Pharmacy Career Pathways

Professionals with a pharmacy degree work in a surprising range of roles and settings. The evolution of healthcare—including the emergence of new business models as well as disruption in the biotechnology and biopharmaceutical industries—continues to present opportunities for graduates of our School of Pharmacy. Our alumni typically pursue one of four major pathways. Individuals also forge rewarding careers beyond these.

Community Pharmacy

These traditional, customer-facing pharmacy roles focus on out-patient care at sites in the community as well as online. Community pharmacists dispense medications, provide consultations, coordinate care, and provide other services.

Hospitals and Clinical Care

Pharmacists play an essential role on care teams in hospitals and clinical settings. Clinical pharmacists provide onsite dispensing, consultation, and patient advisement services. Consulting pharmacists serve as a resource for other healthcare professionals, often in extended care or at-home care contexts.

Life Sciences Industry

Professionals with pharmacy backgrounds work in biotechnology as well as in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and sales. Common roles include research scientist, manufacturing manager, product manager, regulatory affairs officer, medical science liaison, and sales representative.

Want to learn more about life science industry pathways? Download From PharmD to Industry: A Fellowship Guide. This free guide for PharmD students aspiring to apply to a biopharmaceutical fellowship program offers invaluable insights and advice from current fellows and seasoned industry professionals. It also provides a well-structured pathway to simplify the fellowship application process, a comprehensive understanding of the transition from student life to a career in the industry, and practical activities to facilitate decision-making and the preparation of application materials.

Regulation, Policy, and Education

There are many roles for pharmacists at regulatory agencies, including at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which ensures the safety, efficacy, and security of drugs and other products. Professionals with pharmacy backgrounds also work in policy and education at organizations ranging from consulting firms to universities as analysts, advisors, instructors, and more.