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Academia (Ambulatory-Care)

Ambulatory care pharmacists work in outpatient clinics, health systems, and community-based settings where they manage chronic conditions, optimize medication therapy, and provide patient-centered care. They collaborate closely with physicians, nurses, and other health professionals to develop treatment plans, monitor outcomes, and support preventive care. This career path offers autonomy, long-term patient relationships, and the opportunity to improve health outcomes across diverse populations.

Meet the Pharmacist

Mrs. Catherine Avery
Chief of Clinical Pharmacist, Seattle Pharmacy Group

Mrs. Avery is a board-certified clinical pharmacist with over 28 years of experience in managing complex medication therapies. She is passionate about patient education and leveraging technology to improve health outcomes.
At Wellness Pharmacy Group, he leads a team of dedicated pharmacists committed to providing personalized care and expert advice.

Mr. John Doe, PharmaD
Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Wellness Pharmacy Group

Dr. Chen is a board-certified clinical pharmacist with over 12 years of experience in managing complex medication therapies. He is passionate about patient education and leveraging technology to improve health outcomes.
At Wellness Pharmacy Group, he leads a team of dedicated pharmacists committed to providing personalized care and expert advice.

Table of Contents

  • Background
  • Characteristics
  • Insider’s Perspective
  • Most Appealing Aspects
  • Least Appealing Aspects
  • Advice
  • Critical Factors Ratings
  • Critical Factors
  • References / Resources
  • Professional Organizations

Background

An ambulatory care pharmacist specializes in the provision of integrated services – addressing medication needs and the development of partnerships with patients and other practitioners in the context of family and community. These pharmacists work in primary care clinics, hospitals, outpatient centers, health systems, or community-based pharmacy settings. They participate in directing the care of diverse patient populations.

Ambulatory care pharmacists have the opportunity to make a direct impact on patients' health outcomes. They maintain close collaboration with health care teams, focus on patient-centered care, and have a variety of work responsibilities. 

Characteristics

A total of 53 ambulatory care pharmacists responded to the 2024–2025 APhA Career Pathways Program Survey. Seventy percent of the respondents completed a residency. Six percent also completed an additional degree (MBA or MPH). One respondent also listed they received more than one graduate degree.

Information provided indicated that pharmacists in this profile have an average age of 40. The median salary for an ambulatory care pharmacist falls between $121,000 to $215,000 annually. The median total pay is around $130,403. Total pay can include bonuses dependent on the specific position and the company.

Ambulatory care pharmacists work on average a 40-hour week. A total of 43.4% indicated that they travel for work. Another 28.3% indicated that they work nights and weekends.

Forty-one ambulatory care pharmacists responded directly to a question about what they felt was an important skill for their role. The group provided numerous responses to the open-ended question. Two primary skills that stood out the most included critical thinking at 11.3%, and adaptability at 7.55%. One respondent from Florida stated, “Critical thinking skills and a desire to continually learn throughout duration of career.” Another respondent from Illinois stated, “Adaptability (with the different personalities you work with, changes in guidelines, things not yet available in guidelines).”

A respondent from Georgia indicated the importance of “Diplomacy and ability to communicate with different types of health care workers/providers.” Another from Arkansas added, “Problem solving, data enrichment, evaluation, and interpretation balanced with clinical and operational insight to ensure best outcome for pharmacy teams and patients.”

Insider’s Perspective

Respondents listed the following critical factors as those being the most important to them. Please note that a factor can rank high based on wanting the factor or wanting to avoid the factor. As an example, some may rank repetitive activities as a top factor as this is something that they want or look to avoid in their practice. The factors listed below are based on the number of respondents that indicated these would be the top five factors they would like to have in a role. Note that there are 25 total critical factors to select from.

Top 5 – First tier

Of interest is the fact that there are two factors that were rated the same across the group.

  • Application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) (22.6%)
  • Collaborating with health professionals (22.6%)
  • Ongoing coworker/client relationships (20.8%)
  • Autonomy (15.1%)
  • Area of expertise (general versus specialized) (13.2%)

In addition to the top five factors, the second tier of critical factors are listed below. Note that four of the factors—application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific), collaborating with health professionals, ongoing coworker/client relationships, and autonomy (15.1%)—are also listed in this Top 5 tier.

Top 5 – Second tier

  • Application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) (22.6%)
  • Ongoing coworker/client relationships (20.8%)
  • Collaborating with health professionals (17.0%)
  • Autonomy (15.1%)
  • Leisure and family time (13.2%)

One respondent from Illinois looked at ongoing coworker/client relationships and stated, “Having a network internally is important.” Another from Wisconsin added, “Long-term coworker and patient relationships are critical to my happiness and success at work.”

One respondent from Ohio looked at autonomy and stated, “My job is very self-directed, and I enjoy that I build my own day knowing what my primary deliverables are.” Another from Virginia added, “It's great to have control over your own work environment (and) feel heard.”

There are many rewarding and challenging experiences in being a pharmacist working in ambulatory care. Twenty-four percent of the respondents indicated that working with/helping patients was a rewarding experience. Another 15.1% indicated that they felt rewarded helping / educating others. Working with difficult students/patients was listed as a challenging aspect by 7.55% of the respondents.

Numerous other areas were highlighted by the respondents. One respondent from Massachusetts stated, “Rewarding/supporting colleagues who are struggling with difficult patient cases and need the support to solve clinical issues.” Another respondent from Virginia indicated that it is rewarding, “Getting to be creative with solutions to caring for patients.” From the challenging side a different respondent from Virginia listed, “Challenging: introducing new concepts/projects to clinical teams and being accepted as part of the health care team.”

Seventeen percent indicated that their work schedule is an additional factor that is important to them. In addition, the following factors were also listed as important factors to consider: self-worth/value, job security, and geographic work location, flexibility, each at 15.1%, and multiple task handling at 11.3%.

The ambulatory care pharmacists listed a variety of responses that they consider highlights of their career and where they see the future of the role. Several of the responses are listed below:

  • "Helping to manage treatment for a critically ill patient presenting with an intentional calcium channel blocker overdose that made a full recovery and was grateful that he had a second chance at life."
  • "I see a lot of potential for being able to serve underserved communities in ambulatory care."
  • "Seeing student pharmacists, resident pharmacists, fellows and junior faculty grow and learn and then engage with the pharmacy profession."
  • "If we could get the billing issues fixed, there are lots of opportunities to make a difference in people's lives."
  • "Moving into new areas for advancing community pharmacist."
  • "Playing a key role in improving patients' lives whether it is globally with the hospital (process improvements) or individually with patients."
  • "Experiences helping patients afford crucial and needed medications."
  • "More pharmacists in primary care. This is where we need to be, and they desperately need pharmacists."

Most Appealing Aspects

What aspects of the role are most appealing?

Respondents listed several different aspects that are appealing. Patient interaction was listed by 18.9% of the ambulatory care pharmacists followed by autonomy at 7.55%. Several other appealing aspects were included—some are highlighted below.

One respondent from Massachusetts indicated, “The chance to work, think and apply at the upper edge of practice, innovate, create new insights or incrementally improve practices, educate learners, see them grow into responsibilities.” Another respondent from Utah stated, “Promoting the benefits of community practice and direct patient care. Being the one that opens the door for outstanding practitioners to join our team to help patients.”

An additional comment was provided from Virginia that the most appealing aspects were, “Work environment/schedule/work-life balance closely followed by the opportunity to be creative and build initiatives/work on projects.”

Least Appealing Aspects

What aspects of the role are least appealing?

Respondents listed several different aspects that are least appealing. One specific area stood out as a least appealing role: insurance and little to no patient interaction, both at 7.55%. There are numerous other areas that are listed by the respondents.

A respondent from Pennsylvania stated, “Dealing with nuisances of insurances.” A pharmacist from Georgia indicated, “Trying to figure out the balance sometimes between patient care and quality improvement and other tasks.”

One respondent from Illinois added, “Not being able to work at the top of my license.”

Advice

What advice should student pharmacists and practitioners consider when selecting a position in ambulatory care?

Pharmacists provided multiple responses to this question. One item that provided a slight trend was to complete a residency—listed by 11.3%. A sample of the comments are listed below:

  • "Gather experience in all areas of pharmacy as having knowledge of retail, inpatient, specialty, etc. has all been important for me; a residency in ambulatory care is critical to teach you how to create new clinic services and manage the varying workload."
  • "Be open to new experiences, look for opportunities to collaborate, offer solutions to problems."
  • "Find a mentor, don't chase the dollar, follow what breaks your heart in health care, and always remember the patient in every interaction."
  • "Pursue residency if you are interested in ambulatory care clinical pharmacy position."
  • "Stay active in a wide range of activities as a student (student organizations, service, work outside school, research, etc.)."
  • "Keep an open mind, you never know what doors may open for you."

Critical Factors Ratings

Opportunities for Advancement
[To what degree does your work allow for advancement?]

Respondents rated opportunities for advancement at 6.90, a mid-range response.

One respondent from Pennsylvania indicated that it is, “Difficult to advance in health care without business acumen.” Another from Florida added, “Show through actions and/or training you are capable of more.”

A respondent from Massachusetts listed the different roles in their organization, “Senior Manager, Director, Senior Director, Vice President, Group Vice President.” A different respondent from Massachusetts added, “I think that residency helped me. Most advancement opportunities are in administration.”

6.90
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little advancement opportunities 10 = Great opportunities for advancement

Leadership Development / Professional Involvement
[To what extent does your work allow for the development of leadership skills and professional involvement in the pharmacy profession?]

Respondents rated leadership development/professional involvement in the upper mid-range at 7.96.

A respondent from Georgia stated, “I am reimbursed for 2 professional organization memberships and 2 conferences each year.” Another from Florida added, “Opportunities to attend conferences of various pharmacy organizations, present CE, precept students.”

A different pharmacist in Florida indicated, “I work a lot with senior organization leaders.” On the other side, a respondent from Minnesota said, “Was told ‘it's our responsibility’ to seek professional development."

7.96
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little development of leadership skills and professional involvement 10 = Great opportunities for leadership development and professional involvement

Community Impact
[How much impact does your work have in terms of serving the community?]

Community impact was rated in the high range at 8.00.

A pharmacist from Arizona provided a brief comment, “Community safety net.” Another from Massachusetts added that they, “Hire, [train] and develop the teams that will serve patients and have 100% patient contact.”

A respondent from Florida was very positive about the role and indicated that they have, “Great impact on multiple levels. The is my reason for fierce advocacy.” Another from Arizona added, “I am involved in community engaged research with refugee communities.” One additional pharmacist from Wisconsin stated, “I volunteer once a month at a clinic for medically underserved people.”

8.00
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little impact 10 = High level of impact

Autonomy
[To what extent does your work allow for autonomy in decision making?]

Autonomy is rated in the upper range with an 8.08 response which is the second highest response for this group.

An ambulatory care pharmacist from Missouri stated, “High autonomy due to nature of job that blends many roles.” Another from Arizona added, “Pharmacy leads allow me to make my own clinical decisions, and collaborative practice agreements with providers allow me to do the same.”

One the other side is a comment from a pharmacist in Florida who stated they work in a for-profit hospital, “All decisions regarding policies/formulary must go through owning company, which takes months to years.” Another pharmacist from Illinois added, “Ten for decision making with patients, one for decision making regarding pharmacy improvements.”

8.08
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Very little low autonomy 10 = High level of autonomy

Focus
[To what extent does your work allow you to be focused on the future versus a focus only on immediate tasks?]

Respondents rated the factor of focus with a mid-range 6.76.

A respondent from Ohio indicated, “It's been amazing to see what a pharmacist can do and how to flourish in the appropriate team setting.” Another from Virginia added, “Obviously need to get daily tasks completed but also have a very strong focus on building future initiatives.”

A pharmacist from Arizona had a different perspective and provided the following, “Every day is focused on triaging critical ill and no focus on prevention.” In a similar vein, a respondent from Florida added, “Immediate tasks prioritized and only staffed for immediate clinical responsibilities, anything future oriented likely has to be completed on my own time.”

6.76
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Immediate tasks only 10 = Tasks focused on the future

Prestige
[To what extent does your work provide professional prestige?]

Respondents rated this factor at 7.22 a mid-range response.

At times there can be a dichotomy based on how one looks at prestige. One respondent from Utah stated, “Pharmacists within my organization are typically undervalued.” Opposed to this is a statement from Florida, “Pharmacists are well respected and relied upon by practicing physicians at my institution for recommendations, drug dosing, etc.”

A different pharmacist from Florida provided concern with looking at prestige by stating, “I think people need to get over prestige. Focus on providing excellent patient care, not how good you look on paper or how many initials you have behind your name.”

7.22
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Provides low prestige 10 = Provides high prestige

Creating Value / Positive Outcomes
[To what extent does your work allow for personal fulfillment through the creation of value and positive outcomes?]

Respondents rated this factor at the upper mid-range with a 7.88.

One respondent from Ohio provided a very positive statement, “This is the most rewarding job I have had in my 30+ years of practice.” Another respondent from Florida stated, “I am able to receive immediate positive feedback from my work from patients, colleagues.”

A respondent from Illinois has a slightly different take when they added, “Working with my clinical team gives me a fulfillment of 10 because it allows me to perform near the top of my license. Pharmacy leadership cares little about this and would rather have me verifying orders and doing discharge deliveries, which is not at the top of my license.” A pharmacist from Virginia felt similar and stated, “I haven't felt personally fulfilled by this work due to less patient interaction than traditional clinical roles. There is opportunity to feel fulfilled/valued, but working on these types of programs tends to be more of a long game (takes time to see the fruits of your labor). Definitely no instant gratification in this work.”

7.88
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little extent 10 = High extent

Patient Relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with patients?]

Respondents indicated that patient relationships are rated at the mid-range at 6.35.

A pharmacist from Illinois indicated that, “Acute care long-term relationships with patients are difficult.” Another from Florida added, “In (a) critical care setting only managing until stable then transferred out.” One additional respondent from Massachusetts stated, “As I am in ambulatory care I have the opportunity to develop long-term relationships with patients.”

Another respondent from Wisconsin stated, “Why I find it difficult to consider other career paths. My work with patients is extremely meaningful.”

6.35
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No ongoing/ long-term relationships 10 = All are long-term relationships

Co-worker / Client Relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with co-workers or clients?]

In contrast to patient relationships, coworker/client relationships are the highest rated factor by this group at an upper-range 8.44.

A pharmacist from Virginia stated, “I have strong long-term relationships with coworkers as we constantly collaborate on value-based/population health projects together.” A respondent from Florida added, “Better collaboration with all HCPs and the patient results in better outcomes of the disease management because everyone is focused on the same collective goal rather than individual goals that might be outside the patient's benefit.”

One respondent from Pennsylvania added that, “Hybrid does make this harder than it was previously when we were all located in the same area.” A different pharmacist from Florida indicated, “As a consult (ambulatory care) service, we do not follow many patients longitudinally. However, with coworkers there is opportunity for collaboration longitudinally on different projects.”

Another respondent from Wisconsin added, “There's a great deal of comfort and efficiency when relationships are longitudinal.”

8.44
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No ongoing/ long-term relationships 10 = All are long-term relationships

Writing / Conducting Research
[How often do you engage in writing and/or conducting research?]

Respondents are not heavily involved with writing/conducting research as noted by her low mid-range response of 4.15.

One respondent from Arizona indicated that, “Research has not come up yet but may potentially come up with additional students and opportunities.” Another from Virginia added, “There is opportunity for research related to this field, but I haven't engaged in any yet (been in my position a year).” One additional comment from a practitioner in Florida, “Perform research as opportunities arise. We share our practice frequently through the literature.”

4.15
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Generating New Ideas
[To what degree does your work involve generating new ideas?]

Respondents rated this factor at 7.33, a mid-range result.

One respondent from Florida indicated, “Our institution encourages new ideas and institutionalizes this. I am a key member of our organization innovation group.” A different respondent from Florida added, “Generating new ideas is encouraged but limited room for implementation on an institutional level due to resource allocation and restriction by owning company.”

A respondent from Massachusetts who holds an academic ambulatory care position stated, “Faculty are expected to be innovative in both their teaching, research, and services they provide.”

7.33
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little innovative thinking 10 = High degree of innovative thinking

Supervision / Management
[To what extent do you spend your time organizing, managing, or supervising others and/or business operations?]

Pharmacists rated this factor mid-range with a 5.40 score.

One respondent from Illinois simply listed, “Student pharmacists and residents.” Another from Florida stated, “I am a coordinator and responsible for other clinicians.” An additional respondent from Arizona stated, “Mainly through technician work is when I am managing others.”

5.40
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Patient Interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with patients?]

Patient interaction was rated mid-range at 5.34.

A faculty ambulatory care specialist from Massachusetts stated, “As pharmacy practice (member) your service is usually expected to be at a clinical site. This is typically expected to take up 30–50% of your role. ”Another respondent from Florida listed, “Patients--performing med recs, counseling, education.”

5.34
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Public Interaction
[How much time do you spend interacting with the public?]

Public interaction is the lowest rated factor at 3.19.

One respondent from Massachusetts interacts with the public through, “Vaccine clinics.” Another respondent from Virginia stated, “I work remotely so no interaction with the public, but patient interaction to help close care gaps represents a little less than half my role (the rest is administrative/managerial).”

3.19
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Collaboration
[How often do you work or collaborate with other health professionals or educate other professionals in your work?]

Respondents indicated that they collaborate or educate other health professionals with a rating of 7.08.

One respondent from Florida stated, “Work in primary care offices, work with PCPs more than other pharmacists.” A different respondent from Florida added that, “60–70% of my daily responsibilities are collaborating with nursing/physicians on medication management; long term projects focused on physician and nursing education.”

A respondent from Wisconsin indicated, “At least 50% of my work time involves directly or indirectly collaborating with other health professionals.”

7.08
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = None of my time 10 = All my time

Family / Leisure Time
[How much free time do you have for leisure and family activities in your work?]

Respondents were mid-range with a rating of 6.25 for this factor.

A respondent from Florida stated, “Weekends and holidays are off. Unlike my past roles where I worked holidays, weekends, and nights.” Another from Virginia added, “Huge perk of this type of position. Typical M–F 9–5 although some nights I do need to work a little late to finish a report or project. I never work weekends or evenings/overnights. I'm off all major holidays with no blackout dates.”

A different pharmacist from Florida indicated that they, “Purposely make an effort to include hobbies/family in daily life.”

6.25
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Little free time 10 = Plenty of time for family and leisure activities

Impact on Well-being
[To what degree do you impact the well-being of individuals?]

Respondents feel that they do have any impact on the well-being of individuals with a high mid-range rating of 7.85.

A respondent from Ohio stated, “My goal is to educate patients on ways to improve lifestyle, minimize need for medications, and improve outcomes.” Another from Massachusetts provided a different perspective when they added, “Indirect impact—when staffing levels are where they should be then the teams have more well-being.”

A pharmacist from Florida indicated, “Creating a positive work environment through attitude and support is important for well-being both at work and in general.”

7.85
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Low degree 10 = High degree

Problem Solving
[To what degree do you solve problems with tried-and-true alternatives versus untested alternatives in your work?]

Problem solving is rated at 5.44 for this group.

A respondent from Florida provided a lengthy response, “I try to stay away from the "tried and true alternatives." If one says "this is how we have always done it" I know it is time to take a step back and look to see what other new alternatives we can consider. We have way too many ingrained in what has been done and tested, very few who are comfortable going through the problem-solving process including embracing the brainstorming process, utilizing critical thinking, and having some courage to try something new.” A different respondent from Florida added, “lots of problem solving in terms of technology; occasionally problem solving in terms of patient care with challenging cases.” An additional respondent from Massachusetts added, “out of the box ideas-problem solving skills.”

5.44
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Tried and true 10 = Untested alternatives

Expertise
[How general or specialized is the expertise required in your work?]

Respondents lean toward the specialized side with a rating of 7.15. A pharmacist from Ohio stated, “Working in primary care requires a specialized knowledge in quite a few disease states.” Another from Arizona provided a brief statement, “Emergency medicine.”

A respondent from Wisconsin indicated, “Work in a pulmonary clinic, so focus is on pulmonary disease states, but providers also value my general medication information.”

7.15
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Generalized 10 = Specialized

Repetition
[To what degree is your work composed of activities and tasks that are highly repetitive versus highly variable?]

Respondents are mid-range with a rating of 5.52 regarding repetition.

A respondent from Ohio indicated, “Structure of seeing 14 patients a day is repetitive. Seeing many different diagnoses is highly variable (mood, hypertension, diabetes, tobacco cessation, weight management, migraine) and these are just tomorrow's patients.” Another respondent from Florida added, “Lot of double documentation. Documenting the same information in both the patient chart and in a different monitoring application. Daily responsibilities are the same but day-to-day priorities can vary depending on criticality of patients.”

A pharmacist from Virginia stated, “I would say my work is variable as I am frequently creating and implementing new initiatives on varied topics, but usually once implemented that workflow is quite repetitive.” Another from New York added, “Balance between repetitive the schedule/tasks from day to day is never the same.”

5.52
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Highly repetitive 10 = Highly variable

Applying Scientific Knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying scientific knowledge in your work?]

Respondents indicated that applying scientific knowledge is rated a 6.10. A respondent from Wisconsin related what they feel is important with the application of scientific knowledge, “Pharmacist and clinicians are problem-solvers by nature. Some problems are more significant (science based) and require more time and effort to solve than others.”

6.10
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No application 10 = High level of application all the time

Applying Clinical Knowledge
[How much of your time is spent applying clinical knowledge in your work?]

Respondents indicated that applying clinical knowledge is higher at 7.77.

A respondent from Virginia indicated, “A lot of administrative knowledge to create and implement clinical initiatives but need clinical knowledge at baseline.” A respondent from Maine added, “Application of guideline/evidence-based medicine through multidisciplinary rounds and medication management.”

A respondent from New York stated, “Utilize and continually update clinical knowledge to teach evidence based clinical decisions making.”

7.77
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No application 10 = High level of application all the time

Parental Leave
[To what extent does your work setting offer parental leave opportunities?]

Respondents rated parental leave in the mid-range with a 5.75.

One respondent from Wisconsin stated, “Twelve weeks FMLA, though pay is low.” Another from Florida added, “Not relevant to me but coworkers have had to take full FMLA leave; company provides bare minimum.”

A pharmacist from Massachusetts indicated, “My work only utilizes the state provided parental leave, but it is encouraged to do and use all the time allowed. Most do not feel pressured to return to work early.”

5.75
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Limited opportunities 10 = Unlimited opportunities

Compensation
[To what degree do you feel compensated for your responsibilities in your work?]

Compensation is listed at a 6.40 rating slightly toward the well compensated side.

A respondent from Florida stated, “Pay grade based on tenure/seniority, not necessarily effort or contribution. This causes some frustration with younger, more clinically involved pharmacists.” A respondent from Massachusetts included that their, “Position is not bonus eligible.”

6.40
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Not well compensated 10 = Well compensated

Benefit Package
[How comprehensive is the employee benefit package offered in your work setting?]

Respondents indicated that the benefit package is rated a 6.92 leaning toward being comprehensive.

A respondent from Florida stated, “All standard benefits with pension.” Another from Viginia added that they have a, “Competitive benefits package.”

6.92
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Not comprehensive 10 = Very Comprehensive

Advice for student pharmacists

Respondents provided advice across several areas and what the future brings. A total of 17% of the ambulatory pharmacists indicated that they see growth in this area moving forward. Information from several of the pharmacists is listed below:

  • "Keep up with the literature. It is continuously changing."
  • "More clinical work with physicians and more wellness programs led by pharmacists."
  • "Value-based care."
  • "I see this as a growing field since health care is moving towards value-based health arrangements."
  • "Expansion of pharmacy services and prescriptive authorities, with novel revenue-generating opportunities."

Critical Factors

Opportunities for Advancement 6.90
Leadership Development / Professional Involvement 7.96
Community Impact 8.00
Autonomy 8.08
Focus 6.76
Prestige 7.22
Creating Value / Positive Outcomes 7.88
Patient Relationships 6.35
Co-worker / Client Relationships 8.44
Writing / Conducting Research 4.15
Generating New Ideas 7.33
Supervision / Management 5.40
Patient Interaction 5.34
Public Interaction 3.19
Collaboration 7.08
Family Time / Leisure 6.25
Impact on Well-being 7.85
Problem Solving 5.44
Expertise 7.15
Repetition 5.52
Applying Scientific Knowledge 6.10
Applying Clinical Knowledge 7.77
Parental Leave 5.75
Compensation 6.40
Benefit Package 6.92

References / Resources

Schommer JC, Sogol EM, Brown LM. Work profile factors identified from the career pathway evaluation program, 2018 pharmacist profile survey. Am J Pharm. 2019;83(10):7480.

Ambulatory Care Pharmacist Salaries. Glassdoor. Available at: http://www.glassdoor.com. Accessed August 1, 2025.

The Ambulatory Care Career Tool. ASHP. Available at: www.ashp.org. Accessed August 1, 2025.

Professional Organizations

Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)

675 North Washington Street, Suite 220, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 684-2600 | www.amcp.org

Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)

190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, Illinois 60603-3446
(312) 664-3575 | www.acpe-accredit.org

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)

1400 Crystal Drive, Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22202
(703) 739-2330 | www.aacp.org

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

Avedisian Hall, 7 Greenhouse Road, Kingston, RI 02881
(703) 556-0650 | www.aaps.org

American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP)

8055 O Street, Suite S113, Lincoln, NE 68510
(402) 476-1677| www.aapp.org

American College of Apothecaries (ACA)

2830 Summer Oaks Drive, Bartlett, TN 38134
(901) 383-8119 | www.acainfo.org

American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)

13000 West 87th Street Parkway, Lenexa, KS 66215-4530
(913) 492-3311 |www.accp.com

American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE)

11325 Random Hills Road, Suite 360A-105, Fairfax, VA 22030
2530 Professional Road, Suite 202, Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-285-4431 Fax: 804-612-6555
(571) 404-0471 | www.afpenet.org

American Pharmacists Association (APhA)

2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
2530 Professional Road, Suite 202, Richmond, VA 23235 Tel: 804-285-4431 Fax: 804-612-6555
(202) 628-4410 | www.pharmacist.com

American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP)

1240 North Pitt Street, Suite 300, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 739-1300 | www.ascp.com

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, MD 20814
(866) 279-0681 | www.ashp.org

Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS)

2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037
(202) 946-5026 | www.bpsweb.org

Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA)

555 East Wells Street, Suite 1100, Milwaukee, WI 53202
(877) 467-2791 | www.hoparx.org

National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations (NASPA)

2530 Professional Road, North Chesterfield, VA 23235
(804) 285-4431 | www.naspa.us

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP)

1600 Feehanville Drive, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
(847) 391-4406 | www.nabp.pharmacy

National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS)

1776 Wilson Blvd, Suite 200, Arlington, VA, 22209
703-549-3001 | www.nacds.org

National Association of Specialty Pharmacy (NASP)

300 New Jersey Ave, NW, #900, Washington, DC 20001
(703) 842.0122 | www.naspnet.org

National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA)

100 Daingerfield Road, Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 683-8200 | www.ncpa.org

National Pharmaceutical Association (NPhA)

10810 North Tatum Boulevard, Suite 102-965, Phoenix, AZ 85028
(480) 405-9291 | www.nationalpharmaceuticalassociation.org

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)

670 Maine Avenue, SW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20024
(202) 835-3400 | www.phrma.org

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