The last time that I was working retail on a full-time basis (summer of 02) there was a shortage of 17 full-time pharmacist positions in JUST the lansing, MI area. Currently there is a 6,000+ plus shortage nationwide, and I've read estimates in various magazine or journals that predict a 10,000 to 20,000 pharmacist shortage in the next 10 years or so. Considering most people here will be out of school in 4 years, I would say that they have nothing to worry about. And is it just you, or does a new pharmacy open about every week in your area?
It's been discussed before on this forum (use the search feature), but I don't think that chains would be paying $50+/hour, offering sign-on bonuses of 10k/year, and paying interns $15-$30/hour if they could find a pharmacist anywhere. Even at my store, we had about 4 months with NO permanent pharmacists, only floaters who were usually very well compensated and made their own hours.
As for new schools.. who cares? We NEED new schools and a school that produces 80 pharmD's a year is no threat to anyone, but rather a benefit. Have any idea how many pharmacists retire per year?
Same goes for number of apps. It was HUGE everywhere this year, but does little to change the school's class, other than to make admission more competitive. Look next year, and I bet you'll see applications SKYROCKET because of pharmCAS, the economy, etc. I think that a lot of schools are accepting between 10-20% of their applicants. NOT a whole heck of a lot.
Why would you want to work in a pharmacy with too little help? It's hell. Your job will be safe for years and years. People always need healthcare.
Jd
