How to Become a Clinical Pharmacist

Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Clinical Pharmacist

What does a Clinical Pharmacist do?

A Clinical Pharmacist directs and develops research of existing and new prescription drugs and conducts utilization reviews to develop guidelines for usage, prior authorization, and updates to formulary. Monitors patient data on drug therapies outcomes, reactions, and errors. Being a Clinical Pharmacist provides education and outreach to medical staff on prescribing guidelines, alternative drug therapies, and risk mitigation. Administers a prior authorization program. Additionally, Clinical Pharmacist requires a doctorate degree in pharmacy (Pharm.D.). Typically reports to a manager or supervisor. Requires Registered Pharmacist (RPh). Clinical Pharmacist's years of experience requirement may be unspecified. Certification and/or licensing in the position's specialty is the main requirement.

People's Opinions on Clinical Pharmacist responsibilities

While regular pharmacists normally work in a pharmacy, a clinical pharmacist works directly with medical professionals and patients, usually in a medical center, hospital or health care unit.

11/01/2019: Waterloo, IA

Clinical pharmacists are the go-to people who help patients recover from illness or maintain a healthy lifestyle.

10/06/2019: Springfield, OR

The doctor makes the diagnosis and prescribes medications in a general form, but the clinical pharmacist helps make specific decisions.

11/16/2019: Gastonia, NC

Clinical pharmacists are trained in biology, chemistry and pharmacology.

11/15/2019: Kingsport, TN

degree program have many choices for specialization, but those who want to be a clinical pharmacist focus on patient diagnosis and care.

11/23/2019: Lake Charles, LA
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Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Clinical Pharmacist

Best tips for those who want to become a Clinical Pharmacist

Here are some tips to become a Clinical Pharmacist.

People's Opinions on best tips

Examples of Clinical pharmacist career objectives.

11/20/2019: Portland, ME

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11/29/2019: Frankfort, KY

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12/05/2019: Macon, GA

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10/31/2019: Toledo, OH
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Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Clinical Pharmacist

Best colleges and universities for Clinical Pharmacist

  • Butler University
  • Carroll College
  • Cooper Union
  • High Point University
  • Princeton University
  • Providence College

Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Clinical Pharmacist

Is being a Clinical Pharmacist Worth it?

People's Opinions on lifestyles

Clinical Pharmacists play a key role in providing medications and monitoring patient health in various health care settings.

12/21/2019: Worcester, MA

To become a Clinical Pharmacist, the aspiring candidates must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), which takes approximately four years to complete, with at least one year of clinical rotations doing the work of a pharmacist in practical setting.

12/06/2019: Los Angeles, CA

Clinical Pharmacists possess a great deal of therapeutic knowledge and various traits such as clinical problem solving and decision making abilities, understanding of regulations, strong attention to detail, competent in computer operations, empathy towards patients, excellent verbal communication skills, clear focus on quality and effectively counseling abilities etc.

12/04/2019: Tulsa, OK

In this innovative practice model, implemented in a community health center working toward the designation of a patient-centered medical home, pharmacists collaborate with women’s health providers to educate patients and manage gestational diabetes.

11/02/2019: Davenport, IA

At these visits, the pharmacist provides education on self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) and the importance of tracking and recording these numbers.

11/09/2019: Boulder, CO
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Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Clinical Pharmacist

What skills do you need to be a Clinical Pharmacist?

Management often looks to professional level roles for execution on their visions and goals, as such some specific skills are required.  The workload of this role requires knowledge of: Clinical Education, Pharmaceutical Policy Compliance, Utilization Management, Analyze Patient Outcomes, Drug Formulary Development, Pharmacotherapy Consultation, Prior Authorization Administration (ePA).  Sometimes for this role, knowledge of the following is helpful: Electronic health records (EHR) Software, Pharmacy Software.  If you highlight these skills during your interview process, you will be more likely to land the job!

People's Opinions on Clinical Pharmacist skills

Clinical Pharmacists possess a robust collection of skills that goes beyond Pharmaceutical knowledge.

10/15/2019: Las Cruces, NM

It goes without saying that Clinical Pharmacists must be experts in Pharmacology.

10/21/2019: Rockford, IL

Clinical Pharmacists must also be great communicators.

10/14/2019: Lexington, KY

Clinical pharmacists must gain experience in the hospital setting and with direct patient care after they finish pharmacy school.

11/01/2019: Brockton, MA

Residency programs for clinical pharmacy are generally one-year, followed by at least two years of experience, in order to be classified as a clinical pharmacist.

12/17/2019: Davenport, IA
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Step 6: View average salary for Clinical Pharmacist

How much does a Clinical Pharmacist make?

The average salary range for a Clinical Pharmacist is from $139,825 to $157,863. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.

Salary range for a Clinical Pharmacist
$139,825 to $157,863

Step 7: Find relevant Clinical Pharmacist jobs, and apply.

Looking for Clinical Pharmacist jobs?

Here are some Clinical Pharmacist jobs in the United States.

Search Clinical Pharmacist Jobs in the United States

Step 8: Explore Career Path of Clinical Pharmacist