Education, training, and, in many cases, licensure are all required to become a managed care pharmacist. Experience in managed care is also advantageous, but it is not always required to obtain employment in the field. Certain qualities, such as scientific and mathematical aptitude, as well as the ability to pay attention to detail, are also important. Individuals who want to work as a managed care pharmacist must have a strong desire to help others as well as excellent communication skills. Individuals can find out if they are a good fit for the job speaking with others who work in the managed care field.
To become a managed care pharmacist, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. In the United States, all pharmacist jobs require a doctorate in pharmacy (PharmD). A bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as science, and four years of pharmacy school are required. Pharmacy school provides instruction in the classroom as well as in practical settings such as working with licensed pharmacists and research facilities. Many pharmacists pursue post-doctoral work in a specific field of pharmacy, such as managed care, or pursue another degree, such as a master’s in business administration, after graduation (MBA).
It’s a good idea to talk to people who work as managed care pharmacists to see if they’re a good fit for the job. The job necessitates meticulous attention to detail, aptitude in mathematics and science, and excellent communication skills. Other important factors include a desire to help a large number of people while attempting to save as much money as possible for a managed care organization. Speaking with an experienced managed care pharmacist allows you to get a sense of what a typical work day is like and determine if you have the personality traits that are most beneficial for the job.
Pharmacists who have completed their PharmD and passed all of the required licensure examinations can work as managed care pharmacists. Because they work for pharmaceutical and insurance companies rather than individual pharmacies, managed care pharmacists make decisions for a large group of people rather than for individuals. Postdoctoral work as a managed care pharmacist gives you the experience you need to make ethical and sound decisions. These positions can be obtained applying for them after earning your PharmD. After completing post-doctoral work, a person is qualified to apply for jobs as a managed care pharmacist in an organization.