What Jobs Can You Get With a Health Science Degree?

Careers for PharmD Students

The world of pharmacy is where science meets service and innovation intersects with patient care. If you’re considering a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, you’re probably curious about the career opportunities that await you. We’ll discuss different roles you can pursue and explore the dynamic, ever-expanding opportunities that await PharmD graduates.

What Can You Do With a PharmD Degree? 

When most people hear about a degree in pharmacy, they automatically think of the person behind the counter at the local drugstore who fills prescriptions. That is just one of the many jobs PharmD recipients may pursue. Clinical pharmacy careers encompass settings beyond outpatient, including rehab facilities, acute care hospitals and oncology centers. Beyond clinical roles, there are positions in research & development, academics and health informatics that are all as important as clinical jobs. 

Let’s discuss different pharmacy degree jobs that some of the many pharmacy concentrations can lead to. You can curate your education to pursue these niches at the school of your choice; at Belmont University, we have programs for students to select these tracks during their studies.

Advanced Pharmacotherapy: Mastering Patient Care

Dive into the world of specialized medication management and patient-centered care.

• Clinical Pharmacist: As an expert in pharmacotherapy, a clinical pharmacist plays a crucial role in a health care team. These individuals are responsible for optimizing medication therapy, providing drug information and collaborating with other health care professionals to ensure the best outcomes for patients. Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals, outpatient clinics and specialty care centers. They are often involved in direct patient care, conducting medication therapy management and developing individualized treatment plans. 
  
  
• Specialty Pharmacist: Doctor of Pharmacy degree graduates with a focus on advanced pharmacotherapy may also choose to specialize in areas such as oncology, cardiology, infectious diseases or geriatrics. Specialty pharmacists are highly knowledgeable in specific therapeutic areas and work closely with patients and health care providers to manage complex conditions. Their expertise is critical in settings like cancer treatment centers, heart institutes and infectious disease clinics.
  
  
• Academic Researcher or Faculty Member: For those passionate about teaching and research, a career in academia can be highly rewarding. PharmD graduates with advanced pharmacotherapy expertise can contribute to the advancement of pharmaceutical sciences by engaging in clinical research, publishing scholarly articles and teaching future pharmacists. This path often involves post-graduate residencies at research institutions or working at universities.

Health Informatics: Integrating Technology and Health Care

Explore the intersection of pharmacy expertise and cutting-edge health technology.

• Health Informatics Pharmacist: In an era where technology is transforming health care, the role of a health informatics pharmacist is increasingly vital. These professionals leverage data alongside people, processes and technology to improve patient care and streamline health care processes. With a concentration in health informatics, you can work in hospitals, health care systems or health IT companies, managing electronic health records, developing clinical decision support systems and ensuring the accuracy and privacy of health data.

• Clinical Data Analyst: PharmD graduates with a concentration in health informatics can pursue careers as clinical data analysts. In this role, you will analyze health care data to identify trends, improve patient outcomes and support evidence-based practice. This position requires a strong understanding of both pharmacy practice and data analytics, making it a perfect fit for those who enjoy statistics and discrete data studies. These roles are crucial to streamlining patient care and improving outcomes.
  
  
• Health IT Consultant: Health IT consultants help health care organizations implement and optimize their technology systems. With your expertise in health informatics, you can assist hospitals and clinics in adopting new software, improving system interoperability and enhancing data security. Having individuals who work in the clinical field helps better inform the development and enhancement of medical software.

Public Health & Missions: Serving Communities Globally

Make a lasting impact on population health through innovative public health initiatives.

• Public Health Pharmacist: Public health pharmacists play a critical role in improving the health of communities. By focusing on public health, you can work in government agencies, non-profit organizations or international health bodies. Your responsibilities might include developing and implementing public health programs, conducting epidemiological research and advocating for policies that promote health and wellness. This career path is ideal for those who are passionate about making a broad impact on population health, from small local populations to global ones. 

• Health Policy Advisor: PharmD graduates with a public health focus can also become health policy advisors, working to shape health care policies at local, national or international levels. This role involves analyzing health policies, conducting impact assessments and advising policymakers on issues related to medication safety, access to health care and public health initiatives. In this setting, you can influence the future of health care and improve health outcomes for diverse populations. This is a great sector for those who enjoy political strategy and legal processes. 

Management: Leading the Future of Pharmacy

Shape the future of pharmacy practice with strong leadership and business acumen.

• Pharmacy Manager: Pharmacy managers oversee the daily operations of retail, hospital or specialty pharmacies. They are responsible for managing staff, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing inventory and delivering high-quality patient care. With a concentration in management, you will develop the leadership and business skills needed to effectively run a pharmacy and contribute to its success. Those interested in this career should consider Belmont’s PharmD/MBA Dual Program. 
  
  
• Health Care Administrator: Health care administrators work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics and long-term care facilities. In this role, you will be responsible for managing budgets, improving operational efficiency and ensuring compliance with health care regulations. Your background in pharmacy management will provide a unique perspective on medication management and patient care processes, making you a valuable asset to any health care organization.

How Belmont University's PharmD Degree Program Sets You Up for Career Success

At Belmont University, we are committed to providing our students with a comprehensive and personalized education. Our PharmD program is designed to prepare students for a dynamic and evolving health care landscape.

We understand that every student has unique interests and career goals. That’s why we offer four distinct concentrations, allowing you to tailor your education to your aspirations—these include Advanced Pharmacotherapy, Health Care Informatics, Pharmacy Management and Public Health/Missions. Whether you are passionate about patient care, technology, public health or leadership, there are countless Doctor of Pharmacy jobs to pursue.

Our curriculum is continually updated to reflect the latest advancements in pharmaceutical sciences and health care. You will benefit from hands-on learning experiences, state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive faculty dedicated to your success. Since health care is a collaborative field, our program emphasizes the importance of teamwork and interdisciplinary opportunities. You will work with students from other health care disciplines, preparing you for the collaborative nature of modern health care practice. Campus isn’t the only place where you’ll gain experience and knowledge. We believe in the importance of global health and offer opportunities for international experiences, hosting mission trips throughout the year. This outreach will provide valuable insights into global health issues and contribute to meaningful health care initiatives around the world.

Our commitment to your success doesn’t end at graduation. Belmont University provides extensive career support, including networking opportunities, mentorship and job placement assistance. Our alumni network is strong and eager to support new graduates as they embark on their careers.