Is a Career in Pharmacy still Worth It ?

With the rise in technology and changes, I believe the right question should be, can I recommend someone to study Pharmacy today ?

From my experience, this answers comes in both ways, as this depends on your career goals, interests, what field you wish to go into and the current region or county of practice. Therefore my answer is a "96%" - NO, and "4%" - YES.

Why i choose NO!?

my experience in the hospital setting Studying pharmacy ain’t worth it, because we are not valued in this part of my world “Nigeria” (just like i said earlier, your region matters).

Here’s an example:- I was opportune to work in a private hospital here in Lagos, Nigeria.

My salary was, 160k in Naira for a whole month, and later found out, the Human resource (HR) manager, was paid 600k in Naira monthly, in the same hospital.

Now ask yourself, studying pharmacy for 5 to 6years (Pharm.D) only to be paid peanuts or choosing an art course and taking a training in human resource management, which is just 3 to 4 years, and be paid half a million, which is better?

Let’s not talk about this stress, anxiety and insults you get from patients and some doctors, who claim to know pharmacology better than the pharmacist.

Just so you know, not all hospitals, here might do the same, just sharing my experience

Experience in Community/ retail pharmacy

Now when it comes to the community/ retail pharmacy, you will understand the true meaning of slave trade.

The retail pharmacy especially the big names (wouldn’t call names) some don’t even provide good seat for the pharmacist to seat both stool.

A pharmacist in a community pharmacy does the work of both an accountant, a cleaner and a sales assistance. Quote me anywhere, There is NO Pharmacist in Nigeria being paid above 250k thats if your lucky that your salary smell close to that amount.

And those whose salary are above would either be manager or branch managers. On one of my discussion, with a bus driver here in Lagos Nigeria, I discovered he makes over 500k on a monthly basis.

This then dun on me that being a pharmacist is just over rated here in my country.

Yes! One might ask, its not all about the money.. My dear friend, go to the market to buy food stuffs and when you’re asked to make payment tell them you are a pharmacist. Hey!.., I love my profession, but isn’t doing what you love and getting paid for it, too much to ask?

The Council

Now come, to PCN (pharmacist council of Nigeria) the council that regulates the practice of pharmacy in Nigeria …… Smiles.
I have no words for them, but let me give you (6) six gleams to the reason why am smiling.

•  So here goes, 2 out of 10 pharmacies in your street has no Pharmacist in them, but a nurse or a pharm. technician.
  
  
• Every evening by 4pm, none pharmacist own a drug box or wheelbarrow where they sell drugs and prescribe medications both control and OTC med
  
  
• 8 out of 10 patent medicine store, give prescriptions and sell medicines meant to be sold in the pharmacy.
  
  
• Make all the complaints you want about your low salary and ill treatment your getting from your work place, is no ones business… just pay your heavy dues and live the office.
  
  
• Go to 95% of pharmacies, and ask for any antibiotics or ab0rtí0n pills, without prescription but with the right money and you will get it.
• As a licensed pharmacist, you cannot own an online pharmacy website here in Nigeria without having a physical store, but a non-pharmacist can, and can even dispense control subst3nce see image as proof.

This is just a few, so back to the topic. Well, just so you know, Pharmacy is not all about retail.

I believe this where most pharmacists are unhappy the most.... So if you still want to go in, research your options well… check your region/ country and take the step.

As for the 4% - Yes!….. studying pharmacy is worth it.

And this is, if you Own your Pharmacy. As a licensed pharmacist, you can own your pharmacy as this gives you more time to yourself and you pay yourself better.

Although, the first time registering and applying for the location/ premises inspection, can be really challenging.
Even when the law, may make it easy for a pharmacist to own a pharmacy, you might face the hash realization that corruption can be in the sector.

As I have seen a case, where a non-pharmacist was challenging a pharmacist, over a location approval.

The non-pharmacist had been practicing with a pharmacy name, and when he was informed that his practices would be affected since there was no pharmacist in his CAC document, he immediately added one.

Story short when it was discovered and presented to PCN, the PCN claimed they were investigating the case, which was taken to the next year.

So like I said, this depends on your location also, as some countries value their healthcare works and others dont put interest in theirs.   Here are basic pros and cons why a career study in pharmacy is worth it or not.

Pros - Is a Career study in Pharmacy Worth It 

Stable and Respected Career

• Pharmacists are essential healthcare providers, offering job stability and respect in the community.
  
  
• There’s a consistent demand for pharmacists in retail, hospitals, and research settings.

Diverse Career Opportunities

• Beyond traditional roles, pharmacists can work in clinical settings, pharmaceutical companies, academia, regulatory agencies, or even entrepreneurship.

Competitive Salary

• Pharmacists generally earn a high starting salary compared to many other professions requiring similar levels of education.

Impactful Work

• You directly contribute to improving patients’ health, which can be incredibly fulfilling.

Flexibility

• Many pharmacy jobs offer flexible hours, especially in retail and hospital settings.

Cons - Is a Career study in Pharmacy Worth It 

Market Saturation

• In some regions, there are more pharmacy graduates than available jobs, leading to increased competition.
  
  
• This oversupply can also affect starting salaries and job security.

Challenging Education and High Cost

• Pharmacy school is rigorous, requiring years of intense study in chemistry, biology, and clinical sciences.
  
  
• Tuition costs can be high, leaving graduates with significant student debt.

Routine Nature of Retail Pharmacy

• If you end up in a retail pharmacy, the work can sometimes feel repetitive, focusing heavily on dispensing medications and customer service.

Pressure and Responsibility

• Pharmacists carry significant responsibility, including ensuring medication safety and addressing patient concerns, which can be stressful.

Impact of Automation

• Advancements in technology and automation is gradually reducing the demand for traditional pharmacist roles.

  Hope, this helps .... Please , don't forget to like and share