Pharmacists work in hospitals and drugstores pharmacies, dispense prescription drugs to patients, and educate the public regarding potential interactions and side effects of these medications. In academia, pharmacy educators may work as faculty members at schools of pharmacy or may work in research positions experimenting with new drug breakthroughs or studies. Other career paths include managed care, federal public health careers, and consulting pharmacy.
To become a pharmacist, students need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited school. Postgraduate fellowships or residency programs are often necessary for work in specific areas such as in clinical settings. Before being allowed to practice, a state examination must also be passed. The following books, journals, publications, organizations, conferences and career information provide comprehensive access to current pharmacy information.
Books
- American College of Clinical Pharmacy: This bookstore offers an extensive section of books on issues related to clinical pharmacy including faculty teaching books and research publications.
- Clinical Pharmacology Manual: This Merck Manual for healthcare and pharmaceutical professionals covers adverse reactions, development, interactions, absorption, and bioavailability of drugs.
- Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Used in academia and featuring multiple peer-reviews, this authoritative handbook covers alternative medicines, nutritional supplementation, homeopathic medications, and other over-the-counter drugs.
Career Resources
- CareerPharm: Residency training videos, salary negotiations, interviewing skills leadership development, and resume tips for pharmacist are provided here.
- Is Pharmacy for You?: This video created by the Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of Chapel Hill features students, alumni, and faculty showing the various prospects for pharmacy careers.
- Pharmacist Careers: The Occupational Outlook Handbook provides updated labor statistics on pharmacists including training required, job outlook, earnings and duties of the job.
- Pharmacy Times Career Corner: Designed for pharmacy students or those looking to advance their careers, users can perform job searches with national pharmacies, get advice for writing a resume, and navigating the interview process.
- Pharmajobs: Search jobs and sign up for new job alerts to find out about opportunities in commercial pharmaceuticals in the United Kingdom.
Conferences
- Arden Conference: Held annually this global biopharmaceuticals conference concentrates on biologic drug advancements and challenges to the industry.
- Pharma Market Research Conference: Formal presentations, panel discussions, and an intimate atmosphere are strived for in this annual event geared towards senior pharmaceutical executives.
- Pharmapack: This major two-day conference draws an international audience and looks at pharmaceutical packaging innovations, including over-the-counter drugs, medical devices and veterinary medicines. Package safety, disposal, and methods of administration are also debated.
- International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP): This global conference has been going on for over 70 years and pulls in thousands. Issues addressed at the annual conference include drug safety, cost reduction, and drug safety guidelines and standards.
Journals
- Pharmacy Education: This peer-reviewed publication is provided free online. Articles are ideal for providing training and instruction on policy issues, professional development, and other areas of pharmacy.
Organizations / Associations
- National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations: Articles, presentations, fact sheets, and more related to the industry help increase communication among state pharmacy associations to enhance patient safety and provide the highest level of professional standards.
- National Community Pharmacists Association: For community pharmacy, this association advocates for reforms, offers professional development opportunities, dispenses the latest industry information, and provides a scholarships and other aids to students.
- Pharmacy Practice: The APA is the oldest professional society for pharmacists in the United States. Patient advocacy, current research, and networking are part of the association’s objectives. Its pharmacy practice section provides news and brochures relevant to scientist, public health, and safety.
Publications
- American Pharmaceutical Review: Drug development, information technology, research, and other areas of pharmaceutical manufacturing are covered in this review. Articles can be viewed online with a free subscription.
- Clinical Connections: Clinical pharmacy studies are continuingly being published. For professionals who want to keep up with the constantly expanding literature, this twice-weekly published newsletter from the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists can be used to filter through all the latest geriatric pharmacotherapy information.