Pharmacists
Cincinnati Children'd Hospital Medical Center is looking for a few talented pharmacists. Here, you will find information about what educational requirements you'll need to join our team and what to expect here at Cincinnati Children's.
Educational Requirements for Pharmacists
Although every college of pharmacy has slightly different admission requirements, all will require a fairly extensive background in math and science, and courses must be completed before admission. Admission is highly competitive. Grade point average, volunteer activities and a personal interview are usually among the considerations for acceptance into a class.
While enrolled in an accredited college of pharmacy, students are required to complete a minimum of 1,500 hours of work as a pharmacy intern. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center usually employs 8 interns (two interns from each professional year class).
To actually practice pharmacy, the minimum requirements are: bachelor of science in pharmacy (however, all current programs for future students now require 6 to 8 years (2 to 4 years pre-professional, 4 years professional to earn a doctor of pharmacy degree), successful completion of a national board of pharmacy exam and successful completion of the state law exam for the state where you plan to work.
Career Opportunities for Pharmacists
A license to practice pharmacy is a highly transferable asset. Most states will allow you to transfer your license by paying a fee and taking the state law exam for the state in which you wish to practice. There are currently more than 3,500 openings nationwide for pharmacists. Pharmacists work in retail settings (private and chain pharmacies), hospitals, industry (drug manufacturers), nuclear medication preparation, governmental positions (VA and military facilities), as well as teaching.
Salary for Pharmacists
Salary is highly dependent upon the location and work setting. Generally, retail pharmacists in urban areas start at the highest pay rate (usually greater than $100,000 per year), with other work settings usually starting at a somewhat lower pay rate.
A Day in the Life of a Pharmacist at Cincinnati Children’s
Although the hospital pharmacy is staffed 24 hours per day, seven days a week, most pharmacists work a first shift, second shift rotation (usually 70 – 80% days, 20 - 30% evenings) with morning shifts starting between 6 and 8 am. Many drugs are not stable at higher temperatures, therefore pharmacists work in a temperature-controlled, clean and dry environment. During a typical day, a pharmacist may review and enter upwards of 250 orders per shift. Besides reviewing and entering orders into an electronic database, all orders requiring clarification will need to be resolved, technician work checked, and telephone queries regarding drug therapy, compatibility etc. answered.
Pharmacists working in the sterile products area work the earliest shifts (6 or 7 am), and follow a scrub and gowning procedure not unlike the OR areas. Pharmacists working in the IV room will prepare or check chemotherapy, large and small IV infusions, as well as hundreds of antibiotic piggybacks, immune globulin and monoclonal antibody infusions, and various other extemporaneous solutions (TPN, CVVH, etc).
Hospital pharmacists usually receive at least one scheduled break per shift. Pharmacists at Cincinnati Children’s never work alone, allowing for exchange of professional opinions and camaraderie during the work shift.
Want to Know More?
If you think you have what it takes to join our team and would like to learn more about our openings, you may contact Beth-Ann Starkey in Human Resources at 513-636-8813, or through e-mail, beth-ann.starkey@cchmc.org.
