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Nuclear Pharmacist |
Career OverviewA nuclear pharmacist has the highly specialized job of preparing, monitoring, dispensing and educating individuals about radiopharmaceuticals. These are compounds that are used in the various radiation treatments in hospitals and healthcare facilities. Often used in cancer treatment, radiopharmaceuticals require special handling and usage protocols that nuclear pharmacists are experts on.
A nuclear pharmacist is also known as a Radiopharmacist. He or she must be able to compound radiopharmaceuticals according to the specific prescription provided by the physician. The nuclear pharmacist is often required to provide input into the prescription to develop the most effective, individualized treatment to the patient.
A nuclear pharmacist must be very detail oriented and must be aware and consistently and completely follow all restrictions, regulations and guidelines pertaining to the use of radiopharmaceuticals. The nuclear pharmacist must also be aware of inactive or additives that can be used with radiopharmaceuticals when compounding the various prescriptions.
Excellent communication skills and a strong background in chemistry and working with radiopharmaceuticals are required for a nuclear pharmacist. Usually a nuclear pharmacist will work in a specialized lab with other types of pharmacists, especially in a hospital or clinical setting. The nuclear pharmacist monitors, controls and records all compounding using radiopharmaceuticals plus prepares all required reports and records in a timely manner.
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Career RequirementsA nuclear pharmacist must have a current license to be a pharmacist and usually has either a Pharm-D, Doctor of Pharmacy, or a Bachelor of Science with advanced coursework in working with radiopharmaceutical compounds.
The nuclear pharmacist will be required to have several years of experience working in a lab where radiopharmaceuticals are used. Often he or she has completed a one or two-year residency or internship in a specialized lab or facility.
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Job OutlookAs more drug treatments and therapies are used that involved the use of radiopharmaceuticals the demand for trained nuclear pharmacists will continue to increase. According to the United States Department of Labor the demand for hospital-based pharmacists will increase at an average rate of employment over the next several years.
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Career TrackA nuclear pharmacist may choose to move into management of the specialized labs that work with radiopharmaceuticals. In addition the nuclear pharmacist may return to a college of pharmacy and work either in a teaching or research role. Major pharmaceutical companies also have a demand for trained nuclear pharmacists and this may be a career track option for some.
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CompensationThe average salary for a nuclear pharmacist is approximately $95,000 per year. Additional training and specialization or management or supervisory roles may significantly increase the average yearly salary.
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