Are you a pharmacist tired of the daily grind? Or maybe you love pharmaceutical science but don’t want to work in a pharmacy? That’s okay: there are plenty of other career paths you can take with a PharmD!

Consider a career in pharmacy consulting! These consultants sit between the business world and that of pharmaceutical science.

Sound intriguing? Read on to learn more about pursuing a career in pharmacy consulting!

What Does a Pharmacy Consultant Do?

A career in pharmacy consulting is very different than working at a pharmacy. Pharmacy consultants guide businesses in the healthcare sector about medications and pharmacy services. As a pharmacy consultant, you’ll research business solutions and software choices to help the business run better.

The job description can vary depending on the business’s current needs. For example, you may do a marketing analysis or assess the potential efficacy of a new drug. Or you might need to function as a sales consultant to find new clients.

To be a good pharmacy consultant, you’ll need to have an analytic mindset. You’ll need to detect problems interfering with product success and business goals. Additionally, you’ll provide support to better improve business profitability.

Additionally, you’ll need to have good social skills. This will help you find new clients and secure new contracts. Additionally, good social skills will help you with the business aspects of consulting.

What’s the Best Way to Achieve a Career in Pharmacy Consulting?

To become a pharmacy consultant, you’ll need to start with your education. But not all colleges offer a degree in pharmacy. So what should you study?

If you’re set on the pharmacy consulting career path, consider a double-major. Your first major should be in a science-related field. That will give you more freedom across the pharmaceutical industry.

Your second major should be related to business. For example, communications, marketing, or even business itself. This will help guide your understanding of the business side of the industry.

Next, you’ll need to get your PharmD degree. This is a postgraduate degree required for all pharmacists and takes 4 years to complete. Note that some programs allow you to enter straight from high school to begin a 6-year program.

Next, you’ll need to pass your licensing exams. First is the national North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam, which tests your knowledge and skills. Then you’ll take the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam, which is state-specific and focuses on law.

You may also want to check out similar examinations such as practice for wonderlic nursing test.

Finally, you’ll need work experience. Many pharmacists undergo a residency which lasts 1-2 years to gain specialized training. You’ll need at least 3 or 4 years of work experience as a pharmacist before you’ll have the skills required to become a pharmacy consultant.

Next, it’s time to look for a job in the field. But this can be quite competitive. Many companies only hire well-established pharmaceutical consultants for their roster.

To stand a better chance, work towards a management position at your job. This will help you gain knowledge about the challenges healthcare businesses tend to face.

Also, work on your networking skills. After all, 70-80% of jobs aren’t advertised, which means you’ll miss out on a lot of opportunities if you don’t get to know people.

Finally, stay up-to-date on current business news. That will make you stand out on job interviews and show how committed you are to this line of work.

Don’t Wait: Get Started Today!

If you’re looking to start a career in pharmacy consulting, get started now! You’ll need to plan your career path strategically to get that coveted position.

Think you have what it takes? It’s time to apply!

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