Pharmaceutical Administrator Careers
What is a Pharmaceutical Administrator?
Pharmaceutical Administration careers are available at different educational levels starting with a bachelor’s degree. Although some entry-level positions require only this type of degree, most jobs usually need a master’s preparedness or above. Pharmaceutical Administrators work as pharmacy directors and pharmaceutical marketing managers and in pharmacoeconomic research.
Pharmaceutical Administrators manage pharmacy-related activities. They may work in similar capacities as pharmacists and have similar degrees, but Pharmaceutical Administrators have expanded roles with liaison responsibilities to other industry professionals such as pharmacists, healthcare executives and medical doctors. Individuals who desire work as Pharmaceutical Administrators often work in health services management, policy analysis and education.
What is a Pharmaceutical Administrator Responsible For?
Job responsibilities depend on the type of degree, and all positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree. Bachelor’s-prepared Pharmaceutical Administrators manage and oversee pharmaceutical operations. They are responsible for the organization of records, human resources and pharmacy staff oversight, and quality customer service. Most Pharmaceutical Administrators have master’s degrees, and those with doctorates pursue careers in collegiate education. Pharmaceutical Administrators manage and oversee the following:
- Nursing homes
- Hospitals
- Physician offices
- Rehabilitation hospitals
- Specialized departments such as policy analysis, accounting, human resources, marketing or budgeting
Where does a Pharmaceutical Administrator Work?
Pharmaceutical Administrators work throughout the healthcare industry wherever there is a need for pharmacy management. Job opportunities exist in community and hospital pharmacies, government agencies, pharmaceutical education and research. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that research career options for Pharmaceutical Administrators are expected to expand as more routine pharmaceutical tasks become automated. Places where Pharmaceutical Administrators might work are the following:
- Pharmacies
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Government agencies
- Universities and colleges
- Research
What Degree is Required to Become a Pharmaceutical Administrator? What Do They Study?
Most people who pursue employment in Pharmaceutical Administration obtain a Master of Healthcare Administration with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry. Those in degree programs without the option of the pharmaceutical tract should enroll in as many pharmaceutical electives as possible. There are both master’s and doctoral programs for Pharmaceutical Administration that emphasize the business side of the industry and offer the following coursework options:
- Business
- Pharmaceutical policy
- Pharmacoepidemiology
- Pharmacoeconomics
- Drug development
- Health economics
- Healthcare policy and administration
- Marketing
- Research methodology
Doctor of Pharmacy Programs (PharmD)
A doctoral program in Pharmaceutical Administration includes advanced coursework, and some individuals obtain a PharmD. The degree consists of rigorous coursework in pharmacology, drug therapy, public affairs, patient safety, ethics, management and communications. Pharmacists require licensure in all 50 states. A person who desires to be a pharmacy director needs to be a licensed pharmacist, and this requires successful completion of the following two exams:
Pharmacy director employment sometimes requires a pharmacist license and a Master of Business Administration.
What other Career Options are Available to a Pharmaceutical Administrator?
Pharmaceutical Administrators work in a variety of fields, so their career opportunities go beyond managing a pharmacy or teaching in a classroom. Some of those career options for Pharmaceutical Administrators include the following:
Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager
This position requires the minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited Pharmaceutical Administration program. Marketing managers oversee the marketing departments of pharmaceutical companies. Knowledge of marketing, government regulations and trends is necessary.
Pharmacoeconomics Researcher
This researcher studies the cost, effects and economic value of medications and delivery of services. Researchers employed in this field determine the safety and efficacy of drugs through studies. Data collected from surveys are used by stakeholders to decide whether to manufacture and market specific products. A master’s or doctorate is required as well as a strong background in mathematics.
How Much Money does a Pharmaceutical Administrator Earn?
Pharmaceutical Administrators, depending on education, experience and location, can earn between $102,00 and $166,000. Other related career fields are Pharmaceutical Sales Representatives who earn about $66,000 a year and Pharmaceutical Financial Analysts who earn roughly $60,00 per year. A nationwide projected job growth is expected over the next few years for Pharmaceutical Administrator jobs.