Pharm.D. Careers
Pharmacists are the medication experts on the healthcare team and play a critical role in enhancing patient care and wellness. As medication experts, pharmacists have a unique understanding of the physical, biological and chemical properties of medications and thereby ensure the safe and effective use of medications.
PharmD is one of the most versatile degrees which opens doors to a wide array of career pathways. In addition to the well-known role that pharmacists play in community settings, pharmacists are involved in a variety of other patient and non-patient facing roles in health systems and the pharmaceutical industry. These roles vary from specialized clinical roles such as oncology and pharmacogenomics pharmacists in health systems to medical science liaisons and regulatory affairs associates in the pharmaceutical industry.
To learn more about career opportunities for Pharm.D.’s check out the following resources:
Want More About Careers in Pharm.D.?
Check out our Pharm.D. Roles in the Health Care Sector resource. It's jam-packed with data, stats and authoritative research that show a Pharm.D. degree is worth your time and money. Or read the stories of real-world pharmacists, their unique career pathways and their advice for pharmacy students like you!
Is a Pharm.D. worth the time and money?
In a word – YES. The payback timeline for moving from a B.S. in a science field to a Doctor of Pharmacy is an amazingly short three years. Pharmacists are in demand and start their careers with a high salary. This fact and the unparalleled career flexibility enjoyed by Pharm.D. graduates make this a wise investment.
| DEGREE | DEGREE COST | JOB | SALARY |
| Pharm.D. | 2 years undergrad $92K + 3 years doctoral $174K total = $288K |
Pharmacist | Starting: $127K Mid-Career: $135K |
| B.S. Science | 4 years undergrad x $45,990 per year total = $184K |
Research Technician | Starting: $41K Mid-Career: $52K |
| Degree Cost Difference: | $104K |
| Year 1 Salary Difference: | $41K |
| Year 2+ Salary Difference: | $86K |
| Payback Period: | less than 3 years |