Pharmaceutical Jobs Key Terms

Gain an understanding of pharmaceutical jobs by learning the key terms

By Mary Spencer-Huber

The United States Department of Labor sites pharmacist, pharmaceutical and medicine manufacturing jobs as careers with current and future growth potential. There are numerous careers available to people who want to work in the pharmaceutical industry. Some careers involve direct work with patients, while others occur behind the scenes and, in many cases, behind the microscope. When considering pharmaceutical careers, there are a few key terms to keep in mind.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists represent the third largest health profession in the United States. The pharmacist distributes drugs to professionals, advises patients and professionals on dosing, and discusses side effects and drug selection. Most current pharmacists have a Pharm.D, which is a Doctor of Pharmacy degree that requires approximately six years to complete. Pharmacists practice their profession in various settings, including community pharmacies, long term care settings, hospitals, mail service pharmacies, managed care facilities and the federal government.
Try: The Bureau of Labor and Statistics offers specific information about a career as a pharmacist, including what a pharmacist does, how to prepare for a pharmacy career, salary and future job prospects.

Pharmaceutical sales representative

A pharmaceutical sales representative has a versatile job which involves selling pharmaceutical products to physicians, hospital staff, pharmacists and many other medical health professionals. Most pharmaceutical sales professionals have a college degree, and many have a background in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, biophysics, biochemistry or organic chemistry. The job requires a substantial amount of road time, as representatives must cover a particular area or territory.
Try: The Princeton Review explains various aspects of the pharmaceutical sales field.

Biomedical engineer

Biomedical engineers apply their engineering skills to analyze and solve specific problems in the fields of biology and medicine. Typically, biomedical engineers work in cooperation with other medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, therapists and technicians. Common tasks performed by biomedical engineers include instrument, device and software design, development of new procedures, and solving clinical problems through research.
Try: The Biomedical Engineering Society explains the responsibilities of a biomedical engineer.

Microbiologist

Microbiologists are scientists who examine and study microscopic organisms and infectious agents, such as bacteria, yeast, algae, fungi, protozoa and viruses. In addition, microbiologists evaluate how organisms interact with people. Most microbiologists work in teaching institutions, medical facilities or private industries.
Try: State University.com details specific aspects of a microbiology career.

Pharmacy technician

Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense medication and other medical related products to customers. Tasks carried out by pharmacy technicians include preparing medication, labeling bottles and counting pills. In addition, the pharmacy technician performs tasks such as answering phones, stocking shelves, and cashing out customers.
Try: All Allied Health Schools provides information about the pharmacy technician career, including typical salary, training and certification.

Doctorate of pharmacy

The Doctorate of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) is a professional degree which requires six years of study. The first two years, which cover pre-requisite course work, are followed by four years of pharmacy training. The various topics covered include biological chemistry, biometrics and pharmaceutical analysis, pharmaceutics and pathophysiology.
Try: The Purdue University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences details a typical Pharm. D. program curriculum.