Psychiatric Pharmacist - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA psychiatric pharmacist works within a mental health facility or institute and works closely with the medical and psychiatric treatment team to suggest and modify the appropriate medications to help patients with psychiatric disorders. A psychiatric pharmacist has specialized training in psychiatric drug rehabilitation therapies and medicines.
The psychiatric pharmacist works within the treatment team to ensure that the patient is not having any adverse reactions to the various mediations. With some psychiatric medications frequently blood tests or other tests are required to avoid any possible complications with the medication. The psychiatric pharmacist works with the treatment team to monitor and interpret these blood tests to avoid any complications.
The psychiatric pharmacist will also consult directly with the patients or clients to get patient feedback regarding the medication. The psychiatric pharmacist will also monitor and carefully control any other medications that may be prescribed by other physicians for the same patient. Often the psychiatrist may not be aware of medical prescriptions and how they may interact with psychiatric drugs.
The psychiatric pharmacist should also be aware of any signs or manifestations by patients of reactions or adverse behaviors possibly caused by either psychiatric drugs or drug therapy combinations. Carefully monitoring patients provides the psychiatric pharmacist with insight into the best possible medications to use with different patients.
A psychiatric pharmacist must enjoy working in a teamwork environment and should enjoy regular and ongoing patient contact. A psychiatric pharmacist will also be required to share information on various medications and possible side effects with both the patient and the family or caregivers. Excellent verbal and written skills are needed, as is appropriate record keeping and documentation.
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Career RequirementsA Pharm-D and completion of the NAPLEX exam is required for a psychiatric pharmacist. The Pharm-D is a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program and some individuals may complete a Bachelor of Science with advanced courses and a residency instead of the Pharm-D program.
In addition most psychiatric pharmacists also have additional advanced courses in psychiatric medications and psychology, psychiatry or other mental health related coursework. Many psychiatric pharmacists complete their residency in a mental health treatment facility.
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Job OutlookThe demand of all pharmacists will increase over the next few years according to the United States Department of Labor. This trend is anticipated to be more noticeable for those pharmacists with a specialization.
As more patients are moved from long-term residential placement in psychiatric facilities and into the community there is greater need for monitoring and adjustments of medications to assist these individuals with living in the community. The demand for psychiatric pharmacists will remain steadily increasing at least until 2014.
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Career TrackA psychiatric pharmacist may decide to move into almost any area of pharmacy or pharmacy management once they have experience in a clinical setting. Many psychiatric pharmacists become managers of the pharmacy within the mental health facilities while others work as researchers or industrial pharmacists for large pharmaceutical companies.
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CompensationMost psychiatric pharmacists earn between $78,000 and $86,000, depending on the size of the institute, their level of training, and the area the hospital or treatment facility is located. Those that work in private treatment centers or very large facilities may earn higher yearly salaries.
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