Clinical pharmacists work closely with patients and health care providers to provide information and guidance about the effects of prescription drugs and their dosage amounts and potential side effects, and to help plan effective drug therapy programs. A clinical pharmacist is an expert in the field of traditional and nontraditional therapy programs and conducts research into the treatment and prevention of disease. According to the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, a clinical pharmacist provides independent evaluations and recommendations for appropriate therapeutic decisions to and in collaboration with other health care providers.Education Requirements
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical pharmacists must pass a series of written examinations and possess a doctor of pharmacy degree from a college of pharmacy approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. A doctor of pharmacy degree, (Pharm D) is required for all pharmacists. Clinical pharmacists must complete additional training to achieve the necessary skills and qualifications to practice. Pharm D graduates intending to progress to clinical pharmacists often seek additional education through residency programs or fellowships. Pharmacy fellowships prepare pharmacists to work in specialized areas such as research facilities or in a clinical practice. Postgraduate residency programs may last up to two years and typically require the completion of a research project.
Job Duties
- Traditional pharmacists fill prescriptions for patients prescribed by health care professionals. Clinical pharmacists observe and treat patients in all health care settings and conduct research to further pharmaceutical care and advance the treatment and prevention of disease. Clinical pharmacists work independently to evaluate and recommend such therapeutic therapy as intravenous nutrition, oncology, nuclear pharmacy, geriatric, and psychiatric pharmacy. Pharmacists usually keep computerized records of patients' drug therapies to prevent negative drug interactions. Clinical pharmacists instruct pharmacist technicians in the proper procedures for filling prescriptions, counseling patients, and contacting pharmaceutical companies and health care facilities.
Employment Outlook
- Employment opportunities for clinical pharmacists will increase along with expansions in health care and pharmaceutical research and development. As a greater number of the population reaches retirement age, qualified clinical pharmacists will be in greater demand.
Earnings
- According to payscale.com the annual wage for clinical pharmacists ranges between $93,400 and $112,302 annually. In addition, clinical pharmacists may receive bonuses and possible profit-sharing income. Bonuses range from $1,481 to $6,941, respectively, along with the base salary. Likewise, profit sharing ranges from $2,000 to $8,500. According to the Army Civilian Corps, a clinical pharmacist coordinator can expect an annual salary ranging from $102,463 to $120,544 for GS-12 level position.
Related Job Opportunities
- The most growth in this occupation will come from the ever-evolving complexity of prescription drugs. Pharmacists will need to be more involved with their patients and their reactions to the medication.
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