Insider’s perspective
Respondents listed the following critical factors as those being the most important to them. Please note
that a factor can rank highly based on wanting the factor or wanting to avoid the factor. As an example,
some may rank repetitive activities as a top factor as this is something that they want or look to avoid
in their practice. The factors listed below are based on the number of respondents who indicated these
would be the top five factors they would like to have in a role. Note that there are 25 total critical
factors from which to select.
Top 5 – first tier
There are three factors in the first tier that had the same rating across the group.
- Work type (e.g., repetitive versus variable work) (26.8%)
- Leisure and family time (24.4%)
- Community impact (24.4%)
- Application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) (24.4%)
- Compensation and collaborating with health professionals (19.5% each)
In addition to the top 5 factors, the second tier of critical factors are listed below. Note that two of
the factors, application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) and leisure and family time are
also listed in the first tier.
Top 5 – second tier
- Application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) (24.4%)
- Leisure and family time (24.4%)
- Opportunities for advancement (19.5%)
- Problem solving (14.6%)
- Collaborating with health professionals (9.76%)
One respondent from Georgia indicated they, “Would like to collaborate more with providers to start and
stop medication regimens.” A respondent from Oregon added this about collaboration, “Important to
working environment.”
A respondent from Texas commented on the ability to have leisure and family time when they stated,
“Being able to have a life outside of work is also important.” One additional respondent from Indiana
supported this statement simply saying, “Family comes first!”
A couple of respondents commented on the application of knowledge. One from Indiana stated, “Application
of my college and company education is important as this is why I chose the profession.” Another
specialty pharmacist from Georgia stated, “I would prefer to apply the clinical knowledge I have
obtained to start and stop medication regimens.”
There are many rewarding and challenging experiences as a specialty pharmacist. Thirty-two percent of
the respondents indicated that working with patients was a rewarding experience. One challenging area
was listed by 12.2% percent of the respondents, the diversity of disease states that they need to track
and keep up with new advances. Numerous other areas were highlighted by the respondents.
One respondent from Virginia briefly stated, “The relationships with patients.” Another from Michigan
added the enjoy, “Making a difference in a patient's life.”
A specialty pharmacist from Georgia provided both sides of the discussion when they indicated,
“Rewarding seeing patient's health outcomes improve once initiated on therapy they could not afford
before. Most challenging, getting patients to come in for appointments as well as follow-up
appointments.” Another from Indiana added, “Rewarding is that we have a foundation fund that can help
our oncology patients to help them cover their out-of-pocket expenses for medications. Challenging is
not being able to see my patients face to face, but majority of my interactions are over the phone.”
Twenty-six percent indicated that work schedule is an additional factor that is important to them. In
addition, the following factors were also listed as important factors to consider: pressure/stress
(24.4%), and geographic work location flexibility (9.76%).
Specialty pharmacists listed a variety of responses that they consider highlights of their career and
where they see the future of the role. Several of the responses are listed below:
- “I feel like I have worked with some of the most amazing people during my career so far. They keep
me coming back day after day. We keep each other focused on the goal of taking care of patients and
doing whatever is necessary to meet their needs.”
- “Being respected and valued by patients and providers.”
- “All cognitive work including patients, pharmacists, nurses and physicians.”
- “Helping people around me to be better person.”
- “Collaborative practice agreements. More autonomy in medication therapy management.”
- “I see it growing and expanding quickly; I think specialty pharmacies are still being defined, and
the roles are included in that.”
- “Many potential new agents coming to market that will have an impact on disease management.”
Critical factor ratings
Opportunities for advancement
[To what degree does your work allow for advancement?]
The respondents rated the opportunities for advancement mid-range with a score of 6.31.
One respondent from Maryland stated, “I have been in my role for 11 years, there has been ‘ladder’ of
positions from level 1–3, which only gives you a very small pay increase. These were implemented in past
4 years, and I achieved level 2 and 3 within 3 years. There is no opportunity for a leadership or
supervisor position. Basically, being a pharmacist is a terminal position these days.” A different
respondent from Maryland added, “There are very little advancement opportunities for my specific role
unless I wanted to move into management of people or look outside my organization.”
A specialty pharmacist from Georgia provided a different approach, “Professional advancement generally
consists of typical supervisory advancement (i.e., management opportunities). However, there are
opportunities to participate in special projects to further diversify your skills and offer additional
personal/professional development.” A pharmacist from Michigan has had a different experience and
stated, “We are always asked if we would like to advance to a leadership role etc.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little advancement opportunities
10 = Great opportunities for advancement
Leadership development/professional involvement
[To what extent does your work allow for the development of leadership skills and
professional involvement in the pharmacy profession?]
Respondents rated this critical factor in the mid-range with a score of 7.11.
A respondent from Texas provided the following, “My current role has had the most
leadership/professional development. Monthly coaching sessions with my manager and encouragement to go
to conferences. In previous roles, work volume was the key metric (not workforce advancement).” Another
respondent from Florida added, “This is up to the individual depending on their desires.”
A pharmacist from Maryland stated, “We are supported to be actively involved in organizations but not
required. If I wanted to seek additional certification or degree, I would be supported but preparation
would be outside of work.” Another from Arizona looked at this a little differently and added,
“Precepting student pharmacists and involvement with colleges of pharmacy allows me to develop
professionally and network.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little development of leadership skills and professional involvement
10 = Great opportunities for leadership development and professional
involvement
Community impact
[How much impact does your work have in terms of serving the community?]
Community impact is rated at 7.26 by specialty pharmacists.
One respondent from Maryland stated, “I like to think my work is impacting the community, but we never
see the tangible results. Rather, knowing your patients and seeing them meet goals of therapy (e.g.,
pregnancy (fertility), remission (inflammatory conditions), etc. is most likely how impact is seen.” A
respondent from Georgia added, “Our community impact is larger than your typical pharmacy experience, as
my ‘community’ is national. We services patients nationwide.”
A different respondent from Georgia provided a broader scope of work when they stated, “I provide direct
and indirect patient care to underserved populations.” Another from Michigan added, “We attend community
events for Crohn’s foundations in all states we are licensed in.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little impact
10 = High level of impact
Autonomy
[To what extent does your work allow for autonomy in decision making?]
Respondents are mid-range in their review of autonomy with a rating of 6.74.
One specialty pharmacist from Georgia stated, “This is a PharmD run clinic, therefore I have complete
autonomy on how I practice at this site.” A different respondent from Georgia added, “I largely have
autonomy within my team to make immediate decisions. However, we have standard operating procedures that
limit the rapid incorporation of new methods of operation.”
A respondent from Indiana indicated, “I believe this will depend on the degree of freedom the
manager/director imparts to those who report to them.” Another from Louisiana explained their thoughts
on this when they stated, “I do have some autonomy with regards to my direct supervisor, but that is
because they do not want to deal with anything. However, district and regional managers micromanage from
afar.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Very little low autonomy
10 = High level of autonomy
Focus
[To what extent does your work allow you to be focused on the future versus a focus only on
immediate tasks?]
Respondents were mid-range rating the factor at 6.18, indicating a slight lean toward the future.
One pharmacist from Indiana stated, “I believe we are always thinking ahead, however, we are not always
able to fully focus on the future cause of the busyness of today.“ This was supported by a pharmacist
from Maryland who added, “I wish I had more of a role in the future and planning.”
On the other side, a respondent from Michigan indicated, “I work in a value clinic that is constantly
trying to figure out how to be proactive versus reactive in solving our patient's health problems.”
Another respondent from Georgia added, “My work constantly looks ahead at new challenges and
opportunities. The realm of pharmacy is quite volatile right now, which necessitates the need to evolve
with a prospective focus.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Immediate tasks only
10 = Tasks focused on the future
Prestige
[To what extent does your work provide professional prestige?]
Respondents were mid-range with a rating of 6.89 regarding their prestige.
One respondent from Florida put this simply, “High prestige working with cancer therapies.” Another
respondent from Indiana stated, “I feel very proud about what I do. Most people do not know about my
area of pharmacy, but when I explain what I do, they are impressed.”
A different respondent from Indiana provided this perspective, “I work behind the scenes to serve
patients. I am not sure they really understand all we do, but that is okay. I do not do what I do to be
known. I do what I do knowing patients are receiving the care they need by a great team of professionals
behind the scenes.“ Another from Maryland added, “there are many things I have accomplished
professionally that my manager has praised me for but there is no recognition from the pharmacy division
as a whole or within the health system.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Provides low prestige
10 = Provides high prestige
Creating value/positive outcomes
[To what extent does your work allow for personal fulfillment through the creation of value
and positive outcomes?]
Respondents rated this factor in the mid-range with a rating of 7.26.
A specialty pharmacist from Florida stated that they have, “Personal fulfillment helping patients and
their family members.” Another respondent from Arizona added that they enjoy, “Helping health care
providers.”
A respondent from Michigan indicated they are, “Always encourage to do more.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little extent
10 = High extent
Patient relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with
patients?]
Respondents rated patient relationships in the mid-range with a 4.51 rating.
A respondent from Maryland stated, “Developing a relationship with a patient telephonically or through
online communication does not work. I miss the in-person relationships made when you work in a pharmacy
and patients come to pick up medications.” Another respondent supported this when they added, “I don’t
provide direct patient care.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = No ongoing/long-term relationships
10 = All are long-term relationships
Coworker/client relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with coworkers or
clients?]
Respondents feel that they have a much greater opportunity to have long-term relationships with their
coworkers and clients with a rating of 7.51.
A respondent from Maryland put it simply, “Coworkers are pleasant and cordial.” Another from Indiana
added, “I really love my coworkers. I have been on the same team for almost 5 years.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = No ongoing/long-term relationships
10 = All are long-term relationships
Writing/conducting research
[How often do you engage in writing and/or conducting research?]
Respondents rated writing/conducting research as the lowest critical factor for the group at 2.08 which
is a low range response.
A respondent from Texas who would like to do more of this stated, “I wish there were more opportunity
for this. I have stated in every interview that this is something in which I am interested. I am always
promised a spot at the table, but then daily tasks get in the way.” Another respondent from Maryland
added, “We mentor our residents in their research project but there is no support to conduct research on
our own.”
Another respondent from Florida felt, “This is up to the individual. I have published multiple opinion
pieces.” A pharmacist from Michigan indicated, “I always say I will, but patients take priority.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Generating new ideas
[To what degree does your work involve generating new ideas?]
Respondents rated the generation of new ideas as a mid-range factor with a rating of 5.79.
One respondent from Maryland stated, “At times able to help implement workflow ideas but takes a lot of
time for buy in.“ Another respondent from Georgia indicated, “We often problem solve new challenges
through multidisciplinary teams.”
A different respondent from Maryland indicated, “The leadership does not seem to value new ideas but
rather goes with their opinions. Many new processes are disconnected with the front-line staff. Other
times I can provide a new idea and see it put into workflow.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little innovative thinking
10 = High degree of innovative thinking
Supervision/management
[To what extent do you spend your time organizing, managing, or supervising others and/or
business operations?]
Respondents look at supervision/management as a mid-range rating with a 6.78.
One specialty pharmacist from Maryland stated, “No supervision of persons but do get to provide feedback
that is implemented. I spend more time organizing and managing my disease states. I am able to coach
technicians.” A pharmacist from Indiana had a slightly different outlook when they added, “Most
pharmacists in this area do not have to supervise anyone. Specialty pharmacy wants pharmacists to focus
(and work) at the top of their license, which includes counseling, problem solving, and checking
prescriptions.”
A different respondent from Indiana indicated that they, “supervise pharmacy technicians and student
pharmacists while on my shift.” Another from Michigan added, “I lead the pharmacy team daily.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Patient interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with patients?]
Patient interactions fell into the mid-range with a rating of 4.62.
A pharmacist from Georgia provided the following, “Our communication is largely via phone calls to
patients nationwide.” Another from Texas added, “Drive-thru and phone calls allow for interactions with
patients, but they must be kept short.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Public interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with the public?]
Respondents rated public interaction in the low range with a 2.11 rating.
One respondent from Texas highlighted the environment related to public interaction and stated, “Not in
my new role since it pertains to creating clinical programs. I would say 0/10 for public since it was a
call center setting.” Another from Indiana added, “I am on the call center side, so I speak to patients
all day. If you do not like speaking to patients there is the fulfillment side. Patients do not pick up
drugs here so no public interaction.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Collaboration
[How often do you work or collaborate with other health professionals or educate other
professionals in your work?]
Respondents rated collaboration in the mid-range with a 5.62 rating.
A respondent from Georgia stated, “We often communicate electronically with providers when clarifying
doses/orders. We also utilize phone calls to verbally communicate with other health professionals.”
Another respondent from Michigan added, “We work with a team of nurses and collaborate daily.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = None of my time
10 = All my time
Family/leisure time
[How much free time do you have for leisure and family activities in your work?]
Respondents rated family/leisure time in the mid-range with a 6.65 rating.
A respondent from Indiana stated, “My work is paid hourly, and I am guaranteed 40 hours per week. In the
past we had mandatory overtime, which was always paid, but soul sucking. We now have voluntary overtime.
It helps with balance of home and work.” Another from Texas added, “PTO can be an issue especially
around the holidays in an operation where pharmacy services are required to continue even on holidays.
Spent a lot of time in my early days of pharmacy working big holidays because I was new and did not have
children.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Little free time
10 = Plenty of time for family and leisure activities
Impact on well-being
[To what degree do you impact the well-being of individuals?]
Specialty pharmacists rated the impact on well-being as the second highest factor with a mid-range
rating of 7.37.
A respondent from Florida stated, “Working with cancer patients is very helpful to those individuals and
their family members.” Another respondent from Indiana added, “I have a strong need to help others. My
focus is on educating others about specialty drugs to ensure that everyone in the system understands the
benefits of patients getting the right drug at the right time.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Low degree
10 = High degree
Problem solving
[To what degree do you solve problems with tried-and-true alternatives versus untested
alternatives in your work?]
Specialty pharmacists were mid-range with a 5.14 rating relative to problem solving.
One respondent from Texas stated, “Problem solving is important in maintaining workflow and patient
well-being.” Another from Indiana added, “It is a balance. I keep seeing my company come back to
solutions that did not work in the past and pushing us toward different solutions.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Tried and true
10 = Untested alternatives
Expertise
[How general or specialized is the expertise required in your work?]
Respondents rated expertise as the highest rated critical factor at 7.38.
One specialty pharmacist from Texas stated, “I am always learning and challenging myself in the
workplace and during free time.” Another from New Jersey added their areas of expertise, “Compounded
Sterile Preparations Pharmacy Specialty Certification (BCSCP), Home Infusion, Immunoglobulin
Certified Pharmacist (IgCP).”
A pharmacist from Indiana explained their transition to specialty, “I came from community and started in
a general area of specialty pharmacy. I am now focused on oncology. My knowledge of diabetes and many
other disease states is suffering because I do not have time to keep up with them. I am focused on about
30 or less drugs now.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Generalized
10 = Specialized
Repetition
[To what degree is your work composed of activities and tasks that are highly repetitive
versus highly variable?]
Respondents indicated repetition was in the mid-range with a 5.94 rating.
A pharmacist from Michigan stated, “I work with mental health patients so there is not a lot of
repetition.” Another from Texas added, “We have a set assigned list of tasks to be completed in order
every day at specific times.”
A different respondent from Michigan indicated that, “Each day can be very different. But at the same
time each week can be similar.” Another from Indiana added, “My role is to counsel patients all day over
the same types of topics, which can get repetitive. The patients are the ones that make it interesting.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Highly repetitive
10 = Highly variable
Applying scientific knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying scientific knowledge in your
work?]
Respondents indicated that the application of scientific knowledge was in the mid-range with a 5.50
rating.
A respondent from Florida stated, “Both are important—scientific and clinical.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = No application
10 = High level of application all the time
Applying clinical knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying clinical knowledge in your
work?]
Pharmacists looked at the application of clinical knowledge to be at a higher level than scientific
knowledge and rated this factor at 7.06.
A respondent from Indiana provided the following, “My company does not want us answering anything
without proof. The drugs are too expensive to just try. We are very mindful of diagnosis. I also like to
discuss options for patients and give them knowledge about how to tell if a drug is working and how long
it will take to reach that point. I do not feel like enough pharmacists explain expectations.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = No application
10 = High level of application all the time
Parental leave
[To what extent does your work setting offer parental leave opportunities?]
Respondents rated parental leave in the mid-range with a rating of 6.17. It should be noted that not all
respondents have a need for this factor.
One pharmacist from North Dakota stated, “Six weeks at 60% pay. One week of paid leave from the company.
You must use all PTO before returning to supplement remainder up to 12 weeks.” Another from Maryland
added, “Four weeks parental leave, with up to 12 weeks total in disability/FMLA. Not the best but better
than others.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Limited opportunities
10 = Unlimited opportunities
Compensation
[To what degree do you feel compensated for your responsibilities in your work?]
Respondents indicated compensation was in the mid-range with a 6.44 rating.
One pharmacist from Texas stated, “Compensation is great; the budget often constricts hours available
however.” Another from Florida added, “Higher than average compensation working in a specialty
pharmacy.”
A respondent from Oregon provided the following, “I work for a nonprofit funded by grants, so I
definitely do not make the typical pharmacist salary, but the work-life balance and opportunity to
meaningful work is worth it to me.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not well compensated
10 = Well compensated
Benefit package
[How comprehensive is the employee benefit package offered in your work setting?]
The benefit package was rated 6.58 by the respondents.
One respondent from Florida stated benefits are, “Required in order to attract and retain pharmacists.”
Another from Arizona listed the following, “401k match, medical, vision, dental, and some lifestyle
benefits available as well for gyms and things.”
Another respondent from Indiana added, “Flexible childcare spending accounts, all sorts of other
benefits. I have up to 5 weeks PTO plus holidays.”
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
0 = Not comprehensive
10 = Very Comprehensive
Advice for student pharmacists
Respondents provided advice across several areas and what the future brings. A total of 24.4% of the
specialty pharmacists indicated that they see growth in this area moving forward. An additional 22.0%
percent of the respondents listed that student pharmacists should research and understand the variety of
career options available to them. Information from several of the pharmacists is listed below:
- “What you put into this profession is what you get out of it. Get involved and engaged at work, in
your community, and with your peers.”
- “Gain understanding of various areas of pharmacy benefit clinical problem solving/reasoning and
communication with other health care professionals to provide integrated care.”
- “Care for what you're doing.”
- “A lot of growth with new intravenous and intramuscular injection medications that are suitable for
the outpatient/home setting.”
- “More clinical duties and fewer administrative tasks.”
- “There is more to learn than what is in a book. Not everything is black and white, be open minded.”
- “Get exposure to as many different practice areas as possible.”
Professional organizations
Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
675 North Washington Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-2600 | www.amcp.org
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603-3446
(312) 664-3575 | www.acpe-accredit.org
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
1400 Crystal Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 739-2330 | www.aacp.org
American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)
Avedisian Hall, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881
(703) 556-0650 | www.aaps.org
American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP)
8055 O Street, Suite S113, Lincoln, NE 68510
(402) 476-1677 | www.aapp.org
American College of Apothecaries (ACA)
2830 Summer Oaks Drive, Bartlett, TN 38134
(901) 383-8119 | www.acainfo.org
American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
13000 West 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66215-4530
(913) 492-3311 | www.accp.com
American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE)
11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 360A-105, Fairfax, VA 22030
(571) 404-0471 | www.afpenet.org
American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 628-4410 | www.pharmacist.com
American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)
1240 North Pitt Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-1300 | www.ascp.com
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814
(866) 279-0681 | www.ashp.org
Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS)
2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 946-5026 | www.bpsweb.org
Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA)
555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(877) 467-2791 | www.hoparx.org
National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)
2530 Professional Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 285-4431 | www.naspa.us
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)
1600 Feehanville Drive, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 391-4406 | www.nabp.pharmacy
National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)
1776 Wilson Blvd, Suite 200, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 549-3001 | www.nacds.org
National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP)
300 New Jersey Ave, NW, #900, Washington, DC 20001
(703) 842.0122 | www.naspnet.org
National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)
100 Daingerfield Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8200 | www.ncpa.org
National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA)
10810 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 102-965, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(480) 405-9291 | www.nationalpharmaceuticalassociation.org
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
670 Maine Avenue, SW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 835-3400 | www.phrma.org