What is a Compounding Pharmacist?
A compounding pharmacist is a pharmacist who has specialized in the art and science of preparing customized medications for patients. Compounding pharmacists work with physicians to create medications that are tailored to the specific needs of individual patients.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy
The first step to becoming a compounding pharmacist is to get a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy. A bachelor’s degree in pharmacy typically takes four years to complete and includes coursework in chemistry, biology, pharmacology, and pharmacy practice.
Step 2: Complete a Residency in Compounding Pharmacy
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, you will need to complete a residency in compounding pharmacy. A residency in compounding pharmacy typically takes one to two years to complete and provides you with the specialized training and experience you need to become a compounding pharmacist.
Step 3: Get Certified
Once you have completed a residency in compounding pharmacy, you can get certified by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). The BPS offers two certifications for compounding pharmacists: the Certified Compounding Pharmacist (CPhP) and the Fellow of the American College of Apothecaries (FACA).
Step 4: Start Your Career as a Compounding Pharmacist
Once you are certified, you can start your career as a compounding pharmacist. Compounding pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and independent pharmacies.
How Much Do Compounding Pharmacists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacists was $128,710 in May 2021. The top 10% of earners made more than $162,650, while the bottom 10% earned less than $85,230.
What is the Job Outlook for Compounding Pharmacists?
The job outlook for compounding pharmacists is excellent. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the number of jobs for pharmacists will grow by 3% from 2021 to 2031. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for prescription medications and the aging population.
What are the Benefits of Becoming a Compounding Pharmacist?
• Compounding pharmacists can make a difference in the lives of patients by providing them with customized medications that meet their specific needs.
• Compounding pharmacists have a high level of job security.
• Compounding pharmacists earn a good salary.
• Compounding pharmacists have the opportunity to work in a variety of settings.
What are the Challenges of Becoming a Compounding Pharmacist?
• Compounding pharmacists must have a strong understanding of chemistry, biology, and pharmacology.
• Compounding pharmacists must be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Compounding pharmacists must be able to handle stress and pressure.
• Compounding pharmacists must be able to work long hours.
Is Becoming a Compounding Pharmacist Right for You?
If you are interested in a career in healthcare, have a strong understanding of science, and are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, then becoming a compounding pharmacist may be right for you.
• Get involved in extracurricular activities. Joining a pharmacy club or organization can help you learn more about the profession and meet other students who are interested in compounding pharmacy.
• Volunteer at a pharmacy. Volunteering at a pharmacy can give you hands-on experience and help you learn more about the day-to-day operations of a pharmacy.
• Shadow a compounding pharmacist. Shadowing a compounding pharmacist can give you a firsthand look at the profession and help you learn more about the specialized skills and knowledge required to be a successful compounding pharmacist.
• Get good grades. Getting good grades in your pharmacy coursework will help you stand out from other applicants for residency programs and jobs.
• Attend conferences. Attending conferences can help you learn about the latest advances in compounding pharmacy and network with other compounding pharmacists.
• Start early. The earlier you start preparing for a career as a compounding pharmacist, the better.
• Get involved in compounding. The more experience you have in compounding, the more competitive you will be for residency programs and jobs.
• Network. Networking with other compounding pharmacists can help you learn about job opportunities and get your foot in the door.
• Be prepared to work hard. Becoming a compounding pharmacist requires a lot of hard work and dedication.
• Don’t give up. The road to becoming a compounding pharmacist can be long and challenging, but don’t give up on your dream.
Pros
• High job security
• Good salary
• Opportunity to make a difference in the lives of patients
• Variety of work settings
Cons
• Requires a lot of education and training
• Can be stressful and demanding
• Can require long hours
Becoming a compounding pharmacist can be a rewarding and challenging career. If you are interested in a career in healthcare, have a strong understanding of science, and are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, then becoming a compounding pharmacist may be right for you.
Table 1: Number of Jobs for Pharmacists by Work Setting
| Work Setting | Number of Jobs |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | 391,200 |
| Retail Pharmacies | 310,900 |
| Other Settings | 73,700 |
Table 2: Median Annual Salary for Pharmacists by Work Setting
| Work Setting | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | $132,570 |
| Retail Pharmacies | $126,180 |
| Other Settings | $122,370 |
Table 3: Job Outlook for Pharmacists by Work Setting
| Work Setting | Job Outlook |
|---|---|
| Hospitals | 4% |
| Retail Pharmacies | 3% |
| Other Settings | 2% |
Table 4: Certifications for Compounding Pharmacists
| Certification | Organization |
|---|---|
| Certified Compounding Pharmacist (CPhP) | Board of Pharmacy Specialties |
| Fellow of the American College of Apothecaries (FACA) | American College of Apothecaries |
