Pharmacy

Careers in Pharmacy Pharmacist Pharmacy Technician Pharmaceutical Researchers Pharmaceutical Representatives

Pharmacist Belmont University Lipscomb University Union University Educational Requirements Local possibilities Pharm. D. degree At least 2-3 year undergraduate study in chemistry, biology, or anatomy then 4 yrs. Pharmacy School Must be licensed Must pass the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) Belmont University Lipscomb University Union University East Tennessee State University University of Tennessee

Job Description Dispense prescription medication to patients Provide information & advice regarding drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and proper medication storage. Prepare sterile solutions & infusions for use in surgical procedures.

Personal Qualities Analytical skills Communication skills Detail oriented Patience Math skills

Job Outlook Expected to increase by 25% from 2010 to 2020 due to retirement & scientific advances to new drug products.

Working Conditions Pharmacists spend most of the day on their feet working in: Hospitals Clinics Drug stores Grocery stores

Salary Median pay: $53.64 per hour $111, 570 per year

Pharmacy Technician Education Local Possibilities Technical or college training of 1-2 years with a certificate or associate degree Tennessee Technology Center Daymar Institute MedVance Institute

Job Description Assists pharmacist with preparation of prescription medications Receive written prescription requests from customers electronically and through the phone by physicians

Personal Qualities Good communication skills Organizational skills Observant Math skills

Job Outlook Faster than average due to expansion of retail pharmacies & other employment settings. Expected to increase 32% from 2010 to 2020.

Working Conditions Expected to work in pharmacies, including those found in grocery and drug stores and in hospitals, Most work full time, but many work part time.

Salary Scale About $18.70 per hour $36,000 a year

Pharmaceutical Researchers Educational Requirements Local Possibilities Graduate degree in a biological or chemical science Masters Ph.D Certified training in pharmaceutical research projects from accredited institutes. UTK MTSU ETSU

Job Description Works as part of a team in developing new medications, and each member of the team will have his or her own area of expertise. Ultimate goal of the researcher is development of new therapies to address unmet medical needs.

Personal Qualities Detail- Oriented Patience Team player Strong Math & Science Skills

Job Outlook Expected to increase 9% between 2006 and 2016. There is an increased demand for medical and pharmaceutical advancement and, as the population ages and retires, even more room will be created for new researchers to enter this field.

Working Conditions Most pharmaceutical researchers work in offices or laboratories Research experiments are often conducted during odd hours and may require constant observation Average of 38.5 hours a week

Salary About $40.75 per hour $84,760 a year

Pharmaceutical Representatives Educational Requirements Local Possibilities Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a health field and some training in business as well. Intensive training and education about companies’ products UTK MTSU ETSU

Job Description Meet with pharmacists, doctors, and hospital personnel to persuade them to prescribe a company’s products to patients Explain how drugs work, benefit, and why they should be used over other brands. Provide product samples to physicians

Personal Qualities Organizational skills Time management skills Determination Positive attitude Sale skills

Job Outlook Expected to increase 16% between 2010 and 2020

Working Conditions A drug rep may work out of a home based office and a company car. May be required to attend sales meetings, conference calls, or training sessions with the management team May also do lunchtime presentations at physicians’ offices

Salary Median expected salary for a typical sales rep in the United States is $60, 967 About $27.22 per hour