Are nuclear pharmacists in demand?
Question:
Are nuclear pharmacists in demand?
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Answer:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not consider nuclear pharmacists as a separate profession. But for all types of pharmacists, including nuclear pharmacists, BLS predicts that by 2030, the U.S. will experience a two percent decline in the number of pharmacist jobs available. However, despite this, BLS predicts that each year, the industry will have approximately 11,300 positions available for all types of pharmacists. These openings will result when other pharmacists retire or leave their jobs for other reasons.
Aspiring nuclear pharmacists should recognize that the career requires extensive preparation. Nuclear pharmacists must have a graduate degree. If their program does not include classes that teach the skills and knowledge needed for nuclear pharmacy, they should supplement their degree with a certificate earned from a nuclear pharmacy program. The topics important for nuclear pharmacy education include radioactive materials chemistry, mathematics of radioactivity, radiation physics, and radiation protection.
In addition to education, aspiring nuclear pharmacists must complete up to 4,000 hours in an internship or entry level position that enables them to gain hands-on experience as a nuclear pharmacist. They also must meet the requirements to attain a pharmacy license, and in some states, this license must designate them as qualified to work as a nuclear pharmacist.
For more information about a career as a nuclear pharmacist, check out this article: How to Become a Nuclear Pharmacist: Training Programs & Requirements
