Monday, August 17, 2009

Is the pharmacist shortage over?

Over the last decade or so, the U.S. has experienced a pharmacist shortage. This has resulted in a high job vacancy rate, higher salaries, and increased workload. It appears that the pharmacist shortage may be coming to an end. This is due in part to the opening of dozens of new pharmacy schools increasing the graduation rate and the increased use of automation. In addition, healthcare reform will have an impact. With finite healthcare resources, pharmacists will need to continue to become more operationally efficient. Also, as quality becomes a more important metric, the provision of high-quality pharmacy services will be required of pharmacists.

The next decade is likely to see changes to the profession and a shift to more clinical activities and less dispensing related functions. Although the demand/need for medication experts is likely to continue to expand, it appears that their will be the supply to meet this demand.

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