Did you know that pharmacists earn $136,030 in median annual income? If you have extensive work experience, you can earn over $168,650 per year. So, now is the right time to consider becoming a pharmacist.
If you want to take the fastest route, be sure to consider accelerated pharmacy programs. These have a three-year time-to-completion, which means faster entry into the workforce. You will save time and money, as well as get a faster return on investment.
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These programs, however, also feature intensive, fast-paced, and year-round classes. There are fewer elective courses and clinical experiences, too, than with traditional programs.
But what is the impact of accelerated pharmacy programs on career readiness? Employers expect new pharmacists to have extensive knowledge and practical skills. With less time spent on education and training, employers will have their doubts.
Fortunately, you can overcome these doubts ASAP, particularly during the hiring process. Start by highlighting your knowledge and skills in your resume.
Indeed, accelerated pharmacy programs offer a fast-track route for career opportunities. But these come with challenges that you must be aware of. These challenges are related to the intensive courses and job market expectations.
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What Are Accelerated Pharmacy Programs?
The main feature of these programs is their shorter time-to-completion, usually three years. In contrast, traditional programs take four years to complete.
Due to their shorter time frame, these feature a condensed curriculum. Candidates either take more courses per term or finish courses faster. Effective time management and study habits are a must to thrive.
Applicants must complete prerequisite courses first. These courses include biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology, among others. Other admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Once accepted, candidates tackle foundational topics in pharmacy, including:
- Pharmacology
- Pharmaceutical sciences
- Clinical pharmacy
- Patient care
- Professional practice
Candidates learn through a combination of:
- Classroom instruction
- Laboratory practice
- Clinical rotations
Among the best three-year pharmacy programs are available at these universities.
- Pacific University
- Roseman University of Health Sciences
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
You must complete prerequisite courses for admission purposes. A bachelor’s degree, a personal statement, and letters of reference are usually a must.
Benefits of Accelerated Pharmacy Programs
Once you’re in one, you’ll appreciate the benefits of accelerated pharmacy programs.
Faster Entry into the Workforce
With a three-year program, you can earn your PharmD degree at least one year earlier. You can apply for your license and then for jobs earlier, too. This means you have a head start in establishing a successful career.
Cost-Effectiveness
You can save more money on your pharmacy education, too. Less time spent in school means less payments for tuition and fees, books and supplies, and more.
Since you also earn sooner, you can start paying your student loans earlier, too. You can save on interest payments in this way. Plus, you can recoup your investments in education sooner.
High Demand for Pharmacists
According to BLS, there’s a 5% projected job market demand for pharmacists (2023-2033). Pharmacists are part of the high-demand healthcare industry. As such, their high demand is due to the aging population and expansion of services, too.
Graduates of accelerated pharmacy programs can help in meeting the high demand. You can be part of the army of new pharmacists addressing the workforce shortage.
Career Readiness in Accelerated Pharmacy Graduates
We must say that there’s a positive impact of accelerated pharmacy programs on career readiness. This is in two aspects – job placement rates and employer perceptions.
Job Placement Rates
The job placement rates for accelerated pharmacy graduates can be as high as 90% six months after graduation. In contrast, traditional degree programs have between 80% and 85% job placement rates.
The best programs even report their candidates being hired before graduation. The Class of 2024 at Roseman reports that 77% of its graduates get jobs before graduation.
These are signs of career readiness in pharmacy graduates from accelerated programs. Furthermore, many of the best accelerated programs have robust employer partnerships. Candidates have better access to internship and job opportunities through them.
Employer Perceptions
Employer perceptions of accelerated pharmacy graduates are more favorable nowadays. Why? Employers recognize that these graduates have the same knowledge and skills, too.
Plus, there’s the view that these pharmacy graduates have higher levels of drive. How else can they have survived the fast-paced courses?
Long-Term Career Benefits
If you’re still on the fence, think of these long-term career benefits of accelerated pharmacy programs.
Early Career Advancement
Since you entered the workforce earlier, you can take advantage of quicker promotions. While others are vying for entry-level positions, you’re already qualified for supervisory jobs.
You have also established a wider and stronger network that boosts your career advancement. Plus, you have more advanced knowledge and skills from more years at work.
Career Flexibility
Being an early bird means you can make quicker transitions into your desired specialty, residency, or advanced education. Think of earning a BCCP or ACLS certification, among others.
You can explore more career options, too. Besides hospital work, consider teaching in colleges or research work in pharmaceutical companies. The longer you’re in your job, too, the better for your job security.
Indeed, being a pharmacist brings long-term benefits that justify its cost of education.
Challenges Faced by Accelerated Pharmacy Students
In accelerated pharmacy programs vs traditional programs comparisons, their challenges deserve the spotlight, too. Traditional programs usually have a longer time to complete and, thus, higher costs.
Here are the main challenges in accelerated pharmacy programs that you must be aware of.
Intense Coursework
The intensity of fast-paced courses isn’t for the faint of heart or inferior in intellect. You must be a quick learner, adopt effective study habits, and manage your stress. With the fast-paced courses in advanced topics, these are vital for success. Otherwise, you’re at risk for burnout or, worse, dropping out.
Work-Life Balance
If you’re a working professional, earning an accelerated pharmacy degree is a challenging juggling act. You may have to drop your employment to pursue the degree full-time.
Limited Residency Opportunities
Accelerated programs may not have extensive residency opportunities. This can be a negative point for prospective employers. Many employers seek new pharmacists with relevant real-world work experiences.
Fortunately, there are ways to overcome it. Completing short-term residencies after graduation is a great idea. Highlighting your soft skills also makes sense.
Preparing for Success in an Accelerated Program
Here are the not-so-secret secrets to success in preparing for an accelerated pharmacy program.
Time Management Skills
Start by brushing up on your time management skills. You must have them in place, so to speak, before the first day of classes. In doing so, you’re ready for the fast-paced coursework.
- Create daily, weekly, and monthly schedules with targets.
- Prioritize tasks into important and urgent categories. Tip: Use the Eisenhower Matrix.
- Break the big tasks into smaller and more manageable chunks.
- Take regular breaks.
Networking and Internships
Build your professional network on your first day. Your network will play crucial roles in your success, from understanding advanced topics to finding internships and job opportunities.
Your classmates and professors are your allies in completing the program, too. Even before your first day of classes, you can connect with them. You’ll find that it isn’t a competition but a collaboration – the best mindset to start in an accelerated program.
The Future of Accelerated Pharmacy Programs
Suffice it to say that accelerated pharmacy programs are here to stay.
Growing Popularity
More colleges are adopting accelerated pharmacy programs because of their growing popularity. Several factors contribute to it:
- Increased demand for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists. Accelerated programs produce pharmacists at a faster rate to meet the demand.
- Candidates prefer accelerated programs for their faster entry into the workforce and lower costs.
- Increased competition among colleges to be the best schools for future pharmacists
Changes in Employer Expectations
With more graduates from accelerated programs, employer expectations evolve. These expectations can include more job readiness through practical knowledge and skills.
We must say that accelerated programs can meet these demands and more. There’s a strong emphasis on innovation, particularly in the curriculum, among the best programs.
Conclusion
Candidates in accelerated pharmacy programs prepare for career success in many ways. You can earn your degree in three years, meaning early entry into the workforce. Be sure to leverage it for your long-term success, such as through continuous learning.
But set realistic expectations about the challenges of these programs. Plan for the rigorous courses and clinicals. Work with your peers and professors. Take advantage of the student support services.
In conclusion, the impact of accelerated pharmacy programs on career readiness rests on your shoulders, too. Yes, an accelerated program prepares you for the job-related challenges ahead. But it’s your ultimate responsibility to take your knowledge and skills to the next level.
