Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Are you a graduating Pharmacist? What's Next?


Graduating PharmD Pharmacists: What’s Next?

Now that you’ve obtained your PharmD, you can look back fondly on all the hard work you put into the program and your residency. You’ve travelled a long road to get where you are now. You’ve worked diligently, and now it’s time to reap the rewards. It’s important to research the possibilities in front of you, and to develop a plan for how you wish to proceed. What do you need to know before putting yourself on the job market.

 What to do After Graduation? 

 The first step to obtaining the pharmacy career of your choice is to determine which state you will practice in. Each state has different board certification requirements, so you will need to take the test that corresponds with the state you’ll be practicing in. Then, make sure your resume and cover letter are up-to-date and free of any grammatical errors. 
 In today’s market, the ideal candidate isn’t just someone who’s willing to work hard, it’s someone whose mission is aligned with that of the whole pharmacy, and who understands the unique set of goals a particular pharmacy holds. That’s why it’s important to customize your cover letter for each application you send out. Be sure to list any relevant results in your cover letter to outline the achievements your resume cannot. Once you have all the application details completed, it’s time to hone your interviewing skills.

 What’s the Job Outlook? 

 The healthcare industry is changing. More and more people are insuring themselves, and the national push to take control of our own wellness is driving the population to get routine checkups. Medication is advancing as well; new developments arise every day, which means there is more drug information and safety practices to remain on top of. With all the technological and clinical advancements, there’s a lot of potential for growth in the industry, and it requires manpower. Some predict that the job outlook for the pharmacy field is bright, and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of pharmacists is expected to grow 14% from 2012 to 2022 . Remain hopeful throughout your application process, and you’ll exude the professionalism and confidence a pharmacy seeks.
 
What are Some Concerns Regarding the Job Outlook? 

 Some people argue that the number of pharmacy graduates has risen significantly and the field cannot support it. The recent recession has also put a damper on the numbers; as the economy dipped, so did the number of available jobs. But the pharmacy industry, like all others, is malleable, and the supply is constantly meeting the needs of the demand. We can’t predict the future, but the past has shown us that the pharmacy has been a mainstay of the community ever since healing became a strong focus.
 There is a bright side to being concerned about the future outlook for pharmacy jobs, however. It can give you the extra incentive to work hard to establish yourself as a qualified applicant, and it gives you the drive you need to stand out from the crowd. Use this as an opportunity to build your resume by joining any statewide or national incentives geared toward your drug specialization interests. Volunteer with organizations, take continuing education courses, and establish yourself as a loyal member of the pharmacy community.
 
The Places You’ll Go

 Graduating with a PharmD can be exhilarating. All the possibilities are laid out in front of you, and you have the exciting task of choosing where to go and what to do. Now is the time to make a plan for your future and ensure it includes the specializations you’re most passionate about. Stick to what you love to do. If you entered the pharmacy school with the hopes of one day becoming a medication researcher, continue to build a resume based on that course. As long as you love what you’re doing and you’re working hard to obtain the career of your choice, you’ll stand out as a stellar applicant for the job you want.
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