pharma job opportunities

How to prepare yourself to participate in group discussions

2008-09-08T10:01:00.000-07:00

It is important to make sure you're prepared before the discussion begins.

To obtain a higher level of thinking, it is important for the group to focus on a specific goal.

Being prepared before the discussion starts will allow you to effectively communicate your ideas to the group.

It is important for all the member of a group discussion to use reasoning.

It is also important for you to ask questions that will allow you to determine how much the other members know about a specific topic. This is called analyzing their knowledge.

Asking these questions will allow you to learn more about the other members of the group. It is also essential to avoid conflicts.

Conflicts will kill the group discussion, and will not allow it to be productive.

You should not make a statement which gives your opinion about the accuracy of a comment that has been made by another member.

You should not even make statements like " I think that is an excellent question." The reason for this is because you may send a message saying that all other questions are irrelevant.

If you are the one who is planning or leading the group, it is important to make sure every member contributes something to the discussion.

A decision should always be made by the group instead of a single individual. A simple way to do this is to cast a vote.

If the majority agrees on a specific plan of action, this is the plan that should be taken.

If you notice that someone is not participating in the discussion, ask them what they think about the issue at hand.

It is important for everyone to feel like they are a member.

It is important to make sure everyone is talking about the topic.

The students should talk and make statements regarding the topic. Everyone should be able to voice their own opinion.

Whenever people get together in a group, there will be interpersonal issues among some of the members.

Each person will have a different personality type, and some will not work well with others.

Whenever you notice that the group or members of the group are straying away from the topic, it is important for them to avoid this.

While you will want to look at the group as a whole, it is also important to monitor each member as well.

If you are the leader of the group, and you notice that some members are having problems with reasoning or expression, you will want to assist them.

To prepare for a group discussion, it is extremely important to make sure you are prepared beforehand.

You should understand the topic of the discussion, and if necessary, you should research it. Once you have researched the topic, you should develop your own thoughts or opinions about it.

When the members of a group discussion are prepared, this will allow the discussion to blossom.

However, when they are not prepared, the goals of the discussion will not be easy to achieve.

To successfully participate in group discussion, you must know how to work well with others, and you must understand the topic or materials that are being discussed.

When you are prepared for a group discussion, you will be able to benefit from it.

How to prepare yourself to face interviews

2008-09-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

Preparation for an interview can make the difference between getting an offer and being rejected.

Most candidates address a job interview as a situation whereas they are being tested in.

The interviewer asks questions, they provide answers (which the interviewer would like to hear) and then they would eagerly anticipate for a Hired or Not Hired answer

We look at the job interview not as a “one sided” interview but as a “dialogue”, whereas the candidate is not only being interviewed.

But is also actively providing information that will enable the interviewer to fully understand and know who is seating in front of him.

The interview is your chance to show that you are the best person for the job!

Your application or resume has already exhibited that you are qualified; the interview is your chance to leave a good impression and to show how your skills and experience match the position you are interviewed for.

PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THE INTERVIEW

Body language has a significant part of the face to face interview.

It takes the interviewer 3-4 seconds to have a first impression on you.

You will be surprised how quick you will be categorized and marked- your mission is to leave a good impression and to change any initial misconceptions that the interviewer might have about you.

In order to provide a good impression on the interviewer you should pay attention to your hair-cut, the way you are dressed, the jewelry you are wearing and so on.

We suggest you to find out, as much as possible, what are the norms in the company you are being interviewed for and match your appearance accordingly.

Anyway, should you have a mobile phone, a laptop, handbag or any other item which will be revealed to the interviewer during the interview, make sure the items are in order and that they are clean.

In general, you ought to turn off your mobile phone, and make sure you will not have any alarms or reminders during the interview.

Once you enter the room and you with your interviewer, remember that you are being examined! You should enter with self confidence and enthusiasm.

Walk in with your back straight, full of energy, shake hands firmly (but don’t break any hands), be clear when you say hello and have a friendly smile on your face.

How to prepare yourself to face aptitude tests

2008-09-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

Even though aptitude tests are taken under exam conditions, as with any part of the job-seeking process the more time and effort you put into your preparation, the better your chances

The employer or recruitment agency may furnish you with a sample paper taken from previous tests, and it’s worth asking for one even if they don’t volunteer it.

Depending on the job you’re going for, you should have a general idea of the kind of test you’re likely to face, whether verbal, numeric, abstract or some combination of these.

Other ways of getting your brain into the right frame for facing an aptitude test is to do word puzzles or maths puzzles in the days or weeks before the test, pushing yourself to go as fast as possible against the clock and then checking your results.

As well as sharpening your mind, this kind of practice will help boost your confidence when you finally arrive to face the real thing.

Practice reading sample questions to get a feel for the sort of language used. Always make sure you understand what the question is really asking for before starting to answer it.

It’s also worth remembering that the aptitude test is in many ways as important as a job interview, so the usual rules apply.

If you arrive late you’ll be rejected, so set out with plenty of time to spare.

Dress professionally, because although appearance might not be on the test sheet an examiner can take one look at you and cross you off the list.

Remember to bring glasses if you need them, make sure you get a good night’s sleep, and try not to have a hangover!

How to prepare your resume

2008-09-08T09:20:00.000-07:00

Resume is a concise one-page to two-page summary of your job qualifications.

It identifies you, how you communicate and present yourself, what you can do for an organization, and how you can be contacted for an interview.

It should be easy to read, interesting, dynamic, neat, and accurate.

A resume should be targeted to each position for which you apply.

If you use the same resume for different jobs. however, use a separate cover letter to show how your skills and experience qualify you for the specific job.

PARTS OF THE RESUME

The information you provide should be arranged so that your strongest points are stated first.
For example, if you graduated recently and have little or no experience, start with your education.
If you have a lot of relevant work experience, start with your experience.

Contact Information
Employment Objective
Education
Experience Other
Other

CONTACT INFORMATION

Your name, address, and phone number. This should be listed first on your resume.

List only one or two numbers where you can be reached during business hours. Have an answering machine if you may not be available.

You may include an e-mail address.

EMPLOYMENT OBJECTIVE

This should be the same as or related to the position you are seeking or describe the industry of interest to you.

It should be clear and well defined. In place of an objective, a summary or brief description of your career may be added.

EDUCATION

Indicate any specialty within your major, especially if the information fits the job.

Beginning with the most recent, list schools and any workshops and training attended.

Degrees, certificates, and diplomas received should also be listed.

Grade point averages should be included only if they can be considered assets.

Recent graduates with limited related work experience should list as much information about related courses taken.

EXPERIENCE

Begin with your most recent job. List employer's name and location, dates of employment, and position or title held.

Emphasize tasks, skills, and specific experiences that are required in the job for which you are applying

If you do not have any real achievements, describing your goals and willingness to work hard in the cover letter can be helpful.

OTHER

List your important achievements, honors, awards, publications, hobbies, knowledge of a second language, technical skills and significant extracurricular activities that are related to work and make you stand out from other applicants.

Academic, professional, or community organizations in which you are an officer or a member may also be listed.

How to prepare yourself before applying for jobs

2008-09-08T09:12:00.000-07:00

Your Research For The Job Interview Preparation Should Give You A Better Insight On

The Job Description.
What business the organization is in.
Hiring process procedures.
Early experiences on the job.
Corporate culture
General Organizational Structure.

History.
Career paths.
General knowledge about current state of industry.
Protocols before and after the interview.
The location of the interview.
Size of organization.
Number of employees
How long has the company being operating
Are there any subsidiary companies involved in this company.
Who are the major competitors of this company
Who is the direct supervisor.
Information on your direct supervisor

Resume is a concise one-page to two-page summary of your job qualifications.

It identifies you, how you communicate and present yourself, what you can do for an organization, and how you can be contacted for an interview.

It should be easy to read, interesting, dynamic, neat, and accurate.

HOW TO PREPARE YOURSELF FOR YOUR FIRST JOB

2008-09-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

PREPARE YOURSELF
KNOW YOURSELF
KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE BUSINESS
CHECK YOUR PERSONAL APPEARANCE
GO TO THE INTERVIEW ALONE
ARRIVE EARLY
BE ALERT DURING THE INTERVIEW
THINK BEFORE ANSWERING

PREPARE YOURSELF

In order to obtain almost any job, you will have an employment interview. That interview is probably the single most Important step toward getting a job.

To help you along the way, here are some suggestions–ways you can prepare yourself beforehand for that decisive step into your future

KNOW YOURSELF

What are your interests and qualifications?

Your prospective employer will want to know, so be prepared to talk about them briefly, intelligently and clearly during the interview

KNOW SOMETHING ABOUT THE BUSINESS

Before you make an appointment for a job interview, find out whatever you can about the firm.

Becoming familiar with the company means you can suggest ways you can be of service to your prospective employer during your interview.

CHECK YOUR PERSONAL APPEARANCE

Before you leave for the interview, check your appearance.

You should look neat and businesslike.

Dress for the job, so you look as though you are ready to go to work.

GO TO THE INTERVIEW ALONE

Employers are interested in you, and how you present yourself.

They don’t want to hear what your relatives or friends think of your qualifications.

They will judge for themselves. So go to the interview alone.

ARRIVE EARLY

Get to the interview a few minutes ahead of time.

Present yourself in a straightforward manner.

Give the receptionist your name and the name of the person you wish to see.

BE ALERT DURING THE INTERVIEW

Sit up straight and look alert during the interview.

Try to be at ease and to answer your prospective employer’s questions in a businesslike manner

THINK BEFORE ANSWERING

Think before answering questions. Be polite, accurate, and honest.

The employer is especially interested in experience and training that shows you are suited for the job.

Pharmacy Technicians Job in USA

2007-12-03T00:35:00.000-08:00

Significant Points

Job opportunities are expected to be good for full-time and part-time work, especially for those with certification or previous work experience.

Many technicians work evenings, weekends, and holidays.

About 7 out of 10 of jobs were in retail pharmacies, grocery stores, department stores, or mass retailers.

Nature of the Work

Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication for patients, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles. Technicians refer any questions regarding prescriptions, drug information, or health matters to a pharmacist.

Pharmacy aides work closely with pharmacy technicians. They often are clerks or cashiers who primarily answer telephones, handle money, stock shelves, and perform other clerical duties. Pharmacy technicians usually perform more complex tasks than do pharmacy aides, although in some States their duties and job titles may overlap.

Pharmacy technicians who work in retail or mail-order pharmacies have varying responsibilities, depending on State rules and regulations. Technicians receive written prescriptions or requests for prescription refills from patients. They also may receive prescriptions sent electronically from the doctor’s office. They must verify that the information on the prescription is complete and accurate. To prepare the prescription, technicians must retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. Then, they prepare the prescription labels, select the type of prescription container, and affix the prescription and auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to the patient. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

In hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities, technicians have added responsibilities, including reading patients’ charts and preparing and delivering the medicine to patients. Still, the pharmacist must check the order before it is delivered to the patient. The technician then copies the information about the prescribed medication onto the patient’s profile. Technicians also may assemble a 24-hour supply of medicine for every patient. They package and label each dose separately. The packages are then placed in the medicine cabinets of patients until the supervising pharmacist checks them for accuracy. The packages are then given to the patients.

Working Conditions

Pharmacy technicians work in clean, organized, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Most of their workday is spent on their feet. They may be required to lift heavy boxes or to usestepladders to retrieve supplies from high shelves.

Technicians work the same hours that pharmacists work. These may include evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, particularly in facilities, such as hospitals and retail pharmacies, thatare open 24 hours a day. As their seniority increases, technicians often acquire increased control over the hours they work. There are many opportunities for part-time work in both retail and hospital settings.

Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

Although most pharmacy technicians receive informal on-the-job training, employers favor those who have completed formal training and certification. However, there are currently few State and no Federal requirements for formal training or certification of pharmacy technicians. Employers who have insufficient resources to give on-the-job training often seek formally educated pharmacy technicians. Formal education programs and certification emphasize the technician’s interest in and dedication to the work. In addition to the military, some hospitals, proprietary schools, vocational or technical colleges, and community colleges offer formal education programs.

Formal pharmacy technician education programs require classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. Technicians also are required to learn medication names, actions, uses, and doses. Many training programs include internships, in which students gain hands-on experience in actual pharmacies. Students receive a diploma, a certificate, or an associate’s degree, depending on the program.

Prospective pharmacy technicians with experience working as an aide in a community pharmacy or volunteering in a hospital may have an advantage. Employers also prefer applicants with strong customer service and communication skills, as well as those with experience managing inventories, counting tablets, measuring dosages, and using computers. Technicians entering the field need strong mathematics, spelling, and reading skills. A background in chemistry, English, and health education also may be beneficial. Some technicians are hired without formal training, but under the condition that they obtain certification within a specified period to retain their employment.

The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board administers the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination. This exam is voluntary in most States and displays the competency of the individual to act as a pharmacy technician. However, more States and employers are requiring certification as reliance on pharmacy technicians grows. Eligible candidates must have a high school diploma or GED and no felony convictions, and those who pass the exam earn the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT). The exam is offered several times per year at various locations nationally. Employers—often pharmacists—know that individuals who pass the exam have a standardized body of knowledge and skills. Many employers also will reimburse the costs of the exam as an incentive for certification.

Certified technicians must be recertified every 2 years. Technicians must complete 20 contact hours of pharmacy-related topics within the 2-year certification period to become eligible for recertification. Contact hours are awarded for on-the-job training, attending lectures, and college coursework. At least 1 contact hour must be in pharmacy law. Contact hours can be earned from several different sources, including pharmacy associations, pharmacy colleges, and pharmacy technician training programs. Up to 10 contact hours can be earned when the technician is employed under the direct supervision and instruction of a pharmacist.

Successful pharmacy technicians are alert, observant, organized, dedicated, and responsible. They should be willing and able to take directions. They must be precise; details are sometimes a matter of life and death. Although a pharmacist must check and approve all their work, they should be able to work independently without constant instruction from the pharmacist. Candidates interested in becoming pharmacy technicians cannot have prior records of drug or substance abuse.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills are needed because pharmacy technicians interact daily with patients, coworkers, and health care professionals. Teamwork is very important because technicians often are required to work with pharmacists, aides, and other technicians.

Employment

Pharmacy technicians held about 258,000 jobs in 2004. About 7 out of 10 jobs were in retail pharmacies, either independently owned or part of a drugstore chain, grocery store, department store, or mass retailer. About 2 out of 10 jobs were in hospitals and a small proportion was in mail-order and Internet pharmacies, clinics, pharmaceutical wholesalers, and the Federal Government.

Job Outlook

Good job opportunities are expected for full-time and part-time work, especially for technicians with formal training or previous experience. Job openings for pharmacy technicians will result from the expansion of retail pharmacies and other employment settings and from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or leave the labor force.

Employment of pharmacy technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2014 because as the population grows and ages, demand for pharmaceuticals will increase dramatically. The increased number of middle-aged and elderly people—who use more prescription drugs than younger people—will spur demand for technicians in all practice settings. With advances in science, more medications are becoming available to treat a greater number of conditions.

In addition, cost-conscious insurers, pharmacies, and health systems will continue to expand the role of technicians. As a result, pharmacy technicians will assume responsibility for some of the more routine tasks previously performed by pharmacists. Pharmacy technicians also will need to learn and master new pharmacy technology as it emerges. For example, robotic machines are being increasingly used to dispense medicine into containers; technicians must oversee the machines, stock the bins, and label the containers. Thus, while automation is increasingly incorporated into the job, it will not necessarily reduce the need for technicians.

Almost all States have legislated the maximum number of technicians who can safely work under a pharmacist at one time. In some States, technicians have assumed more medication-dispensing duties as pharmacists have become more involved in patient care, resulting in more technicians per pharmacist. Changes in these laws could directly affect employment.

Earnings

Median hourly earnings of wage and salary pharmacy technicians in May 2004 were $11.37. The middle 50 percent earned between $9.40 and $13.85. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $7.96, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $16.61. Median hourly earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of pharmacy technicians in May 2004 were:
General medical and surgical hospitals $12.93
Grocery stores $11.77
Other general merchandise stores $11.11
Department stores $10.56
Health and personal care stores $10.51

Certified technicians may earn more. Shift differentials for working evenings or weekends also can increase earnings. Some technicians belong to unions representing hospital or grocery store workers.

Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing Career in USA

2007-12-01T00:38:00.000-08:00

Significant Points

This industry ranks among the fastest growing manufacturing industries.
More than 6 out of 10 workers have a bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or Ph.D. degree—twice the proportion for all industries combined.
Fifty-nine percent of all jobs are in large establishments employing more than 500 workers.
Earnings are much higher than in other manufacturing industries.

The pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry has produced a variety of medicinal and other health-related products undreamed of by even the most imaginative apothecaries of the past. These drugs save the lives of millions of people from various diseases and permit many ill people to lead normal lives.
Thousands of medications are available today for diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic uses. In addition to aiding in the treatment of infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, malaria, influenza, and sexually transmitted diseases, these medicines also help prevent and treat cardiovascular disease, asthma, diabetes, hepatitis, cystic fibrosis, and cancer. For example, antinausea drugs help cancer patients endure chemotherapy; clot-buster drugs help stroke patients avoid brain damage; and psychoactive drugs reduce the severity of mental illness for many people. Antibiotics and vaccines have virtually wiped out such diseases as diphtheria, syphilis, and whooping cough. Discoveries in veterinary drugs have controlled various diseases, some of which are transmissible to humans.
Advances in biotechnology and information technology are transforming drug discovery and development. Within biotechnology, scientists have learned a great deal about human genes, but the real work—translating that knowledge into viable new drugs—has only recently begun. So far, millions of people have benefited from medicines and vaccines developed through biotechnology, and several hundred new biotechnologically-derived medicines are currently in the pipeline. These new medicines, all of which are in human clinical trials or awaiting FDA approval, include drugs for cancer, infectious diseases, autoimmune diseases, neurologic disorders, and HIV/AIDS and related conditions.
Many new drugs are expected to be developed in the coming years. Advances in technology and the knowledge of how cells work will allow pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing makers to become more efficient in the drug discovery process. New technology allows life scientists to test millions of drug candidates far more rapidly than in the past. Other new technology, such as regenerative therapy using stem cell research, also will allow the natural healing process to work faster, or to enable the regrowth of missing or damaged tissue.
There is a direct relationship between gene discovery and identification of new drugs—the more genes identified, the more paths available for drug discovery. Discovery of new genes also can lead to new diagnostics for the early detection of disease. Among other uses, new genetic technology is being explored to develop vaccines to prevent or treat diseases that have eluded traditional vaccines, such as AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and cervical cancer.
The pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry consists of about 2,500 places of employment, located throughout the country. These include establishments that make pharmaceutical preparations or finished drugs; biological products, such as serums and vaccines; bulk chemicals and botanicals used in making finished drugs; and diagnostic substances such as pregnancy and blood glucose kits.
The U.S. pharmaceutical industry has achieved worldwide prominence through research and development (R&D) work on new drugs, and spends a relatively high proportion of its funds on R&D compared with other industries. Each year, pharmaceutical industry testing involves tens of thousands of new substances, yet may eventually yield fewer than 100 new prescription medicines.
For the majority of firms in this industry, the actual manufacture of drugs is the last stage in a lengthy process that begins with scientific research to discover new products and to improve or modify existing ones. The R&D departments in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing firms start this process by seeking and rapidly testing libraries of thousands to millions of new chemical compounds with the potential to prevent, combat, or alleviate symptoms of diseases or other health problems. Scientists use sophisticated techniques, including computer simulation, combinatorial chemistry, and high-through-put screening (HTS), to hasten and simplify the discovery of potentially useful new compounds.
Most firms devote a substantial portion of their R&D budgets to applied research, using scientific knowledge to develop a drug targeted to a specific use. For example, an R&D unit may focus on developing a compound that will effectively slow the advance of breast cancer. If the discovery phase yields promising compounds, technical teams then attempt to develop a safe and effective product based on the discoveries.
To test new products in development, a research method called “screening” is used. To screen an antibiotic, for example, a sample is first placed in a bacterial culture. If the antibiotic is effective, it is next tested on infected laboratory animals. Laboratory animals also are used to study the safety and efficacy of the new drug. A new drug is selected for testing on humans only if it promises to have therapeutic advantages over drugs already in use, or is safer. Drug screening is an incredibly risky, laborious, and costly process—only 1 in every 5,000 to 10,000 compounds screened eventually becomes an approved drug.
After laboratory screening, firms conduct clinical investigations, or “trials,” of the drug on human patients. Human clinical trials normally take place in three phases. First, medical scientists administer the drug to a small group of healthy volunteers to determine and adjust dosage levels, and monitor for side effects. If a drug appears useful and safe, additional tests are conducted in two more phases, each phase using a successively larger group of volunteers or carefully selected patients, sometimes upwards of 10,000 individuals.
After a drug successfully passes animal and clinical tests, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) must review the drug’s performance on human patients before approving the substance for commercial use. The entire process, from the first discovery of a promising new compound to FDA approval, can take over a decade and cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
After FDA approval, problems of production methods and costs must be worked out before manufacturing begins. If the original laboratory process of preparing and compounding the ingredients is complex and too expensive, pharmacists, chemists, chemical engineers, packaging engineers, and production specialists are assigned to develop a manufacturing process economically adaptable to mass production. After the drug is marketed, new production methods may be developed to incorporate new technology or to transfer the manufacturing operation to a new production site.
In many production operations, pharmaceutical manufacturers have developed a high degree of automation. Milling and micronizing machines, which pulverize substances into extremely fine particles, are used to reduce bulk chemicals to the required size. These finished chemicals are combined and processed further in mixing machines. The mixed ingredients may then be mechanically capsulated, pressed into tablets, or made into solutions. One type of machine, for example, automatically fills, seals, and stamps capsules. Other machines fill bottles with capsules, tablets, or liquids, and seal, label, and package the bottles.
Quality control and quality assurance are vital in this industry. Many production workers are assigned full time to quality control and quality assurance functions, whereas other employees may devote part of their time to these functions. For example, although pharmaceutical company sales representatives, often called detailers, work primarily in marketing, they engage in quality control when they assist pharmacists in checking for outdated products.

Working Conditions

Working conditions in pharmaceutical plants are better than those in most other manufacturing plants. Much emphasis is placed on keeping equipment and work areas clean because of the danger of contamination. Plants usually are air-conditioned, well lighted, and quiet. Ventilation systems protect workers from dust, fumes, and disagreeable odors. Special precautions are taken to protect the relatively small number of employees who work with infectious cultures and poisonous chemicals. With the exception of work performed by material handlers and maintenance workers, most jobs require little physical effort. In 2003, the incidence of work-related injury and illness was 2.8 cases per 100 full-time workers, compared with 6.8 per 100 for all manufacturing industries and 5.0 per 100 for the entire private sector.
Only about 3 percent of the workers in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry are union members or are covered by a union contract, compared with about 14 percent of workers throughout private industry.

Employment

Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing provided 291,000 wage and salary jobs in 2004. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing establishments typically employ many workers. Nearly 60 percent of this industry’s jobs in 2004 were in establishments that employed more than 500 workers (chart 1). Most jobs are in California, Illinois, Texas, Indiana, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania.

Under the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), workers in research and development (R&D) establishments that are not part of a manufacturing facility are included in a separate industry—research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. However, due to the importance of R&D work to the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry, drug-related R&D is discussed in this statement even though a large proportion of pharmaceutical industry-related R&D workers are not included in the employment data.

Occupations in the Industry

About 29 percent of all jobs in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry are in professional and related occupations, mostly scientists and science technicians, about 18 percent are in management occupations, another 12 percent are in office and administrative support, and 3 percent are in sales and related occupations. About 1 out of 4 jobs in the industry are in production occupations, including both low skilled and high skilled jobs

Scientists, engineers, and technicians conduct research to develop new drugs. Others work to streamline production methods and improve environmental and quality control. Life scientists are among the largest scientific occupations in this industry. Most of these scientists are biological and medical scientists who produce new drugs using biotechnology to recombine the genetic material of animals or plants. Biological scientists normally specialize in a particular area. Biologists and bacteriologists study the effect of chemical agents on infected animals. Biochemists study the action of drugs on body processes by analyzing the chemical combination and reactions involved in metabolism, reproduction, and heredity. Microbiologists grow strains of microorganisms that produce antibiotics. Physiologists investigate the effect of drugs on body functions and vital processes. Pharmacologists and zoologists study the effects of drugs on animals. Virologists grow viruses, and develop vaccines and test them in animals. Botanists, with their special knowledge of plant life, contribute to the discovery of botanical ingredients for drugs. Other Biological scientists include pathologists, who study normal and abnormal cells or tissues, and toxicologists, who are concerned with safety, dosage levels, and the compatibility of different drugs. medical scientists, who also may be physicians, conduct clinical research, test products, and oversee human clinical trials.

The work of physical scientists, particularly chemists, also is important in the development of new drugs. Combinatorial and computational chemists create molecules and test them rapidly for desirable properties. Organic chemists, often using combinatorial chemistry, then combine new compounds for biological testing. Physical chemists separate and identify substances, determine molecular structure, help create new compounds, and improve manufacturing processes. Radiochemists trace the course of drugs through body organs and tissues. Pharmaceutical chemists set standards and specifications for the form of products and for storage conditions; they also see that drug labeling and literature meet the requirements of State and Federal laws. Analytical chemists test raw and intermediate materials and finished products for quality.

Science technicians, such as biological and chemical technicians, play an important part in research and development of new medicines. They set up, operate, and maintain laboratory equipment, monitor experiments, analyze data, and record and interpret results. science technicians usually work under the supervision of scientists or engineers.

Although engineers account for a small fraction of scientific and technical workers, they make significant contributions toward improving quality control and production efficiency. Chemical engineers design equipment and devise manufacturing processes. Bioprocess engineers, who are similar to chemical engineers, design fermentation vats and various bioreactors for microorganisms that will produce a given product. Industrial engineers plan equipment layout and workflow to maintain efficient use of plant facilities.

At the top of the managerial group are executives who make policy decisions concerning matters of finance, marketing, and research. Other managerial workers include natural sciences managers and industrial production managers.

Office and administrative support employees include secretaries and administrative assistants, general office clerks, and others who keep records on personnel, payroll, raw materials, sales, and shipments.

Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, describe their company’s products to physicians, pharmacists, dentists, and health services administrators. These sales representatives serve as lines of communication between their companies and clients.

Most plant workers fall into 1 of 2 occupational groups: Production workers who operate drug-producing equipment, inspect products, and install, maintain, and repair production equipment; and transportation and material moving workers who package and transport the drugs.

Workers among the larger of the production occupations, assemblers and fabricators, perform all of the assembly tasks assigned to their teams, rotating through the different tasks rather than specializing in a single task. They also may decide how the work is to be assigned and how different tasks are to be performed.

Other production workers specialize in one part of the production process. Chemical processing machine setters, operators, and tenders, such as pharmaceutical operators, control machines that produce tablets, capsules, ointments, and medical solutions. Included among these operators are mixing and blending machine setters, operators, and tenders, who tend milling and grinding machines that reduce mixtures to particles of designated sizes. Extruding, forming, pressing, and compacting machine setters, operators, and tenders tend tanks and kettles in which solutions are mixed and compounded to make up creams, ointments, liquid medications, and powders. Crushing, grinding, polishing, mixing, and blending workers operate machines that compress ingredients into tablets. Coating, painting, and spraying machine setters, operators, and tenders, often called capsule coaters, control a battery of machines that apply coatings that flavor, color, preserve, or add medication to tablets, or control disintegration time. Throughout the production process, inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers ensure consistency and quality. For example, ampoule examiners inspect ampoules for discoloration, foreign particles, and flaws in the glass.Tablet testers inspect tablets for hardness, chipping, and weight to assure conformity with specifications. After the drug is prepared and inspected, it is bottled or otherwise packaged by packaging and filling machine operators and tenders.

Plant workers who do not operate or maintain equipment perform a variety of other tasks. Some drive industrial trucks or tractors to move materials around the plant, load and unload trucks and railroad cars, or package products and materials by hand.

Training and Advancement

Training requirements for jobs in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry range from a few hours of on-the-job training to years of formal education plus job experience. More than 6 out of 10 of all workers have a bachelor’s, master’s, professional, or Ph.D. degree—twice the proportion for all industries combined. The industry places a heavy emphasis on continuing education for employees, and many firms provide classroom training in safety, environmental and quality control, and technological advances.
For production occupations, manufacturers usually hire inexperienced workers and train them on the job; high school graduates generally are preferred. Beginners in production jobs assist experienced workers and learn to operate processing equipment. With experience, employees may advance to more skilled jobs in their departments.
Many companies encourage production workers to take courses related to their jobs at local schools and technical institutes or to enroll in correspondence courses. College courses in chemistry and related areas are particularly encouraged for highly skilled production workers who operate sophisticated equipment. Some companies reimburse workers for part, or all, of their tuition. Skilled production workers with leadership ability may advance to supervisory positions.
For science technician jobs in this industry, most companies prefer to hire graduates of technical institutes or community colleges or those who have completed college courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, or engineering. Some companies, however, require science technicians to hold a bachelor’s degree in a biological or chemical science. In many firms, newly hired workers begin as laboratory helpers or aides, performing routine jobs such as cleaning and arranging bottles, test tubes, and other equipment.
The experience required for higher level technician jobs varies from company to company. Usually, employees advance over a number of years from assistant technician, to technician, to senior technician, and then to technical associate, or supervisory technician.
For most scientific and engineering jobs, a bachelor of science degree is the minimum requirement. Scientists involved in research and development usually have a master’s or doctoral degree. A doctoral degree is generally the minimum requirement for medical scientists, and those who administer drug or gene therapy to patients in clinical trials must have a medical degree. Because biotechnology is not one discipline, but the interaction of several disciplines, the best preparation for work in biotechnology is training in a traditional biological science, such as genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, virology, or biochemical engineering. Individuals with a scientific background and several years of industrial experience may eventually advance to managerial positions. Some companies offer training programs to help scientists and engineers keep abreast of new developments in their fields and to develop administrative skills. These programs may include meetings and seminars with consultants from various fields. Many companies encourage scientists and engineers to further their education; some companies provide financial assistance or full reimbursement of expenses for this purpose. Publication of scientific papers also is encouraged.
Pharmaceutical manufacturing companies prefer to hire college graduates, particularly those with strong scientific backgrounds. In addition to a 4-year degree, most newly employed pharmaceutical sales representatives complete rigorous formal training programs revolving around their company’s product lines.

Outlook

The number of wage and salary jobs in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing is expected to increase by about 26 percent over the 2004-14 period, compared with 14 percent for all industries combined. Pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing ranks among the fastest growing manufacturing industries. Demand for this industry’s products is expected to remain strong. Even during fluctuating economic conditions, there will be a market for over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including the diagnostics used in hospitals, laboratories, and homes; the vaccines used routinely on infants and children; analgesics and other symptom-easing drugs; antibiotics and other drugs for life-threatening diseases; and “lifestyle” drugs for the treatment of nonlife-threatening conditions.
Although the use of drugs, particularly antibiotics and vaccines, has helped to eradicate or limit a number of deadly diseases, many others, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, and heart disease, continue to elude cures. Ongoing research and the manufacture of new products to combat these diseases will continue to contribute to employment growth.
Because so many of the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry’s products are related to preventive or routine healthcare, rather than just illness, demand is expected to increase as the population expands. The growing number of older people who will require more healthcare services will further stimulate demand—along with the growth of both public and private health insurance programs, which increasingly cover the cost of drugs and medicines.
Another factor propelling demand is the increasing popularity of “lifestyle” drugs that treat symptoms of chronic nonlife-threatening conditions resulting from aging or genetic predisposition, and can enhance one’s self-confidence or physical appearance. Other factors expected to increase the demand for drugs include greater personal income and the rising health consciousness and expectations of the general public.
Despite the increasing demand for drugs, drug producers and buyers are expected to place more emphasis on cost effectiveness, due to concerns about the cost of healthcare, including prescription drugs. Growing competition from the producers of generic drugs also may exert cost pressures on many firms in this industry, particularly as brand-name drug patents expire. In addition, the average time for the FDA to review “nonpriority” drug applications is becoming longer, further delaying the time a drug comes to market. These factors, combined with continuing improvements in manufacturing processes, are expected to result in slower employment growth over the 2004-14 period than occurred during the previous 10-year period.
Strong demand is anticipated for professional occupations—especially for life and physical scientists engaged in R&D, the backbone of the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry. Much of the basic biological research done in recent years has resulted in new knowledge, including the successful identification of genes. Life and physical scientists will be needed to take this knowledge to the next stage, which is to understand how certain genes function so that gene therapies can be developed to treat diseases. Computer specialists such as systems analysts, biostatisticians, and computer support specialists also will be in demand as disciplines such as biology, chemistry, and electronics continue to converge and become more interdisciplinary, creating demand in rapidly emerging fields such as bioinformatics and nanotechnology. Strong demand also is projected for production occupations. Employment of office and administrative support workers is expected to grow more slowly than the industry as a whole, as companies streamline operations and increasingly rely on computers. In an effort to curb research and technological development costs, many companies have merged. As companies consolidate and grow in size, so do their marketing and sales departments. Despite substantial increases over the past decade, sales forces at pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing firms should continue to experience strong growth as companies promote and sell their products to doctors at hospitals and private clinics.
Unlike many other manufacturing industries, the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry is not highly sensitive to changes in economic conditions. Even during periods of high unemployment, work is likely to be relatively stable in this industry.

Earnings

Earnings of workers in the pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing industry are higher than the average for all manufacturing industries. In May 2004, production or nonsupervisory workers in this industry averaged $892 a week, while those in all manufacturing industries averaged $659 a week. Earnings in selected occupations in pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing appear in table 2.
Some employees work in plants that operate around the clock—three shifts a day, 7 days a week. In most plants, workers receive extra pay when assigned to the second or third shift. Because drug production is subject to little seasonal variation, work is steady.

Pharmacist Career in USA-Job Outlook and Earnings

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Job Outlook

Very good employment opportunities are expected for pharmacists over 10 year period because the number of job openings created by employment growth and the need to replace pharmacists who leave the occupation or retire are expected to exceed the number of degrees granted in pharmacy. Enrollments in pharmacy programs are rising as more students are attracted by high salaries and good job prospects. Despite this increase in enrollments, job openings should still be more numerous than those seeking employment.

Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2014, because of the increasing demand for pharmaceuticals, particularly from the growing elderly population. The increasing numbers of middle-aged and elderly people—who use more prescription drugs than younger people—will continue to spur demand for pharmacists in all employment settings. Other factors likely to increase the demand for pharmacists include scientific advances that will make more drug products available, new developments in genome research and medication distribution systems, increasingly sophisticated consumers seeking more information about drugs, and coverage of prescription drugs by a greater number of health insurance plans and Medicare.

Community pharmacies are taking steps to manage an increasing volume of prescriptions. Automation of drug dispensing and greater employment of pharmacy technicians and pharmacy aides will help these establishments to dispense more prescriptions.

With its emphasis on cost control, managed care encourages the use of lower cost prescription drug distributors, such as mail-order firms and online pharmacies, for purchases of certain medications. Prescriptions ordered through the mail and via the Internet are filled in a central location and shipped to the patient at a lower cost. Mail-order and online pharmacies typically use automated technology to dispense medication and employ fewer pharmacists. If the utilization of mail-order pharmacies increases rapidly, job growth among pharmacists could be limited.

Employment of pharmacists will not grow as fast in hospitals as in other industries, because hospitals are reducing inpatient stays, downsizing, and consolidating departments. The number of outpatient surgeries is increasing, so more patients are being discharged and purchasing their medications through retail, supermarket, or mail-order pharmacies, rather than through hospitals. An aging population means that more pharmacy services will be required in nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and home care settings. The most rapid job growth among pharmacists is expected in these 3 settings.

New opportunities are emerging for pharmacists in managed care organizations where they analyze trends and patterns in medication use, and in pharmacoeconomics—the cost and benefit analysis of different drug therapies. Opportunities also are emerging for pharmacists trained in research and disease management—the development of new methods for curing and controlling diseases. Pharmacists also are finding jobs in research and development and in sales and marketing for pharmaceutical manufacturing firms. New breakthroughs in biotechnology will increase the potential for drugs to treat diseases and expand the opportunities for pharmacists to conduct research and sell medications. In addition, pharmacists are finding employment opportunities in pharmacy informatics, which uses information technology to improve patient care.

Job opportunities for pharmacists in patient care will arise as cost-conscious insurers and health systems continue to emphasize the role of pharmacists in primary and preventive health care. Health insurance companies realize that the expense of using medication to treat diseases and various health conditions often is considerably less than the costs for patients whose conditions go untreated. Pharmacists also can reduce the expenses resulting from unexpected complications due to allergic reactions or interactions among medications.

Earnings

Median annual wage and salary earnings of pharmacists are about $84,000. The middle 50 percent earnings between $75,000 and $95,000 a year. The lowest 10 percent earning less than $61,000, and the highest 10 percent earning more than $109,850 a year.

Pharmacist Career in USA-Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement

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A license to practice pharmacy is required in all States, the District of Columbia, and all U.S. territories. To obtain a license, the prospective pharmacist must graduate from a college of pharmacy that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and pass an examination. All States require the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), which tests pharmacy skills and knowledge, and 43 states and the District of Columbia require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which tests pharmacy law. Both exams are administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. Pharmacists in the eight states that do not require the MJPE must pass a state-specific exam that is similar to the MJPE. In addition to the NAPLEX and MPJE, some States require additional exams unique to their State. All States except California currently grant a license without extensive reexamination to qualified pharmacists who already are licensed by another State. In Florida, reexamination is not required if a pharmacist has passed the NAPLEX and MPJE within 12 years of his or her application for a license transfer. Many pharmacists are licensed to practice in more than one State. Most States require continuing education for license renewal. Persons interested in a career as a pharmacist should check with individual State boards of pharmacy for details on examination requirements, license renewal requirements, and license transfer procedures.

Prospective pharmacists should have scientific aptitude, good communication skills, and a desire to help others. They also must be conscientious and pay close attention to detail, because the decisions they make affect human lives.

In community pharmacies, pharmacists usually begin at the staff level. In independent pharmacies, after they gain experience and secure the necessary capital, some become owners or part owners of pharmacies. Pharmacists in chain drugstores may be promoted to pharmacy supervisor or manager at the store level, then to manager at the district or regional level, and later to an executive position within the chain’s headquarters.

Hospital pharmacists may advance to supervisory or administrative positions. Pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry may advance in marketing, sales, research, quality control, production, packaging, or other areas.

Pharmacist Career in USA-Working Conditions

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Very good employment opportunities are expected for pharmacists.
Earnings are high, but some pharmacists work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Pharmacists are becoming more involved in making decisions regarding drug therapy and in counseling patients.
A license is required; the prospective pharmacist must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy and pass a State examination

Working Conditions

Pharmacists work in clean, well-lighted, and well-ventilated areas. Many pharmacists spend most of their workday on their feet. When working with sterile or dangerous pharmaceutical products, pharmacists wear gloves and masks and work with other special protective equipment. Many community and hospital pharmacies are open for extended hours or around the clock, so pharmacists may work nights, weekends, and holidays. Consultant pharmacists may travel to nursing homes or other facilities to monitor patients’ drug therapy

Most full-time salaried pharmacists are working approximately 40 hours a week. Some, including many self-employed pharmacists, are working more than 50 hours a week.

Pharmacist Career in USA-Nature of Work

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Career Scope for Pharmacist In U.S.A

Very good employment opportunities are expected for pharmacists.
Earnings are high, but some pharmacists work long hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Pharmacists are becoming more involved in making decisions regarding drug therapy and in counseling patients.
A license is required; the prospective pharmacist must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy and pass a State examination.

Nature of the Work

Pharmacists distribute drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. Pharmacists also monitor the health and progress of patients in response to drug therapy to ensure the safe and effective use of medication. Pharmacists must understand the use, clinical effects, and composition of drugs, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties. Compounding—the actual mixing of ingredients to form powders, tablets, capsules, ointments, and solutions—is a small part of a pharmacist’s practice, because most medicines are produced by pharmaceutical companies in a standard dosage and drug delivery form. Most pharmacists work in a community setting, such as a retail drugstore, or in a health care facility, such as a hospital, nursing home, mental health institution, or neighborhood health clinic.

Pharmacists in community and retail pharmacies counsel patients and answer questions about prescription drugs, including questions regarding possible side effects or interactions among various drugs. They provide information about over-the-counter drugs and make recommendations after talking with the patient. They also may give advice about the patient’s diet, exercise, or stress management or about durable medical equipment and home health care supplies. In addition, they also may complete third-party insurance forms and other paperwork. Those who own or manage community pharmacies may sell non-health-related merchandise, hire and supervise personnel, and oversee the general operation of the pharmacy. Some community pharmacists provide specialized services to help patients manage conditions such as diabetes, asthma, smoking cessation, or high blood pressure. Some community pharmacists also are trained to administer vaccinations.

Pharmacists in health care facilities dispense medications and advise the medical staff on the selection and effects of drugs. They may make sterile solutions to be administered intravenously. They also assess, plan, and monitor drug programs or regimens. Pharmacists counsel hospitalized patients on the use of drugs and on their use at home when the patients are discharged. Pharmacists also may evaluate drug-use patterns and outcomes for patients in hospitals or managed care organizations.

Pharmacists who work in home health care monitor drug therapy and prepare infusions—solutions that are injected into patients—and other medications for use in the home.

Some pharmacists specialize in specific drug therapy areas, such as intravenous nutrition support, oncology (cancer), nuclear pharmacy (used for chemotherapy), geriatric pharmacy, and psychopharmacotherapy (the treatment of mental disorders by means of drugs).

Most pharmacists keep confidential computerized records of patients’ drug therapies to prevent harmful drug interactions. Pharmacists are responsible for the accuracy of every prescription that is filled, but they often rely upon pharmacy technicians and pharmacy aides to assist them in the dispensing process. Thus, the pharmacist may delegate prescription-filling and administrative tasks and supervise their completion. Pharmacists also frequently oversee pharmacy students serving as interns in preparation for graduation and licensure.