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Job outlook for pharmacist managers in the United States
Pharmacist manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected pharmacist manager job growth rate is 28% from 2018-2028.
About 136,200 new jobs for pharmacist managers are projected over the next decade.
Pharmacist manager salaries have increased 8% for pharmacist managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 209,134 pharmacist managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 61,178 active pharmacist manager job openings in the US.
The average pharmacist manager salary is $93,996.
Are pharmacist manager jobs in demand?
Pharmacist Manager job and salary trends over time
Pharmacist Manager jobs over time
Pharmacist Manager job growth rate over time
Year  | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 209,134 | 0.06% |
| 2020 | 209,296 | 0.06% |
| 2019 | 206,361 | 0.06% |
| 2018 | 204,324 | 0.06% |
| 2017 | 202,990 | 0.06% |
Average pharmacist manager salary over time
Pharmacist Manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $93,996 | $45.19 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $91,021 | $43.76 | +1.3% |
| 2023 | $89,895 | $43.22 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $88,651 | $42.62 | +1.9% |
| 2021 | $87,019 | $41.84 | +2.2% |
Pharmacist Manager jobs by state
Most common states for pharmacist managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 162 | 23% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 146 | 23% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,403 | 20% |
| 4 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 275 | 20% |
| 5 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 252 | 19% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,321 | 16% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 116 | 16% |
| 8 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,129 | 15% |
| 9 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 711 | 15% |
| 10 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 1,808 | 14% |
| 11 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,436 | 14% |
| 12 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 805 | 14% |
| 13 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 445 | 14% |
| 14 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 142 | 14% |
| 15 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 1,538 | 13% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 810 | 13% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 743 | 13% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 714 | 13% |
| 19 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,199 | 12% |
| 20 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 360 | 12% |
Most common cities for pharmacist managers
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawndale | 4 | 12% | $104,879 |
| 2 | Englewood | 3 | 9% | $61,476 |
| 3 | Alhambra | 3 | 4% | $104,702 |
| 4 | Muncie | 3 | 4% | $55,212 |
| 5 | Germantown | 3 | 3% | $58,499 |
| 6 | Newton | 3 | 3% | $51,353 |
| 7 | Peoria | 3 | 3% | $46,952 |
| 8 | Bridgeport | 3 | 2% | $53,671 |
| 9 | Lafayette | 3 | 2% | $75,929 |
| 10 | Indianapolis | 9 | 1% | $55,571 |
| 11 | Boston | 6 | 1% | $51,387 |
| 12 | Baltimore | 4 | 1% | $58,573 |
| 13 | Colorado Springs | 3 | 1% | $62,934 |
| 14 | Miami | 3 | 1% | $87,619 |
| 15 | Modesto | 3 | 1% | $101,499 |
| 16 | Chicago | 4 | 0% | $45,740 |
| 17 | Jacksonville | 4 | 0% | $74,608 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 4 | 0% | $104,986 |
| 19 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $98,807 |
Pharmacist Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of pharmacist manager experts
Wilkes University
University of Southern California
The University of Tennessee - Knoxville
The University of Findlay
Harding University
University of Connecticut
Western New England University
University of Rhode Island
Texas A&M University - Central Texas
Morgan State University
Chapman University
Indiana University Northwest
University of the Incarnate Word
Lipscomb University
University of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
University of Maryland Eastern Shore
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Growing your skill set and expertise is vital. Earning your Doctor of Pharmacy is just the beginning. Look for opportunities to complete certifications and additional education (i.e. master's degree in business administration) as this will be a jumping board to grow your career and salary potential.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Being a lifelong learner is vital as a pharmacist as the practice is evolving rapidly. Integration of AI is just one example. Developing proficiency with AI to maximize the benefits that it provides. Depending on the specific area of pharmacy you choose, unique skills will become more important and prevalent in the next 3 - 5 years. For example, as an ambulatory care pharmacist proficiency in population-based care and quality measures are important and will grow in their importance.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Sara Reece PharmD, CDCES, BC-ADM, BCACP, FADCES, FCCP: Do not let fear hold you back. Most likely, it will take time and experience to find just the right area of pharmacy for you. Your first position in pharmacy will likely be a stepping stone so don't get too discouraged if it is not the perfect fit for you. Focus on the larger goal of serving others when you experience frustrations from your job.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: Speaking strictly from a supply and demand perspective, yes. In the next four to five years, the amount of pharmacy graduates is going to drop significantly as enrollment has dropped nationwide. I've seen data and had conversations with hiring managers about what the traditional practice role market will look like in the near future and all point to quite the increase in demand.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: Taking care of and developing relationships with patients as part of the health care team is still the primary selling point for the profession. On the negative side, issues have crept up from a quality of work life standpoint, especially in community pharmacy. The volume of work required and oftentimes lack of personnel power to effectively handle/manage that volume has created a highly stressful environment in many positions. Still, though, being a part of the healthcare team and the impact one can have on patients' lives combined with the compensation and overall quality of the work environment makes the profession one that should be sought.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Brent Rollins RPh, PhD: The day-to-day looks very different based on the area of pharmacy practice one works. The traditionally thought of roles for the pharmacist exist in a community pharmacy (filling new and refill prescriptions, counseling patients and taking care of the general public) or hospital pharmacy (filling physician orders, counseling patients and solving inpatient issues). However, more and more pharmacists are working in direct patient care managing chronic disease states such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease or in the insurance world educating a third-party's patients, managing drug formularies and solving those patient/prescription issues. In the end, pharmacists make sure the right person gets the right medication, take care of a patient's health care/medication needs, and are problem-solvers for all things related to a person's drug therapy.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Be open to new possibilities, network with pharmacy professionals, communicate effectively, and never stop learning.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Negotiate upfront, consider the field you want to go into, take business courses to climb the ladder quickly.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Rubi Mahato PhD, MBA: Critical thinking, adaptability, effective patient counseling, and effective communication with healthcare professionals.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: Pharmacists ensure that each patient is receiving the right therapy, at the right dose at the right time to maximize a patient’s health. They do this in a variety of settings working alongside other health care professionals all committed to ensuring the best for the patient. Depending on the type of pharmacist the day to day activities vary greatly and thus attract people who have interest into going into a health profession that provides them with a variety of opportunities. Pharmacists can help develop medications, produce and test them in accordance with regulatory guidance, determine the best market to ensure patients have access, work in health systems that provide patients with these medications in a hospital or clinic setting, or be the most accessible healthcare provider when they work in community pharmacies. But then there are also pharmacy specializations that attract more people such as cardiology, oncology, mental health, global health, industry, government organizations, or even new and exciting roles in sports pharmacy and digital health
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: Pharmacists are increasingly being asked to take on more roles in health care and this has led to increases in hiring, salaries and even start-up bonuses. But it is always a good time to be a pharmacist because so many people value what pharmacy brings to all aspects of health care.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Kari Franson PharmD, PhD, BCPP: The challenges we hear related to pharmacy are typically associated with those that work for larger health care providing organizations whose bottom line drives some of the decisions regarding the workforce.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
James Wheeler: Pharmacists are medication experts and work in a variety of settings including community pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, long term care settings, the pharmaceutical industry, and many other areas. Day to day responsibilities vary depending on role and setting, but often include preparing and dispensing medications, counseling and educating patients, administering vaccines or other medications, and collaborating with many healthcare professionals. Pharmacists engaging in direct patient care often perform comprehensive medication management, which includes designing, managing, and monitoring pharmacotherapy regimens via collaborative practice.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Wheeler: Pharmacists enjoy the versatility of the PharmD degree, allowing for a wide variety of career paths and specialization opportunities in various pharmacy practice areas. It’s a trusted profession where pharmacists tackle complex medical issues, build relationships with patients and colleagues, and improve population health. Pharmacists enjoy the opportunity to serve patients, grow as clinicians, and make a positive impact in their communities. Like other healthcare professions, the role is demanding and requires constant learning and professional growth, but the work is meaningful and improves patient’s lives.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
James Wheeler: It’s a great time to enter the profession of pharmacy as there is strong demand for pharmacist services, excellent earning potential, and the opportunity to work directly with patients and healthcare professionals.
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy PracticeThe University of Findlay
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Give yourself patience and grace as you transition from a student pharmacist into a registered pharmacist (RPh). Being a new practitioner comes with many learning curves: responsibility for patient care, working efficiently, and learning site-specific policies and procedures that will be new to you, to name a few. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day – you’re beginning your career and will learn more about the site and yourself as a pharmacist every day. Pharmacy school may be over, but maintain your willingness to learn. Ask questions, take notes during your training for reference later, and remember that every shift comes with opportunities to learn.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Empathy: as pharmacists face increasing workplace demands, don’t lose sight of your ‘why’ for committing to the profession of pharmacy. For many, this involves a desire to positively impact patient care. In my work as a pharmacist, I often consider the care I would want one of my family members, friends, or loved ones to receive. This can involve going the extra mile for our patients, such as securing an affordable treatment option for a patient when the initial medication is too expensive or inaccessible. Pharmacists are in a position to help patients; some cases may involve extra time and effort, and you may find yourself questioning how you can provide this when you’re being pulled in different directions and facing various tasks. Remember your ‘why’, and don’t lose sight of the fact that you’re involved in the care for someone’s loved one and have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to help.
Prioritization: pharmacists face many demands in the workplace all throughout the day. Oftentimes, several demands occur at once. For example, you might be on the phone with a patient or other healthcare provider, someone might be knocking on your door or arrive at your counter, and the unverified prescriptions queue may be filling up by the minute. In these instances, pharmacists must actively listen to what is being presented (take notes!) and determine what is the problem of highest priority. During the workday, pharmacists must determine what is urgent and time-sensitive to guide their next step.
Attention to detail: whether you’re verifying a new prescription, dispensing a medication from the pharmacy, completing a consult, or evaluating a patient’s chart, pharmacists must be equipped with analytical skills. Known as ‘medication experts,’ pharmacists must be accurate and attentive to ensure safe patient care.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS: Self-reflect on what you are looking for in your career as a pharmacist, and at minimum, question what setting you would like to practice in and what knowledge and skills you would like to refine. This can help to guide which opportunities you take or seek out. Completing additional training or earning certifications will build your curriculum vitae (CV). Picking up additional hours at your site or working as a PRN pharmacist at another site can also be beneficial.
Julie Hixson-Wallace
Dean and ProfessorHarding University
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Be flexible! A pharmacy degree can be used to practice in a variety of settings. Having an open mind to explore all the available opportunities can open doors most people don't associate with the traditional view of pharmacists.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Completing residency training, a dual degree program (e.g., MBA, MSIS), or going to work in an underserved area are ways to secure higher compensation in the long run either through starting in higher level positions or securing sign-on bonuses or student loan reimbursement benefits.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Julie Hixson-Wallace: Pharmacists are increasingly providing direct patient care in a variety of settings. Critical thinking and communication skills are important when bridging the gaps in primary care and supporting other members of the healthcare team as the medication expert in the group.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in pharmacy, I would advise someone to start by exploring salary trends within the various career paths for pharmacy. Some geographic locations offer more competitive salaries, and some specialized areas of pharmacy can also increase your earning potential. Staying abreast of the evolving pharmacy healthcare environment can inform you of the need to seek out advanced education or additional certifications. Continuously upgrading your skills and knowledge can make you more valuable to employers which can command a higher salary. Also, building and leveraging your professional network will help you identify hidden job opportunities.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: Pharmacy practice is increasingly reliant on technology for managing various aspects of the practice. Staying up-to-date on the latest technology and pharmacy software tools will help improve efficiency and accuracy. As healthcare continues to move towards more data-driven decision-making, skills in data analysis, informatics, and health informatics will be highly valuable. Effective communication skills continue to be important and prevalent in the field whether it is with patients, colleagues, or other healthcare professionals. With medication use becoming increasingly complex, it is critical that this information can be relayed to patients in terms that are clear and easy to understand.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Chasity Shelton PharmD, FCCP, FNAP, BCPS, BCPPS: The career opportunities available to new pharmacy graduates are vast. Pharmacy is a field that is constantly evolving with new medications, treatments, and regulations; therefore finding ways to stay up to date on new information will be critical to your success and can help you identify new innovative practice models. Expanding your network will also be important to your success. Finding experienced pharmacists who can offer guidance and mentorship as you navigate your career will help with your professional development.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
C. Michael White: Challenges include being the drug information expert, dealing with anxious or upset patients, breaking bad news, and the need to be physically present during work hours. Working from home may not be an option for some roles, leading to pros and cons in career choices.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
C. Michael White: The healthcare system is more collaborative than before, creating high demand for pharmacists. Pharmacists can choose where they want to live and the type of pharmacy to practice in, allowing flexibility and career options.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
C. Michael White: Pharmacists can work in various settings such as community pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, managed care, clinical pharmacy, and primary care pharmacy. They provide medications to patients, give immunizations, counsel patients, conduct research, answer drug information questions, make care plans, write laboratory and prescription orders, and meet with patients.
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Kimberly Pesaturo PharmD, BCPS: Becoming both a true professional and an expert are longtime, if not lifetime, processes.
Continued self-development and being open to new ideas, concepts, and innovations are key to
career progression. New doors are going to open, and some when you least expect them. Take
advantage of opportunities that come your way! Be open to the fact that growth takes time and
change is inevitable.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kimberly Pesaturo PharmD, BCPS: I see two main areas as being vital to career success in the next few years. The first is
embracing both the fluid nature of the field of pharmacy and its new technologies. The second is
cultivating a high degree of emotional intelligence, communication, and professionalism.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Kimberly Pesaturo PharmD, BCPS: This is a great question! I feel there are multiple ways to do this, but my primary
recommendation is to make sure you are a highly qualified career candidate. This may
involve completing a year or more of postgraduate residency training, postgraduate
fellowship training, and/or becoming certified in specialty areas, such as through the
Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties examination. Second, be willing to pack up and
move! Early career is a ripe time for new environments and locations, and working in
various locales will help formatively support your later career growth. Next, diversify
your skill set, but be smart about it. Think about what makes you unique in your career;
how might you leverage your knowledge and experience through research, publication,
teaching, or consulting? Finally, to quote a mentor of mine, "fortune favors the bold."
Don't be afraid to innovate, share, and collaborate.
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP
Director, Co-Curriculum and Experiential EngagementUniversity of Rhode Island
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: I think of maximizing salary potential as a combination of strategic planning, ongoing skill development, and effective negotiation. It is valuable to have insights into the job market and salary trends in that area through networking and perhaps some research on websites such as Glassdoor and Indeed. Salary levels for pharmacists can differ significantly depending on geographic location, cost of living, and demand for healthcare services, which can mean potentially exploring job opportunities in areas where demand for pharmacists is high and salaries are competitive. Graduates may also consider, as part of their ongoing professional development, pursuing advanced credentials or certifications in specialized areas of pharmacy practice of interest, such as board certification in pharmacotherapy, ambulatory care, or critical care to make you more competitive in the job market, potentially leading to higher salary offers. It is also worth noting that development and advanced training can involve participating in postgraduate residency and fellowship programs. Employers may offer higher starting salaries to candidates with relevant experience and specialized training. Many new graduates are wary about negotiating salary and benefits, but it is important and beneficial to do when done well. Do your research beforehand on industry standards and keep in mind what qualifications and experience you bring to the table so that you can articulate your value proposition effectively. Be prepared to negotiate not only salary but also benefits such as sign-on bonuses, relocation assistance, continuing education allowances, and opportunities for career advancement which can sometimes have more room for adjustment than salary.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: Pharmacy is a field that is ever-evolving as new medications, technologies, and regulations emerge, so it is crucial that graduates prioritize staying informed about changes and being a lifelong learner to expand their knowledge and clinical skills. It is also valuable to find experienced pharmacists who can serve as mentors and provide guidance as they navigate their career; they can learn from their experiences and seek advice on professional development opportunities and career advancement. I would also be remiss if I did not point out the value of investing in professional networking with colleagues, mentors, and other professionals that can provide worthwhile insights into salary negotiation strategies, job opportunities, and career advancement paths. Attend professional conferences, join professional associations, and participate in online forums to expand your professional network and stay connected to changes in the profession. Above all, it is critical for new graduates to stay resilient and flexible as pharmacy practice can be demanding and fast-paced with unexpected challenges. Being adaptable to change and identifying effective ways to manage stress and cope with the demands of the profession will help ensure a long and fulfilling career.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Elizabeth St. Louis PharmD, BCACP: In the dynamic landscape of pharmacy several skills are likely to become more important and prevalent. As pharmacists continue moving toward an emphasis less on the traditional dispensing activities and more on the clinical services we can provide to enhance patient-centered care we must be adept at adapting to the technological advancements, regulatory changes, and shifts in healthcare delivery models to embrace new roles and responsibilities. This will inevitably also require a high level of digital literacy in elements such as artificial intelligence, electronic health record enhancement, and other digital tools to support patient care. Additionally, as we further identify the value of and need for collaborative care models, pharmacists will need to possess strong interprofessional skills to ensure thriving teamwork and communication with all members of the healthcare team to deliver comprehensive patient care. It is also critical to note that with increasingly diverse patient populations, pharmacists must educate themselves and demonstrate cultural competence and sensitivity to the unique healthcare needs, beliefs, and practices of different cultural and ethnic groups. This includes understanding cultural perspectives on health and illness, addressing health disparities, and providing culturally competent care to promote patient trust and engagement. These will all be crucial in moving the profession forward.
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE
Assistant ProfessorTexas A&M University - Central Texas
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Dawn Riess Ph.D., RN, ACUE: Nursing is difficult both physically and emotionally, but it is rewarding. Entry nurses may feel overwhelmed when they first enter the nursing field. I recommend you seek out a mentor and follow up with that person often. Texas Nursing Association (TNA) offers a mentoring program, I recommend you join that organization to help support you as you enter the nursing field. You will have good and bad days when you first begin your career. Having support in the unit you work in is important and usually, the organization has an internship program. You will have a direct impact on people's lives at the worst time in their lives. If someone is stressed, they may take that out on you but do not take it personally.
There are so many different avenues for entry-level nurses. If you don't want to work in the hospital setting, you can go into community health, clinics, outpatient rehab, home health, school nursing, informatics, and more. The flexibility offered in nursing is phenomenal. Your patients may not remember your name, but they will remember how you made them feel. Your impact on patient's lives is limitless. Nurses are present from birth to death and everything in between.
Samantha Hickson
Professor of Practice, Morgan State University Department of NursingMorgan State University
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research And Clinical Nursing
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Samantha Hickson: Critical thinking is probably the most important skill that has become more prevalent in
nursing and will continue to be important in the next 3-5 years. Being a nurse requires
you to think about things in ways that you never would have before. Nothing about
nursing is task oriented, and as we shift more into a health care system that is more about
preventative care, health care professionals are relying heavily on nurses and the skillsets
we bring as we remain at the forefront of patient care. You have to be confident in your
knowledge and able to critically think through situations as nursing is coming with more
and more autonomy. Steadily, clinicians and other health care providers are seeing
exactly how valuable our wealth of knowledge is, and as nurses, we have a responsibility
to bring our voices to the table in a way that places our expertise at the forefront.
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN
Nurse Educator, Nclex Mentor/CoachWhat general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Pawn Johnson-Hunter MS, RN, AGPCNP-BC, GERO- BC, CM/DN: A few ways to maximize earning potential as a new graduate nurse is through skillful negotiations and previous experience in healthcare, such as degree level, nurse externships, phlebotomy skills, or certifications. Many, if not all, employers appreciate that new graduates are equipped with clinical skills that are strongly recommended for the practice area. While many nurse certifications require experience, some are for entry-level, such as advanced life support (ACLS and PALS) and IV insertion. There are also some specialty practice certifications that new grads can obtain without years of experience; although they may recommend the experience at times, this is optional. All of this demonstrates the applicant's commitment to the profession and interest. Other ways are to work overtime hours, learn about clinical career ladders, or continue formal education.
Lawrence Brown
Professor & Associate Dean of Undergraduate Pharmacy Programs and PartnershipsChapman University
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, And Administration
What general advice would you give to a Pharmacist Manager?
Lawrence Brown: Typically, in pharmacy practice, the highest salaries are in management positions. For example, in community pharmacy that means working your way from a Pharmacist in Charge position, to an Area Manager, and then Regional Manager position. If you don't feel that management is for you, then you might try to find a company that pays their pharmacists a bonus based on their performance during the year. Another option might be switching from a pharmacy practice position to an office job in a health care or managed care company, that might not only offer a higher initial salary, but also has multiple levels of non-management positions available.
What Pharmacist Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Lawrence Brown: Direct patient care skills will become more important and prevalent. Specifically, the skill of providing medication therapy management for patients with chronic diseases. In the next 5 years there will be a lot more opportunities for pharmacists to be embedded in a medical group to provide care for patients with chronic diseases. And to be as successful as possible caring for these patients, pharmacists will need to learn and use motivational interviewing skills, since those skills will allow them to establish a rapport with their patients and work with the patient to meet their disease state goals rather than offending the patient or just telling the patient what to do.
What will help Pharmacist Managers increase their earning potential?
Lawrence Brown: Remember that patient safety is at the core of what pharmacist do, regardless of which area of pharmacy practice you may be in. That means that it is imperative that new graduates remain diligent, so that they do make errors, and keep their knowledge up to date so that they can feel confident in their ability to provide accurate information. In addition, the great thing about a career in pharmacy is that there are so many different areas to use your degree. That means that you don't have to stay in one area of pharmacy practice if you don't want to, and you definitely don't have to continue working for a company that doesn't allow you to take appropriate care of your patients. The last thing I would say is that it is important to remember that pharmacy is an extremely small world, so no matter which job you have you should be doing it to the best of your ability, since you might find it difficult to get another job if you have a bad reputation. My suggestion is to think of yourself as a small business owner, where you are the business, instead of as just a pharmacist. Being a small business owner means you need to pay attention to your brand and make sure your brand is a positive one. It also means that all of the hard work you put into your job and all the great care you provide to patients is valuable, if for no other reason than that it improves your brand and will thus present you with many more opportunities for upward mobility.
Linda Galocy
Director and Assistant Dean, Clinical Associate ProfessorIndiana University Northwest
Health Information Management Programs
What skills stand out on Pharmacist Manager resumes?
Linda Galocy: Revenue Cycle Management, Data Analytics, Information Governance, Privacy and Security of health information.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacist Managers?
Linda Galocy: Technical skills are dependent on the job, but working with multiple types of software at one time is very common in the health information profession. Patient records are electronic. Therefore, the ability to learn and adapt to electronic health record systems is a must. In addition, supportive software is typically used in order to get the work done, such as an encoder, which allows a medical coder to assign codes to a patient record, a release of information system that is utilized for tracking requests for patient records from the time the request is received until it is complete. The ability for
+a health information professional to understand an entire process, such as the revenue cycle. There are many individuals involved in the process of obtaining payment for healthcare services rendered, and it is important for everyone to do their job, do it correctly, and when errors occur, work together to correct those errors.
What skills will help Pharmacist Managers earn the most?
Linda Galocy: Look for certifications. Health information professionals have two national certifications, the RHIT, and RHIA depending on the level of education that has been completed by a graduate. In addition, there are other certifications that a professional can obtain depending on their area of expertise. A clinical documentation improvement specialist can obtain a CDIP credential through AHIMA or a CCDS credential through ACDIS. AHIMA also provides certification in healthcare privacy and security, the CHPS, HIMSS offers the CAHIMS and CPHIMS credentials for professionals more focused on healthcare information and management of systems.
What skills stand out on Pharmacist Manager resumes?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: On paper, the skills that stand out the most are leadership positions. These can be officer positions in school organizations, committee chair positions, head of a project at work, or a leadership position in a professional organization. Anything that shows that you, as a staff pharmacist, can lead a team. Leading a group of people, regardless of the specific situation, is challenging. Quickly, you learn that it is nearly impossible to please everyone all at once, and you need to balance fairness and compassion to best serve your team and your customers/patients.
What soft skills should all Pharmacist Managers possess?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: Basic conversation/communication skills along with problem-solving skills are crucial for a successful pharmacist. One of the most basic questions I ask myself about a candidate is, "can I see myself working next to this candidate? Also, could I go to work every day and have this person as my partner?" To find the answer to my questions, I typically rank how well a conversation went during the interview. I try to get a sense of the candidate's personality and start thinking about where this candidate could fit into a particular team. Without basic communication skills, you won't be able to succeed in a stressful team environment, and you won't be able to build rapport with your patients. For critical thinking, detailed but succinct answers to situation-based questions are revealing on how a candidate would handle certain situations. Every day in the pharmacy is different from the last. Being able to problem solve critically makes for a strong pharmacist.
Patience and empathy are skills every pharmacist must have to help our patients. Many times patients come to the pharmacy sick or short on time. A small problem could easily escalate. The pharmacist does not know what happened to that person during the day. Time, understanding, and a kind word can make that patient feel as if you care only about them at the moment.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacist Managers?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: First, a strong clinical knowledge base is essential for the health and safety of the patient. Second, knowledge of electronic medical record systems (EMR) is important. The specific EMR or database is not important, but the basic skills of finding pertinent patient information within a database are crucial to day-to-day tasks. Third, you need to know how to find answers to questions. I appreciate candidates that will admit they don't know an answer to a question but will then explain how they would find the answer.
What skills will help Pharmacist Managers earn the most?
Dr. David Maize Ph.D.: Flexibility and adaptability. The days of standing or sitting in front of one station in the pharmacy with technicians handing you work while you stay in one place are gone. The modern pharmacy has pharmacists completing technical tasks like prescription verification and patient counseling, but now they are expected to complete medication therapy management (MTM) calls, assess a patient's immunization needs, potentially complete point of care testing for disease state management or pharmacy-based prescribing through a collaborative practice agreement. If you show an ability to be flexible and adaptable in the skills you practice, you will be able to earn more in the long term. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, adapting to the ever-changing healthcare field can make or break a pharmacy.
What skills stand out on Pharmacist Manager resumes?
Chad Gentry: Numerous skills stand out on a pharmacist's resume. The specific skills that stand out to a potential employer will be practice setting dependent. However, three skills that are translational across practice settings are additional training and education. While obtaining a doctor of pharmacy will open numerous career opportunities and advancement within organizations, the addition of some level of training/education beyond the doctor of pharmacy could aid in obtaining that dream job. First, post-graduate training is a big differentiator. Whether this training consists of one or two residencies and/or a fellowship, additional training is always a positive, and invaluable skills are gained from this dedicated time. Secondly, formal additional education pursuit or achievement is a valuable skill. Additional degrees at the master's or doctoral level or unique certifications will also reflect a skill set that will garner attention on a pharmacist's resume. Finally, the willingness to serve others in various capacities (e.g., mission trips, volunteering opportunities, community service, etc.) gives insight into the compassionate element needed to be a pharmacist.
What soft skills should all Pharmacist Managers possess?
Chad Gentry: From my perspective, the most important soft skills are evidence of successful team collaboration, leadership experience, ethical decision-making, critical thinking, and good communication skills.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacist Managers?
Chad Gentry: The list of hard/technical skills that are most important from my perspective is obviously the tangible evidence of quantifiable knowledge or abilities gained through completing a doctorate in pharmacology, additional degrees, certificates, or examples of work. Another extremely important hard/technical skill is at minimum proficiency in computer skills.
What skills will help Pharmacist Managers earn the most?
Chad Gentry: I keep going back to education through degrees, certifications, and/or training. For example, additional skills in healthcare informatics is a field in pharmacy that has experienced tremendous growth over the past several years with exponential growth forecasted.
Dawn Havrda
Associate Dean For Academic Affairs and AssessmentUniversity of Tennessee Health Science Center - Memphis
Pharmacy Department
What skills stand out on Pharmacist Manager resumes?
Dawn Havrda: Ability to multitask. For students, maintaining good grades, involvement in organizations or dual-degree programs (PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH, etc.), work/internships. Also, self-directed activities such as research, summer internships, or other opportunities, that show career exploration or personal growth. For pharmacists, additional training (degrees or certificates), leadership, breadth of experiences, board certification, etc. Items that show the individual went beyond others to improve their skills set and diversify.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacist Managers?
Dawn Havrda: Computer skills and knowledge of technological advances. Business sense and management skills. Marketing skills to adapt to the needed stakeholder is important.
What skills will help Pharmacist Managers earn the most?
Dawn Havrda: The use of the skills above should help an individual be strategic. A good understanding of the healthcare system, especially billing and compensation and what a pharmacist is able to do per the state's scope of practice, allows individuals to transform problems into new opportunities, novel services, and innovative approaches to tackle health care or patient care problems that leverage the skills and unique expertise of the pharmacist.
What soft skills should all Pharmacist Managers possess?
Dawn Havrda: Definitely problem-solving, critical thinking, and innovative thinking. You want individuals who are professional and advocate for the patient's wishes and the best care. Empathy, being nonjudgmental, and communication are important, as are prioritization and efficiency. Want individuals who pose solutions to problems, not just identify the problem. Positivity is needed and the ability to see the good in a situation versus only the bad.
Dr. Yen Dang
Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice, Director of Global HealthUniversity of Maryland Eastern Shore
Pharmacy Department
What skills stand out on Pharmacist Manager resumes?
Dr. Yen Dang: Past pharmacy experience in the related pharmacy setting definitely helps the candidate to adjust to the job. Additionally, good clinical skills and communication skills help separate candidates from the crowd.
What soft skills should all Pharmacist Managers possess?
Dr. Yen Dang: Teamwork and communication skills are key. Most pharmacists are team members, sometimes even the team leaders, and they need to work well with other pharmacists, technicians, and healthcare professionals to get the job done. Excellent communication skills help avoid confusion and conflict, especially if you communicate to providers to correct medication errors.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Pharmacist Managers?
Dr. Yen Dang: Being detail-oriented is essential as pharmacists have to catch mistakes all the time. Also, multitasking is often needed as there are many distractions in the pharmacy between order entry, phone calls, dispensing, etc.
What skills will help Pharmacist Managers earn the most?
Dr. Yen Dang: Adaptability is a great trait to have as it will let you adjust to different and changing environments. Also, being a self-directed learner where you can be in charge of your own professional development is essential. There are always new drugs and evolving guidelines, so pharmacists need to be up-to-date with that.