make it hard for foreigners to come in and practice
2. only open limited schools
3. and protect the good of the doctors

if pharmacy is going to be respected profession like doctors, the same measures will need to be taken as what the AMA does. That is the only way to stop this.

What does the AMA have to do with anything that's pharmacy-related?

The implementation of stricter ACPE guidelines and stricter admission standards, will make it more difficult to become a pharmacist but, it will not stop new schools from being established.

Based on what has been occurring so far, the ACPE is becoming more strict - schools like nova, hampton etc. are placed on probation but more schools are being granted pre-candidate status (i.e. notre dame). Even old pharmacy schools like Albany was on probation 2 years ago. I think it's safe to infer that the ACPE recently raised the bar and some old schools are struggling to keep up with standards that new schools are meeting.

It's not the number of schools available that contributes to the respect of the profession - it's the number of quality schools.

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

Another thing that we have to consider now is that besides Wags and CVS slowing down on expansion, there might be a lot of small chains and independents that are going out of business especially if they had a lot of debt.

Duane reade for example in NYC has thousands of stores. Yet they have not been profitable for a while and owes hundreds of billions.

Rite Aid was on the top of the list of companies that might go bankrupt in 2009.

Together, they employ more than 15k pharmacists. Even if you factor in some stores getting brought out and other stores replaced by independents or chain. . . that is still a lot of pharmacists out of a job due to consolidation of stores blocks away from each other.

 

[Kruton]

I do agree with the fact that we need more lobbying power. Just to stand up against wags and the like.

 

[sanrevelle]

so how do we start to do that?

 

[FresnoPharmD]

Does anyone think this economic downturn will last forever? Not to mention the baby boomers haven't really been unleashed on the Rx burden just yet, and they and future generations to follow are going to be living so much longer than people used to. I wouldn't panic...it's not the profession's fundamentals that caused a supposed immediate reversal from a shortage to a surplus within a few short months. Call center pharmacies and automation aside, as Bill Clinton said, it's the economy, stupid...

 

[azrk]

But at least the MD's have a STABLE lobbying organization. I think the MD still has more respect, since they have political power. Sorry to say this. But it is only the facts.

I really do think they opened WAY too many pharmacy schools!
It is reallly ridiculous!!

The MD's:

1. make it hard for foreigners to come in and practice
2. only open limited schools
3. and protect the good of the doctors

if pharmacy is going to be respected profession like doctors, the same measures will need to be taken as what the AMA does. That is the only way to stop this.

I really couldnt have said it better myself. I came to the same conclusion after reading my first "too many pharmacists" thread.

Removing the 6 year Pharmacy program and making it at least a 8 year career choice would definitely be a good start because it would make the NP and PA route look more enticing. I guess it goes with lobbying but 4 dollar meds need to go, its good for the general population but not good for the pharmacy profession.

If worse comes to worse pharmacists will be paid what they are worth in a sense. The more efficient you are the bigger your paycheck will be. My mom was only a NP but she busted her butt at work, went through charts like nothing and made 65 dollars an hour, very close to what the MD's made in the same clinic.

 

[Aznfarmerboi]

Does anyone think this economic downturn will last forever? Not to mention the baby boomers haven't really been unleashed on the Rx burden just yet, and they and future generations to follow are going to be living so much longer than people used to. I wouldn't panic...it's not the profession's fundamentals that caused a supposed immediate reversal from a shortage to a surplus within a few short months. Call center pharmacies and automation aside, as Bill Clinton said, it's the economy, stupid...

Actually, we are sort of in the prime of the baby boomer's RX burden now. Find out the definition of baby boomers, and how old they are (~70). Where we are getting at now is at the second generation of baby boomers (Generation Y) which is a smaller population.

I used to have high hopes for the future of pharmacy but after seeing comments like krutons (lobbying power against walgreens???), the future doesnt look so bright.

If it wasnt for Walgreens and CVS, you would be getting paid 30-50k a year fighting for that hospital job if you were lucky. If you got an independent job, add health insurance among other things to your expenses.

 

[avuong]

.

 

[kittycatblues]

I do agree with the fact that we need more lobbying power. Just to stand up against wags and the like.

so how do we start to do that?

http://www.pharmacist.com/ Click on Government Affairs

You can join APhA as a student member - pre-pharmacy students can join if the school of pharmacy at your college has a student chapter.

 

[kittycatblues]

Actually, we are sort of in the prime of the baby boomer's RX burden now. Find out the definition of baby boomers, and how old they are (~70). Where we are getting at now is at the second generation of baby boomers (Generation Y) which is a smaller population.

Baby boomers were born from 1946 to 1964. So they currently range in age from about 44 to 63 years old.

 

[genesis09]

really? I thought it would be retail since walgreens and CVS are slowing expansion.

Walgreens and CVS are slowing expansion, but hospitals are laying off pharmacists. The most recent job projections for pharmacist in the next 10 years of so say high growth for PBM sector, steady to low growth for retail/community, and negative growth to steady for hospital/in-patient. There has been a general trend of decreasing hospital admissions, and that is just reflecting that trend. Hospital pharmacists make up about 25% of pharmacists, community makes up about 60%, and PBM makes up about 5-10% of all pharmacists.
If national healthcare is ever implemented, hospital and community pharmacists will profit, while PBM pharmacists will have problems.

 

[diastole]

Actually, we are sort of in the prime of the baby boomer's RX burden now. Find out the definition of baby boomers, and how old they are (~70). Where we are getting at now is at the second generation of baby boomers (Generation Y) which is a smaller population.

I used to have high hopes for the future of pharmacy but after seeing comments like krutons (lobbying power against walgreens???), the future doesnt look so bright.

If it wasnt for Walgreens and CVS, you would be getting paid 30-50k a year fighting for that hospital job if you were lucky. If you got an independent job, add health insurance among other things to your expenses.

Woah, you skipped my whole generation. I'm Gen X. We used to be known as the slacker generation until the journalists started writing about the narcissists in Gen Y. They never say anything nice about a generation unless you are in the "greatest" generation.

 

[Kruton]

I used to have high hopes for the future of pharmacy but after seeing comments like krutons (lobbying power against walgreens???), the future doesnt look so bright.

What about my comments? Someone has to check those large corporations and do you really trust the government without us being directly involved?

 

[Ross434]

What about my comments? Someone has to check those large corporations and do you really trust the government without us being directly involved?

dont mind aznpharmer i think he misunderstood you

 

[Jack555]

I will. Since you are so worried about not having a job, quit bitching and pick another profession. We won't miss you. Bye bye.

I said "

This stuff really makes me nervous. I can't imagine going to pharmacy school and then not being able to get a job.

Makes me seriously consider being a PA instead. "

I'm going into $120,000+ debt for my job. When I hear talk of job demand being decreased it makes me think, are you sure you want to go into this debt when the future of the career may or may not be good. I can still be a PA if I want. If PA had 100 percent job security there is a possibility I would take it. The PA demand in the future will be higher than that of pharmacists anyway you look at it.

There is no need to be a hostile prick to strangers on a forum who have wronged you in no way. Seriously, you seem to have a lot of anger in you. Sit back, chill, enjoy life, and try to remember the golden rule. Being an ass to people will get you nowhere in life.

 

[Jack555]

I think no one could have predicted this economic downturn. What makes you think that you or anyone, for that matter, can predict the future for the healthcare industry?

Austrian Free Market economists predicted it (I also follow the austrian school of thought and have since well before the downturn). In fact the economists I look up to were being laughed at when they said this was coming. It should not be too hard to predict whether having CVS's on every corner is sustainable but unfortuntely I am no pro (like the people I follow) and with the future of nationalized healthcare up in the air who knows...


Either way there is no need to be calling me a "bitch".

 

[Nelson]

This article seems legitimate.

http://bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/pharmacy/

Hopefully I don't get called any bad names.

 

[FresnoPharmD]

Actually, we are sort of in the prime of the baby boomer's RX burden now. Find out the definition of baby boomers, and how old they are (~70). Where we are getting at now is at the second generation of baby boomers (Generation Y) which is a smaller population.

The baby boomers are not 70...the oldest of them were born around 1946, which would make them 63 years old. They haven't even hit Medicare yet for the most part. We are far from their pharmaceutical prime. They should live into their 80s on average and the generations behind them should live even longer. We're just scratching the surface with that. They'll be going in for a lot of procedures and using a lot of meds to deal with and prevent a lot of health issues. Not to mention general health problems with the population like increased cases of diabetes, increased diagnoses of ADD/ADHD in kids and doctors being more proactive in dishing out maintenance meds for cholesterol, BP, etc.

I think this will help offset some of whatever's going wrong according to everyone. I don't think anyone's going to be making $30-50k as a pharmacist regardless of whatever Walgreens and company can draw up.

I like the article posted right above me. Hard facts and figures and what seems like a very realistic assessment of the situation. No doom and gloom, and it accounts for all the factors, not JUST Walgreens Power or whatever people are fearing will knock us out of the workforce.

 

[ValeRx]

I said "

This stuff really makes me nervous. I can't imagine going to pharmacy school and then not being able to get a job.

Makes me seriously consider being a PA instead. "

I'm going into $120,000+ debt for my job. When I hear talk of job demand being decreased it makes me think, are you sure you want to go into this debt when the future of the career may or may not be good. I can still be a PA if I want. If PA had 100 percent job security there is a possibility I would take it. The PA demand in the future will be higher than that of pharmacists anyway you look at it.

There is no need to be a hostile prick to strangers on a forum who have wronged you in no way. Seriously, you seem to have a lot of anger in you. Sit back, chill, enjoy life, and try to remember the golden rule. Being an ass to people will get you nowhere in life.

My comments were not hostile, merely a retort to your obvious lack of ability to take criticism, ie "Your so funny, keep laughing". Which by the way, I think you meant you're (you are) and not your (possessive). But hey, you're a smart kid so I'm sure you knew that. Like I said, if you are so worried about a few articles here and there, choose another profession. This place has enough Chicken Little's running around, we don't need another.

 

[Jdario86]

Austrian Free Market economists predicted it (I also follow the austrian school of thought and have since well before the downturn). In fact the economists I look up to were being laughed at when they said this was coming. It should not be too hard to predict whether having CVS's on every corner is sustainable but unfortuntely I am no pro (like the people I follow) and with the future of nationalized healthcare up in the air who knows...


Either way there is no need to be calling me a "bitch".

I think economists or people with business backgrounds (regardless of whatever country they're from) have no license in predicting the future of healthcare. They're not biomedical epidemiologists - they can't trace the transmission or proliferation of diseases. Another thing that I dislike about economists is that they spend more time predicting the future than spending the time in coming up with solutions - like how most people on this forum are bitching and speculating about the future and doing less proactive thinking.

That post wasn't directly attacking you. I was pointing out that it's a waste of time in incessantly predicting & worrying the future of healthcare. For goodness sake, we are all pharmacists/aspiring pharmacists here and therefore we are scientists - we should all be able to think scientifically and proactively brainstorm solutions to solve this problem.

I commend those who have been taking a proactive approach on this situation but there are just some people on this forum who just complain and can't suggest something proactive.

 

[avuong]

hi there,
what do you mean by proactive? Should we all write letters to our senators, or start a million man march in D.C? Or maybe we could just sit around and personally insult other people on the interweb.

we need less trashing and hate in these forums. why do people love to put other people down, sometimes even when the post had nothing wrong with it in the first place and then you guys find a way to put that person down because you disagree?

I suggest the first step we take is to stop putting others down and stop making personal attacks. From there we can then start organizing our million man march and finally get something done.

 

[pharmant]

Just to add my 2 cents. Everyone is entitled to an opinion, and it is good to have several opinions, but before you jump on one opinion, there should be proof, substantial evidence of that opinion if you want to relay it as proof for your argument. Carl Sagan wrote a book title “The Demon-Haunted World" which is about Psuedosciences. In the book he describes rules what he calls "A Baloney Detection Kit." These are useful strategies that enable scientist or just a layperson to pick out statements that seem ... well "Baloney."

http://www.skepticreport.com/skepticism/baloneydetectionkit.htm

There are a lot of statements going around from a pharmacy surplus, a shortage, no surplus-no shortages, to healthcare Armageddon. Believe what you want, but make an educated decision.

 

[Jdario86]

hi there,
what do you mean by proactive? Should we all write letters to our senators, or start a million man march in D.C? As young fresh out of college kids, we can't do jack except sit in front of our computers and complain/trash others who complain.

we need less trashing and hate in these forums. why do people love to put other people down, sometimes even when the post had nothing wrong with it in the first place and then you guys find a way to put that person down because you disagree?

I suggest the first step we take is to stop putting others down and stop making personal attacks. From there we can then start organizing our million man march and finally get something done.

I mean that we need to stop posting things like 'too many pharmacy schools, pharmacists influx, we're all going to die....' etc. etc. on the forum. One can beat something down that's so obvious for so long and worry.

I also think those (generally speaking) who haven't gotten into pharmacy school yet should be primarily concerned with getting an acceptance first than complaining about their unclear future on a forum.

 

[Jack555]

I mean that we need to stop posting things like 'too many pharmacy schools, pharmacists influx, we're all going to die....' etc. etc. on the forum. One can beat something down that's so obvious for so long and worry.

I also think those (generally speaking) who haven't gotten into pharmacy school yet should be primarily concerned with getting an acceptance first than complaining about their unclear future on a forum.

I have not seen a single complaint (except for people complaining about supposed complaining like you) in this thread. I have seen a lot of discussion, and a lot of hate, but no complaining.

If you don't want to be a part of a thread trying to look at the data out there on pharmacist outlook thats fine. Don't click on the thread. Problem solved.

However, some of us want to know the most recent data on pharmacist outlook. Seriously, if you don't want to know don't click on the thread. everyone wins.

 

[Ross434]

.

 

[Happy Hounds]

I mean that we need to stop posting things like 'too many pharmacy schools, pharmacists influx, we're all going to die....' etc. etc. on the forum. One can beat something down that's so obvious for so long and worry.

You're totally right. I should completely ignore the TWC/TPA Report on the Pharmacist job market in my state being fully saturated in the next 5 years. And APhA should be dissolved and let the AMA make all the lobbying decisions for all healthcare professionals. I think I'll also ignore my husband's no-longer-existent 401K, falling house value, and rapidly decreasing financial aid availability. No problem.

Instead, from now on I plan to think about kittens and rainbows.

 

[confettiflyer]

Instead, from now on I plan to think about kittens and rainbows.

lol, stop stealing my rainbows/ice cream/kittens/puppies lines...haha.

This thread is full of idiots, ohh mahh gahh, future pharmacists of america? that freaks me out. i hope some of you never get into school. you know who you are.

anyway, the surplus is coming in one form or another...if you don't have the fortitude and smarts to market yourself, have a horrible time communicating, and simply want to count pills and hide behind a counter all your life, then you're royally screwed.

if you work quickly/efficiently and can prove your worth to any company, then you're fine, no need to worry. It's these "only smart on paper" geeks who have no concept of employment/real world/workplace smarts that will get eaten alive.

In short, the days of $10k signing bonuses and $120k retail salaries falling into the laps of new grads is either done already or ending within the next 2 years (unless you're in some podunk town in the midwest).

Will you still be able to find a job? Yeah, probably...you'll just have to know how to get one.

 

[Electrode]

The notion of current/future "over-supply" of pharmacists:

1) A very ridiculous notion.

2) Usually comes from the mind of the "undecided" pre-health student(s), who is dearly worried about which sector of health care has the most stable job security incorporated with flexibility (i.e. anything outside the MD's adventures).

3) In the actual presence of such a notion, it is usually regionally driven. Obvious solution = go after the job 2 that is 500 miles away from your region. Say what? Can't relocate? This would be a good time to drink that your hot cup of coffee.

Summary? If you are sticking your nose into any direct patient-related health care profession, worrying about getting no job in the future is simply a wonderful invention of an additional obstacle towards achieving your professional goals. No more, no less.

If you are going into any administrative sector of the health care (eg corporate pharmacy), then you should be a little worried because of the economy or rather, have to step up your game as a top notch.

If you don't agree with me, consider a PhD in Nursing. Or would it make you feel better if it was noted as NursD?

And of course, with all due respects attached👍

 

[Jdario86]

I have not seen a single complaint (except for people complaining about supposed complaining like you) in this thread. I have seen a lot of discussion, and a lot of hate, but no complaining.

If you don't want to be a part of a thread trying to look at the data out there on pharmacist outlook thats fine. Don't click on the thread. Problem solved.

However, some of us want to know the most recent data on pharmacist outlook. Seriously, if you don't want to know don't click on the thread. everyone wins.

Sorry. I would have responded to this much sooner but I was too busy getting into pharmacy school and building my resume.

As for that "if you don't want to know don't click on the thread" comment, that's just really bad. That's just as bad as me saying - if you have more faith in Australian economists and their negative criticism on the American economy, then study pharmacy elsewhere - not the U.S.