How To Become a Clinical Pharmacist & Progress Your Career

Clinical pharmacists roles play an important part in the general practice of a medical team. They serve as specialist advisors on different medicines and work to improve the value and medical outcomes. 

Clinical pharmacists are valuable members of multidisciplinary teams and work directly with physicians, patients, and other healthcare professionals. 

These professionals develop treatment plans and educate patients on the relevant medicine. There are a variety of skills needed to succeed as a clinical pharmacist. 

Due to the nature of the role, these professionals have many options for career growth and development. It’s important to note that your route into clinical pharmacy can depend on your country and the educational paths available to you.

Read on to find out how to progress your career as a clinical pharmacist.

How to become a clinical pharmacist

Identify your career goals

As a clinical pharmacist, it's important to identify the direction you want your career to move in. This includes deciding on a professional route for advancement and determining your interests. 

For example, you could pursue a research position that allows you to analyze data and conduct experiments in a lab setting. Also, you may want to advance to a leadership position in clinical pharmacy where you can oversee a team and develop people. Therefore, having a clear idea of your values and growth aspirations will help you navigate a path forward in your career.

Gain additional credentials

One of the best ways to advance in your career is to gain additional credentials that are relevant to your chosen career path. 

If you want to stand out, you may benefit from obtaining a master's degree in clinical pharmacy or a related discipline, such as health care administration. There's also the option to complete courses online while working full-time in your clinical pharmacist role. 

Acquiring more credentials can give you further credibility and a way to establish yourself as an expert. Double-check what kind of qualifications and courses are available to you in your geographical region as these can vary.

Maintain awareness of market research

As a clinical pharmacist, you must understand and maintain awareness of scientific literature and market research. 

The pharmaceutical industry has constant innovations and introductions of new medical devices. 

Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and research is important to advance in your career. This way, you'll learn and gain extra knowledge to apply to your career.

Take precision medicine as an example of an innovation coming to the forefront in pharmacy. It's an advanced form of treatment that treats each patient as an individual by using data analytics to determine how the human body responds to different types of medicine. So, this is an area that clinical pharmacists should stay up-to-date on as it's likely to be a key part of the industry in the future.

Build a network

Networking with other professionals is essential in any industry. Growing your network is important for career development, building long-term relationships, and a good reputation. 

Professionals can attend a range of pharmacy conferences and events to meet like-minded clinical pharmaceutics and industry leaders.

There's no denying the power of networking for your pharmaceutical career. Through networking, you'll be exchanging ideas and connecting with people who may have more experience and knowledge than you. 

Expanding your network can open up more opportunities and help you grow and develop as a clinical pharmacist.

Are you looking for jobs in clinical pharmacy?

At IQVIA, we deliver commercial and sales solutions to various medical clients. 

We focus on delivering patient-centric services as well as product solutions to help sustain success for our clients. IQVIA promotes and launches treatments globally to improve the healthcare industry. 

If you want to be involved, browse our clinical pharmacist jobs now or sign up for job alerts so you never miss an opportunity. We've also made a guide on how to prepare for a clinical pharmacist interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a pharmacist and a clinical pharmacist?

Pharmacists are drug experts, and clinical pharmacists apply that expertise in real clinical situations. Their role extends beyond basic dispensing and order processing, including optimizing medication choices, determining proper dosages, and monitoring patient responses.

Do clinical pharmacists go to medical school?

Some licensed healthcare professionals and clinical pharmacists hold Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, this depends on your country of residence and the educational routes available to you. Make sure you research what options you have when pursuing this career path.

Do you need a Ph.D. to be a clinical pharmacist?

Clinical pharmacist positions may have varying educational prerequisites unique to their respective countries. 

In the UK, for example, individuals aiming to become pharmacists typically undertake a four-year MPharm programme accredited by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).