Even in a tough job market, the unique mix of medical knowledge and people skills required to run a pharmacy counter remain in demand. The more than 281,560 pharmacists in the United States dispense medicine and advice in tens of thousands of retail pharmacies and hospitals, as well as in clinical and corporate settings. Earnings potential remains relatively high in the health care field, and wages have climbed slightly from a year ago. A recent focal point in the industry is medication therapy management, or MTM. Pharmacists counsel patients by thoroughly reviewing their medications and finding the best way to reduce drug-related costs, but more importantly, the goal of MTM is to improve the quality of a patient’s life.
With an aging population of baby boomers, more Americans expected to seek health services due to the Affordable Care Act and increased demand for prescription medications, industry growth will likely remain high for years to come. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 14.5 percent employment growth for pharmacists by 2022, with the field adding 41,400 new jobs. Solid employment growth and a high median salary help make pharmacist a top contender on this year’s list of Best Jobs, ranking No. 5 overall and No. 3 among the Best Health Care Jobs.