Pharmacy is a diverse field with multiple career paths available. Two of the most popular paths are community/chain pharmacies and hospitals. Both require the same core job functions, dispensing medication, providing guidance on drug use, and ensuring patient safety. Where they differ is the environment, required skills, types of coworkers, and future advancement opportunities. Consider your options and how they shape your life as a pharmacist.
Your Role as a Pharmacist
Hospital Pharmacy Jobs
Hospital pharmacists are important members of the healthcare team, which includes a diverse cast of doctors, nurses, technicians, and others. Pharmacists do not just dispense medications; they also adjust dosages, monitor drug interactions, and collaborate on patient care plans. There are also specialized departments, such as the ICU or oncology, where the hospital pharmacy job can be much more demanding with patients who have complex cases and needs.
Common responsibilities include:
- Conducting rounds with physicians and making medication recommendations.
- Reviewing patient charts
- Compounding IVs, injectable medications, and other forms of medication administration.
- Collaborating in specialized areas of healthcare
- Providing education to healthcare staff and patients on medication use and safety.
Community/Chain Pharmacy Jobs
Community/chain pharmacists provide medication services on an outpatient basis. In this environment, pharmacists will have significantly more face-to-face interactions with patients. This is often considered the most accessible healthcare professional. Appointments are not necessarily required, answering questions over the phone and in person means client interaction is a key component of community/chain pharmacy jobs. This does allow for much more personal connections with your patients over years of providing service. Another large difference is the regular need to educate clients on drug use and side effects.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Filling prescriptions and advising patients on proper use and potential side effects.
- Providing immunizations, blood pressure screenings, and other health services.
- Conducting medication therapy management (MTM)
- Managing inventory, ordering drugs, and overseeing pharmacy technicians.
Pharmacy vs Hospital Environments
Hospital Pharmacy Jobs
Defined by their dynamic and fast-paced environment, hospitals require pharmacists to be adaptable and collaborative. Although hospital pharmacists spend most of their time in a pharmacy located in the hospital, they may also spend time on patient floors in different units. Hospitals provide 24/7 service to their patients, so hospital pharmacists work in shifts to cover nights, weekends, and holidays.
Community/Chain Pharmacy Jobs
Community/chain pharmacists typically work in retail pharmacies, managing high volumes of patients. This is more of a customer service style of work, so interpersonal skills, client management, and team leadership are much more important. During peak business hours, it can be extremely fast-paced with a constant flow of prescriptions, phone calls, and interactions. Many chain pharmacies are becoming available 24/7, which requires occasional night or weekend shifts.
Pharmacist Skills & Knowledge Requirements
Hospital Pharmacy Jobs
A strong foundation in clinical pharmacology is essential for hospital pharmacists, as they regularly manage complex cases, monitor patient responses to therapy, and adjust medications based on specific clinical needs. Specialization is common, so hospital pharmacists may acquire knowledge specific to fields like oncology, cardiology, or infectious disease. They also need to be skilled in interdisciplinary collaboration and communication, as they work directly with other healthcare providers.
Community/Chain Pharmacy Jobs
Community pharmacists must possess excellent customer service skills and a solid knowledge of medications, including over-the-counter options and supplements, to respond to patient inquiries. They should be proficient in multitasking, as they often manage a busy workspace with frequent interruptions from patients, technicians, and other staff. Community pharmacists are also educators, frequently translating medical jargon into clear, actionable advice for patients.
Career Advancement & Opportunities
Hospital Pharmacy Opportunities
Hospitals provide several paths for career advancement, including specialized options. You may be required to pursue certifications such as Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS) or Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist (BCOP). There are also opportunities in managerial, research, and academic roles. Clinical specialization and advanced education can improve career opportunities.
Community/Chain Pharmacy Opportunities
Community/chain pharmacists will benefit from certifications such as Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) or Immunization Delivery Certification. Advancement is typically through management roles (pharmacy manager, regional supervisor), opening your own independent pharmacy, or moving into a management position at a corporate chain. Entrepreneurial-minded pharmacists tend to gravitate towards community pharmacies, where there is more opportunity to expand services offered to the community.
Salary & Benefits
Both hospital and community/chain pharmacies provide competitive salaries. Hospitals tend to have a little higher pay due to the specializations required and the demanding environment. Benefits vary greatly depending on the type of role, company, location, and experience level. Hospitals tend to offer health benefits in line with the healthcare industry, while community/chain pharmacies may offer corporate-style benefits.
Hospital vs Community Pharmacy
Pharmacists play a critical role in patient care, whether they’re at a hospital or a community/chain pharmacy. The fundamental pharmacist activities are still similar; however, the environments, skills, demands, and career paths can differ greatly. Both are great options depending on the type of pharmacist you want to be. It’s best to consider your desired lifestyle early on, potentially interning while in school.
Our editorial team consists of highly regarded experts who are able to evaluate literature and draw from their healthcare experience to provide evidence-based and practical recommendations. Whether you’re taking your career down the hospital path or the community pharmacy path, our continuing education resources will provide invaluable insight and fulfill the CE credit requirements.
A Day in the
