Compounding Pharmacist |
Career OverviewA compounding pharmacist has the unique responsibility to actually make or compound the medications that the doctor has prescribed for the patient. Often the compounding pharmacist must work to teach doctors how to prescribe medications that need to be formulated by the pharmacist and he or she will also have to work with the patient so that they can assist the compounding pharmacist in getting just the right adjustments to the customized medications.
Rather than just counting or dispensing pre-made medicines a compounding pharmacist uses his or her chemistry and genomic background to be create a medication that is specific to the needs of the patient and his or her condition. The compounding pharmacist must choose what ingredients, both medicinal and inactive, should be combined to produce the desired results.
This is not just done by random selection however. Compounding pharmacists have extensive knowledge of interactions of chemicals and medication and exactly how to measure and determine quantities of the various chemicals need to be used in each prescription.
Compounding pharmacists work with doctors to find information about the health condition of the patient before determining the correct formulation of medications. Interviews with the patient and an in depth understanding of any history of drug reactions are critical to assisting the compounding pharmacist.
Science background, excellent communication skills, an ability to use chemical principles in practical settings and an attention to detail are all important career goals for a compounding pharmacist.
|
Career RequirementsA compounding pharmacist has the same requirements as all other pharmacists and that is a Pharm-D or Doctor of Pharmacy and completion of the NAPLEX exams and other required examinations to achieve state licensure. In addition most compounding pharmacists work in a residency program in a compounding pharmacy to obtain hands-on experience.
In the future it is anticipated the FDA, Food and Drug Administration, will become involved in the regulation of compounding pharmacies. There is currently a National Association of Compounding Pharmacies that works to train and promote the use of compounding pharmacists for specialized treatments and drug therapies for patients.
|
Advertisement
|
Job OutlookThe increase in demand for specialized drug therapies and treatments has lead to an increase in demand for trained compounding pharmacists in both private pharmacies and chain pharmacies.
With the current trend in tailoring medication to patient needs it is predicted by the various pharmacy associations that the demand for compounding pharmacists will increase. Insurance companies and medical plans that now cover medications made by compounding pharmacists have helped patients afford these medications and have increased their demand.
|
Career TrackA compounding pharmacist may choose to move into management of a larger compounding pharmacy or may choose to enter into their own pharmacy business. The demand for instructors in compounding pharmacist at schools of pharmacy is very great so many compounding pharmacists with experience may choose to return to teaching.
|
CompensationA compounding pharmacist earns approximately the same amount as other pharmacists although in major centers and large hospital facilities they may make slightly higher salaries. A compounding pharmacist usually earns between $85,000 and $100,000 per year, with the top percent of compounding pharmacists earning in excess of $115,000.
|