Long-term Care Pharmacist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the evolving landscape of healthcare, the role of long-term care pharmacists has never been more crucial.

As society ages and medical advancements continue, the demand for skilled professionals who can provide, adapt, and manage long-term pharmaceutical care continues to grow.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a long-term care pharmacist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect job specification,
• Or simply interested in the complex world of long-term pharmaceutical care,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable long-term care pharmacist job description template, tailored for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Long-term Care Pharmacist Duties and Responsibilities

Long-term Care Pharmacists work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal pharmaceutical care to residents in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Their duties extend beyond dispensing medications and they also play a key role in the healthcare team.

The following are some of their duties and responsibilities:

• Review and interpret physician orders for accuracy and appropriateness
• Dispense medications as prescribed by healthcare professionals
• Maintain accurate patient medication profiles
• Monitor patients’ therapeutic responses to medications
• Identify, resolve and prevent potential and actual drug related problems
• Provide drug information and education to patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop and implement individualized care plans
• Conduct medication regimen reviews to assess for medication safety and efficacy
• Ensure compliance with federal and state laws, regulations and standards related to pharmaceutical care
• Provide consultation on matters of health and wellness, including disease management

 

Long-term Care Pharmacist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated Long-term Care Pharmacist to provide personalized medication management services for our patients.

The responsibilities of a Long-term Care Pharmacist include collaborating with healthcare professionals to plan, monitor, review, and evaluate patient effectiveness; advising on drug therapy choices; and ensuring the safe and effective use of medications.

Our ideal candidates are familiar with long-term care settings, possess strong pharmaceutical knowledge, and are committed to providing top-quality patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluating medication orders and patient records to provide appropriate drug therapy choices
• Monitoring and managing medication therapy to ensure optimum therapeutic outcomes
• Providing information to healthcare professionals on drug interactions, side effects, dosage, and storage of pharmaceuticals
• Inspecting medication storage areas regularly for adherence to storage requirements
• Maintaining records of all medication prescriptions, drug patient profiles, and any other relevant documents
• Overseeing and directing pharmacy technician staff
• Conducting training programs to increase staff competency
• Staying updated with latest developments in pharmaceutical industry
• Ensuring compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the practice of pharmacy

 

Qualifications

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
• Valid and active pharmacist license in state of practice
• Proven work experience as a pharmacist, preferably in a long-term care setting
• Excellent knowledge of drug administration and health & safety guidelines
• Knowledge of long-term care regulations and pharmacy standards
• Ability to work with an interdisciplinary team
• Good organizational and communication skills
• Attention to detail and problem-solving capability

 

Benefits

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

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Long-term Care Pharmacist
• Work Environment: Long-term care facility. Shift work may be required, including evenings and weekends.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Pharmacy.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $90,000 minimum to $130,000 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 Long-term Care Pharmacist Do?

Long-term Care Pharmacists are specialized healthcare professionals who provide pharmaceutical services to patients in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home care environments.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, to review and manage the medication regimens of patients, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the drug therapy.

Their job is to dispense medications, provide consultation on medication usage, monitor drug interactions and side effects, and educate both patients and healthcare providers on drug therapies.

Long-term Care Pharmacists often specialize in geriatric pharmacy, focusing on the unique medication needs of the elderly population.

They play a critical role in the management of chronic diseases and palliative care.

In addition, they are responsible for regulatory compliance in medication management, maintaining records, and adhering to regulations pertaining to the dispensing of medications in a long-term care setting.

They also may participate in care planning meetings and provide input on improving patient outcomes through appropriate medication management.

 

Long-term Care Pharmacist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Long-term Care Pharmacist should possess a set of skills and qualifications that include:

• Strong knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, their indications, side effects, and contraindications to provide appropriate care to patients.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to connect with healthcare providers, patients, and their families, building trust and understanding.
• Ability to review and manage medication regimens for patients with chronic illnesses and complex medication management needs.
• Good organizational skills to effectively manage and prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment such as medication dispensing, patient counseling, and paperwork.
• Effective communication skills to listen and understand the concerns and queries of patients as well as clearly explaining medication instructions and precautions.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify and resolve issues related to medication therapy, side effects or interactions.
• Strong attention to detail to ensure accurate and safe dispensing of medications and maintaining accurate records.
• Familiarity with pharmacy management systems and software for efficient workflow.
• Willingness to stay updated with latest pharmaceutical knowledge and trends to provide the most effective care to patients.
• Ability to work in close collaboration with other healthcare providers to ensure integrated and comprehensive care for patients.

 

Long-term Care Pharmacist Experience Requirements

Long-term care pharmacists typically have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which includes both academic and practical experience.

This usually requires four years of education after receiving a bachelor’s degree.

During their Pharm.D. program, students gain experience through internships in various settings such as hospitals, community pharmacies, and long-term care facilities.

This exposure is vital for understanding the unique medication management needs of long-term care patients.

Entry-level long-term care pharmacists may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through residencies, fellowships, or part-time roles in pharmacies.

These professionals can also gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Pharmacy Technician, Clinical Pharmacist, or other healthcare-related roles.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their patient care skills and knowledge in entry-level Pharmacist roles in hospitals or community pharmacies before transitioning to long-term care settings.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background and may be ready for a managerial or director position.

Some may also have completed specialized residencies or fellowships in geriatric care or long-term care, which further enhances their understanding and ability to manage the medication needs of this patient population.

 

Long-term Care Pharmacist Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Long-term Care Pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which typically takes four years to complete after undergraduate studies.

Before enrolling in a Pharm.D. program, aspiring pharmacists usually need to complete two years of specific undergraduate coursework.

However, some students enter Pharm.D. programs after three or more years of undergraduate study or after earning a bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Pharm.D. programs cover topics such as medical ethics, pharmacology, and healthcare management, and also include supervised work experiences in different aspects of pharmacy.

Once the Pharm.D. degree is obtained, pharmacists must also pass two exams to become licensed.

These are the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), which tests pharmacy skills and knowledge, and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which tests pharmacy law.

Many Long-term Care Pharmacists choose to complete a 1 to 2 years residency program after their Pharm.D. to gain more direct, clinical experience in a long-term care setting.

Certifications, such as the Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP) credential, may also be pursued to demonstrate expertise in handling medication management for older adults.

Continuing education throughout their career is essential for Long-term Care Pharmacists to keep up with new drugs and treatments, advances in patient care, and updates to laws and regulations.

 

Long-term Care Pharmacist Salary Expectations

A Long-term Care Pharmacist earns an average salary of $116,000 (USD) per year.

This figure can vary greatly depending on factors such as years of experience, level of specialization, and the geographical location of the practice.

 

Long-term Care Pharmacist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Long-term Care Pharmacist need?

Long-term Care Pharmacists should have excellent knowledge of pharmacology and the latest medicines in the market.

They should have good communication skills to provide clear instructions to the patients and their caregivers.

Organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to work under stress are also important.

Furthermore, these professionals should have a sense of empathy, as they often work with elderly or chronically ill patients.

 

Do Long-term Care Pharmacists need a degree?

Yes, Long-term Care Pharmacists need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.

Upon earning this degree, they must pass two exams to get licensed: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE).

Some Long-term Care Pharmacists may also pursue additional training through residencies or fellowships.

 

What should you look for in a Long-term Care Pharmacist’s resume?

The resume should highlight a Pharm.D. degree and a valid pharmacist license.

You should also look for experience in long-term care, geriatrics, or a related field.

Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and medication dispensing systems is also valuable.

Any certifications in geriatric pharmacy would be a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Long-term Care Pharmacist?

A good Long-term Care Pharmacist should have a patient-centric attitude and the ability to work well with older adults or chronically ill patients.

They should have strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, and the healthcare team.

It’s also important that they are detail-oriented to ensure accurate dispensing and administration of medications.

Lastly, they should have the willingness to stay updated with the latest advancements in pharmacology.

 

Is it difficult to hire Long-term Care Pharmacists?

The difficulty in hiring Long-term Care Pharmacists largely depends on the location and specific requirements of the job.

In general, there is a steady demand for pharmacists, but finding candidates with specific experience in long-term care may take more time.

To attract qualified candidates, employers may offer competitive salaries and benefits, continuing education opportunities, and a supportive work environment.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of being a long-term care pharmacist.

And guess what?

It’s not just about dispensing medication.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

With our comprehensive long-term care pharmacist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to make a move.

But why stop there?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to meticulously crafted listings or refining your CV to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient cared for is a step towards a healthier society.

Let’s create that future. Together.

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