Features

Key findings include:

• 2011 pharmacy school graduates started their job searches earlier and applied for more positions and residencies than peers who graduated in previous years.
• Seventy percent of pharmacy students who expect to graduate in 2014 or after are worried about finding jobs or residencies, compared with 81 percent of those graduating in 2012.
• Seventy-seven percent of pharmacy students who expect to graduate in 2014 or after are worried about finding a residency after they graduate, compared with 85 percent of those graduating in 2012.
• Fifty-one percent of pharmacy students who expect to graduate in 2014 or after are worried about finding a job after completing a residency, compared with 68 percent of those graduating in 2012.
• Ninety-five percent of 2010 pharmacy school graduates, and 84 percent of those expecting to graduate in 2014, agreed or strongly agreed with the statement, “I am concerned that the supply of pharmacists is outpacing the demand for pharmacists and will impact my future.”
• More 2011 graduates reported difficulty finding residencies (and finding them in their practice areas and geographic locations) than did previous graduates.

Data from this survey suggest that students and new practitioners are concerned about the current pharmacist job market, which is influenced by a variety of factors, including the current down global economy and their perceptions of the impact of pharmacy school expansion. The survey also shows that opportunities exist for new graduates, including completing residencies and finding positions that offer unique and enriching experiences. Most respondents reported that they are content with where they currently are in their career. The survey also shows that most respondents view their choice of pharmacy as a career in a positive light.

Download the survey report from ASHP.