Clinical Staff Pharmacist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving healthcare industry, the role of clinical staff pharmacists has never been more vital.

As healthcare progresses, the demand for skilled professionals capable of dispensing, managing, and ensuring the safe use of medications continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a clinical staff pharmacist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to decipher the intricacies of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the ideal candidate,
• Or simply interested in the inner workings of pharmaceutical care,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable clinical staff pharmacist job description template, designed for straightforward posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Clinical Staff Pharmacist Duties and Responsibilities

Clinical Staff Pharmacists play a significant role in healthcare facilities, where they work with medical staff to provide medication and drug information to patients.

They have a specialized knowledge of medication and their effects, and they are equipped to advise both healthcare professionals and patients on drug selection, dosages, interactions, and side effects.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Reviewing, interpreting and verifying medication orders for patients in the hospital or other healthcare settings
• Preparing, dispensing, and distributing medications as per the medication order
• Monitoring drug therapies and providing interventions to optimize patient care
• Advising healthcare professionals on drug dosing, side effects, interactions, and contraindications
• Educating patients about medication usage, potential side effects, and interactions
• Participating in the selection of drugs and the evaluation of their effectiveness
• Ensuring the safe and effective use of medications by providing medication information to the healthcare team and patients
• Maintaining accurate and detailed medication records
• Keeping up-to-date with new drugs on the market as well as the latest medical and pharmaceutical research
• Complying with all pharmacy laws and regulations

 

Clinical Staff Pharmacist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Clinical Staff Pharmacist to join our team.

The Clinical Staff Pharmacist will be responsible for dispensing medications, providing drug information, counselling patients on medication use, and monitoring drug therapy for effectiveness and adverse effects.

Our ideal candidate has a deep knowledge of pharmacology, is detail-oriented, and has excellent communication skills.

The role of the Clinical Staff Pharmacist is to ensure the safe and effective use of medications for our patients in accordance with the pharmacy law and professional standards.

 

Responsibilities

• Verify, fill, and dispense prescriptions for patients
• Provide drug information and counseling to patients
• Monitor drug therapy for effectiveness, safety, and adherence
• Coordinate with healthcare professionals to optimize drug therapy
• Participate in medication therapy management programs
• Maintain accurate and confidential patient records
• Adhere to state and federal pharmacy regulations
• Assist in the training and supervision of pharmacy technicians and interns
• Ensure the pharmacy is well-stocked and clean

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
• Current pharmacist license in good standing
• Experience in a clinical pharmacy setting preferred
• Strong knowledge of pharmacology and therapeutics
• Excellent communication and patient counseling skills
• Ability to work collaboratively with other healthcare professionals
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Clinical Staff Pharmacist
• Work Environment: Hospital or retail pharmacy setting. Shift work including evenings and weekends may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Pharmacy or Pharmacy Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $106,000 minimum to $136,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Clinical Staff Pharmacist Do?

Clinical Staff Pharmacists work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes.

They are typically a part of a larger healthcare team, working closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Their primary role involves the preparation and dispensing of medications to patients based on prescriptions issued by doctors.

They ensure that the medications prescribed are appropriate, considering factors such as the patient’s medical history, potential drug interactions, and the overall treatment plan.

Clinical Staff Pharmacists are also responsible for monitoring the health and progress of patients to ensure that medications are working as they should.

They adjust dosages as necessary and advise on potential side effects.

They provide medication education to patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals, explaining how to take the medicine, what its effects are, and its potential side effects.

Moreover, Clinical Staff Pharmacists often participate in rounds with doctors, offering their expertise on medication therapy.

They may also be involved in research and the development of hospital-wide pharmaceutical policies.

They play a critical role in the healthcare team, ensuring patients receive safe, effective medication therapy.

 

Clinical Staff Pharmacist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Clinical Staff Pharmacist needs to have the qualifications and skills necessary for the role, such as:

• Strong knowledge of pharmacology and the ability to accurately dispense prescription medications
• Attention to detail to ensure the correct medication, dosage and instructions are given to the patient
• Excellent customer service and communication skills to effectively interact with patients, healthcare providers, and other medical staff
• Understanding of healthcare laws and regulations, particularly those related to pharmaceuticals, to ensure compliance
• Critical thinking and decision-making skills to assess and review prescriptions and provide suitable pharmaceutical advice
• Ability to multi-task and manage time efficiently, often dealing with multiple patients and prescriptions simultaneously
• Strong interpersonal skills to work collaboratively with the healthcare team and build relationships with patients
• Problem-solving skills to address issues related to medication effectiveness, side effects, and interactions

 

Clinical Staff Pharmacist Experience Requirements

Entry-level Clinical Staff Pharmacists typically have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which includes supervised practice experiences in different healthcare settings such as hospitals and retail pharmacies.

These experiences allow the pharmacist to acquire the practical skills and understanding needed to fulfill their role.

For some positions, especially those in specialized areas of pharmacy such as oncology or geriatrics, 1-2 years of residency or fellowship training may be required.

This advanced training provides in-depth experience in medication therapy management, patient counseling, and other areas of clinical practice.

Pharmacists with 3-5 years of experience often have developed their clinical skills and knowledge through full-time work in a pharmacy setting.

They may have gained experience in areas such as medication safety, pharmacy informatics, or ambulatory care.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have leadership experience, such as supervising pharmacy technicians or managing a pharmacy department.

They may be ready for more advanced roles, such as a clinical pharmacy specialist or director of pharmacy services.

Some positions may also require board certification in a specific area of pharmacy practice, which demonstrates a high level of expertise and commitment to ongoing professional development.

 

Clinical Staff Pharmacist Education and Training Requirements

Clinical Staff Pharmacists typically need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program.

The Pharm.D. program generally takes four years to complete, and it includes courses in chemistry, pharmacology, and medical ethics.

Some programs also require students to take business or management courses, as they may need to operate or manage a pharmacy.

In order to gain admission into a Pharm.D. program, students need to complete a set of prerequisite coursework, which often includes chemistry, biology, and physics.

Most programs require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).

All states require pharmacists to be licensed.

To obtain the license, candidates must pass two exams: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), which tests pharmacy skills and knowledge, and a state-specific test that covers pharmacy law.

Continuing education is important for clinical staff pharmacists, as they need to keep up with new drugs and treatments.

Some pharmacists may choose to complete a residency program to gain specialized clinical knowledge.

Many pharmacists also obtain a certification in a specific area of pharmacy, such as nutrition support, oncology, or geriatrics.

Pharmacists may also need to be certified in immunization delivery or other clinical services.

 

Clinical Staff Pharmacist Salary Expectations

A Clinical Staff Pharmacist can expect to earn an average salary of $120,310 (USD) per year.

The actual salary can vary greatly based on factors such as years of experience, specific skills, additional training, location, and the size of the employing organization.

 

Clinical Staff Pharmacist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Clinical Staff Pharmacist need?

A Clinical Staff Pharmacist must have strong knowledge in pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and therapeutic principles.

They should also possess excellent communication skills to interact with patients, doctors, and other healthcare professionals.

Critical thinking skills are necessary for assessing patients’ health and prescribing medications accordingly.

Organizational skills are also crucial in managing inventory and keeping patient records.

 

Do Clinical Staff Pharmacists need a degree?

Yes, Clinical Staff Pharmacists are required to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from a college or university that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

After obtaining their degree, they must pass two exams to be licensed and practice as a pharmacist.

 

What should you look for in a Clinical Staff Pharmacist resume?

When reviewing a Clinical Staff Pharmacist’s resume, ensure that they have a Pharm.D. degree from an accredited institution and a valid pharmacist license.

Experience in a clinical setting, knowledge of pharmacological principles, and familiarity with hospital practices and procedures are also important.

Additional certifications or specializations could be advantageous depending on the specific role.

 

What qualities make a good Clinical Staff Pharmacist?

A good Clinical Staff Pharmacist is compassionate, patient-focused, and has a strong commitment to healthcare.

They should be detail-oriented to ensure accurate dosage and administration of medication.

They should also have strong decision-making skills to effectively manage medical emergencies or complications.

 

What are the daily duties of a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?

Daily duties of a Clinical Staff Pharmacist include reviewing and interpreting physician orders, dispensing medications, providing drug information and education to patients and healthcare professionals, and monitoring patient drug therapies.

They also manage inventory, maintain patient records, and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Clinical Staff Pharmacist?

Hiring a Clinical Staff Pharmacist can be challenging as it requires finding a candidate with a specific set of skills, a high level of education, and licensing.

Competition can be stiff, especially in areas with a high demand for healthcare services.

Offering competitive salaries and benefits, opportunities for professional development, and a positive work environment can help attract qualified candidates.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve dissected the role of a clinical staff pharmacist.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about dispensing medication.

It’s about safeguarding patient health, one prescription at a time.

With our comprehensive clinical staff pharmacist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make your next career step.

But why halt your journey here?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your gateway to precision-crafted job postings or refining your resume to the zenith of perfection.

Always remember:

Every prescription filled is a step towards better health.

Let’s create that future. Together.

How to Become a Clinical Staff Pharmacist (Complete Guide)

Tech Alert: Careers That AI Will Outperform Humans In

Strangely Satisfying: Bizarre Jobs People Love

Recession-Resistant: Careers That Can Weather Any Economic Storm

Market Must-Haves: The Jobs That Are Trending Now