Pharmacy, the health profession concerned with knowledge about drugs and their effects, draws from the chemical, physical, biological and behavioral sciences. It offers diverse opportunities in the U.S. and around the world. Pharmacists may practice in a community or hospital pharmacy; a nursing home or extended care facility; pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and other private or public companies; government agencies; a college; or many other venues. Graduates of the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy professional degree program work in all of these settings, and more.

Not only are pharmacy graduates among America's best paid and most respected professionals, but health care trends make pharmacy a nearly recession proof career choice.

Because U-M's pharmacy program is consistently rated one of the finest in the nation, our graduates are much in demand - which is why our annual placement rate for Pharm.D. graduates hovers around 100 percent. The fact is, any graduate of our professional program who is looking for a good-paying job will find one. That said, many of our graduates opt for specialized residency programs after earning their Pharm.D. We excel in the placement of students in this area as well.

Here are just a few brief sketches of pharmacy practice opportunities pursued by U-M College of Pharmacy graduates:

Community Pharmacy

With about 50,000 community pharmacies in the United States, pharmacy is most visible in the practice of the community pharmacist. These pharmacists are legally charged with the safe, efficient distribution of prescription medications. Community pharmacists are responsible for safely and efficiently dispensing prescription medications, advising patients on proper prescription and "over-the-counter" nonprescription medication use, and keeping records of patients and their health, illnesses, and medications. Community pharmacists also provide information and advice about medications to physicians and other health professionals. In addition, community pharmacists increasingly provide pharmacy services and supplies to the growing number of patients who receive health care at home, and they are actively involved in community service.

Hospital Pharmacy

Hospital pharmacists advise other health professionals about the actions, interactions, and side effects of drugs, and counsel patients about medications. They may help select the medications the hospital will use, manufacture preparations, dispense prescription drugs, and handle special products like radioactive medicines, artificial kidney fluid, and plastic inserts. Many hospital-based pharmacists also are administrators and influential members of important committees.

Nursing Home and Extended Care Facility Pharmacy

Pharmacists who work in nursing homes and extended care facilities provide prescription service for patients, and they consult with other health professionals who care for the patients. As consultants they review patient charts for correct dosages, drug interactions, adverse reactions, or side effects, and also counsel patients about their medications.

Industrial Pharmacy

Pharmacists employed by pharmaceutical or biotechnology firms work in research and development, testing of medications in humans and animals, production systems, quality control, government regulations, marketing, public relations, sales, and management. Pharmacists who work in industry often need additional specialized education, such as post-doctoral study or a Ph.D. degree.

Other Opportunities

Pharm.D. graduates work in the Food and Drug Administration, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Veterans Administration, the Public Health Service, the Armed Forces, the National Institutes of Health, and many other government agencies. They also find ample practice opportunities in managed care organizations, home health care agencies, general and specialized clinics, or as drug information specialists in a hospitals or other health care organizations.
Many U-M College of Pharmacy graduates go on to teaching and administrative careers at leading colleges and universities around the world. Others chose career paths writing and editing for trade and scientific journals or publishing houses, in marketing communications, or working in pharmacy associations.

With a Pharm.D. degree, you'd also find career paths writing and editing for pharmaceutical and other scientific journals, preparing medical advertisements, or working in various pharmacy associations.

More Information About Careers in Pharmacy from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy