|
Career Path Forecast
 Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2014 to 2024,
slower than the average for all occupations. Several factors are likely to
contribute to this increase.
Demand is
projected to increase for pharmacists in a variety of healthcare settings,
including hospitals and clinics. These facilities will need more pharmacists
to oversee the medications given to patients and to provide patient care,
performing tasks such as testing a patient’s blood sugar or cholesterol.
The large
baby-boom generation is aging, and older people typically use more
prescription medicines than younger people. Higher rates of chronic
diseases such as diabetes among all age groups will also lead to demand for
prescription medications. In addition, scientific advances will lead to new
drug products.
The number of
individuals who have access to health insurance is expected to continue to
increase because of federal health insurance reform. As more people have
access to insurance coverage, more pharmacists will be needed to fill their
prescriptions and to consult with patients about their medications.
Employment of
pharmacists in traditional retail settings is projected to decline slightly
as mail order and online pharmacy sales increase.
The number of pharmacy schools has grown in recent years,
creating more pharmacy school graduates and therefore more competition for
jobs. Students who choose to complete a residency program gain additional
experience that may improve their job prospects. Certification from the
Board of Pharmacy Specialties or as a Certified Diabetes Educator also may
be viewed favorably by employers.
Note: Some resources in this section are provided by the US
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor
Statistics.
|
