Your Best Outlook in any Job Market

Are you concerned about staying employed? For pharmacists, the job market outlook is mixed based on several trends. However, the most important influencers of your career prospects may be your personal perspective and actions.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of pharmacists is projected to grow at a slower-than-average pace through 2024.¹ In traditional retail settings, however, employment of pharmacists is projected to decline slightly as mail order and online pharmacy sales increase. In addition, it has been argued that the increasing number of pharmacy schools is churning out too many graduates, resulting in more competition for jobs.

The good news is there are plenty of reasons for pharmacists to see the job market “glass” as half full. To start, many pharmacy students are improving their prospects by completing a residency program. In addition, demand for pharmacists is projected to increase in health care settings, such as hospitals and clinics, because they will need more pharmacists to oversee patients’ medications and provide patient care, including tasks such as monitoring glucose and cholesterol levels.

Let’s also remember that as the baby boomers age, they are likely to use more medications and have health insurance, enabling the long-term services of pharmacists. Among all age groups, increasing rates of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, are leading to higher demand for prescription medications. In addition, the development of new drugs will require pharmacists’ unique knowledge and expertise.

So don’t be a tumbleweed blown about by market-force winds. In any job climate, education and an entrepreneurial mindset— not big government programs—are the best keys for unlocking career opportunities. Become a certified diabetes educator, obtain certification from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties, or bolster your knowledge and resume through Pharmacy Times Continuing Education^TM at pharmacytimes.org.

Another important area of opportunity for pharmacists is cardiovascular health care. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, causing 1 of every 3 deaths each year.2 It’s clear that Americans can do more to improve their cardiovascular health, and pharmacists can play an important role in disease prevention and management. To help, this month’s Heart Health issue covers topics such as acute coronary syndrome, hypertension, and supplements for cardiac health. In addition, the pharmacytimes.com Cardiovascular Health Resource Center delivers timely updates.

With this final issue of the year, we thank you for your support and wish you and your families a happy and healthy new year. Please know that Pharmacy Times^® is here to help you excel in your professional endeavors as we celebrate 120 years of publication.

Thank you for reading!

Mike Hennessy

Chairman and CEO

References

• Occupational outlook handbook: pharmacists. Bureau of Labor Statistics website. bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm. Accessed November 3, 2016.
• American Heart Association. New statistics show one of every three US deaths caused by cardiovascular disease. AHA website.newsroom.heart.org/news/new-statistics-show-one-of-every-three-u-s-deaths-caused-by-cardiovascular-disease. Published December 16, 2015. Accessed October 6, 2016.