ADVERTISEMENT
Consultant (Senior Care/Long Term Care)

Consultant (Senior Care/Long Term Care)

Consultant pharmacists use their expertise to advise health care providers, patients, and organizations on safe and effective medication use. They may work independently or within hospitals, long-term care facilities, and professional associations, providing services ranging from personalized medication therapy management to strategic policy and business consulting. This career path offers flexibility, independence, and opportunities to impact patient outcomes and health care systems through specialized knowledge and problem solving.

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

A consultant pharmacist is a licensed pharmacist who provides expert guidance to health care providers on a variety of issues. They work in various practice settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and primary care practices–offering specialized knowledge to optimize medication therapy use and ensure patient safety. Some also consider consultant pharmacists to be entrepreneurs who focus on patients and serve as patient advocates. They can also be described as pharmacists who provide expertise in business and management issues depending on their background and the needs of a client.

Backgrounds of consulting pharmacists vary based on the specific field in which they provide their services. For those specific to individualized patient care, their roles include advising patients about their medication and verifying that a patient is prescribed medications that are appropriate for their overall health and well-being. Many are well versed in medication therapy management. In addition to human care, some consultants work in veterinary pharmacy to provide clinical and business information to both veterinarians and pet owners.

There are national consultant associations that focus specifically on the care of the aging population such as the American Society for Consultant Pharmacists. Many are affiliated with long-term care facilities and hospitals while others may work alone serving the ambulatory care side of the aging population

Characteristics

A total of 80 consultant pharmacists responded to the 2024–2025 APhA Career Pathways Program Survey. Thirty-five percent of the respondents competed an additional degree with 12.5% receiving an MBA, 11.3% an MS, 3.8% an MPH, and 7.6% indicating more than one additional degree.

Information provided indicated that pharmacists in this profile have an average age of 49 years. The salary ranges from $104,000 to $182,500 annually. The average salary falls around $134,700, but this can vary based on experience, location, and specific employer.

The average time worked was the standard 40 hours per week; however, this varies based on the individual being self-employed or working for an organization. The number of hours can depend on the actual project and timing for results. A total of 61.3% indicated that they travel for work. Another 59.7% indicated that they work nights and weekends.

A total of 62 consultants responded directly to a question about what they felt was an important skill for their role. Those responses mentioned with the highest percentages included: knowledge of the consulting field (22.2%) and communication skills (9.52%). Many other critical factors were listed by the group.

One of the respondents from Ohio stated, “Keeping up with the literature broadly and maintaining specialty knowledge in your specialize area.” Another from Colorado added, “Excellent communication skills, to ask the best questions you can, listen to the meaning within the answers, and customize responses in terms that the community connects with.”

Insider’s perspective

Respondents listed the following critical factors as those being the most important to them. Please note that a factor can rank highly 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 who indicated these would be the top five factors they would like to have in a role. Note that there are 25 total critical factors from which to select. Note that three factors have the same percentages. 

Top 5 – first tier 

  • Collaborating with health professionals (11.3%) 

  • Innovative thinking (6.25%) 

  • Leisure and family time (6.25%) 

  • Autonomy (6.25%) 

  • Application of knowledge (clinical or scientific) (5.00%) 

In addition to the top 5 factors, the second tier of critical factors are listed below. Note that only one of the factors, collaborating with health professionals, is listed in both areas. This can be interpreted to mean that, for some, these factors are in their top five list while, for others, they are a close second. The list below had numerous factors with the same percentage of respondents indicating that they were a second-tier factor. 

Top 5 – second tier 

  • Problem solving (10.0%) 

  • Application of knowledge (e.g., clinical, or scientific) (6.25%) 

  • Collaborating with health professionals (6.25%) 

  • Ongoing coworker/client relationships (5.00%) 

  • Work type (e.g., repetitive versus variable work) (5.00%) 

One respondent from Arizona indicated that for collaboration it is, “Understanding the correct way to speak to professionals to build trust is important for maintaining relationships and forming new ones.” A different respondent from Arizona added that, “Pharmacists must have relationships with other health professionals to succeed.” Finally, a pharmacist consultant from Ohio highlighted problem solving when they stated, “By being trusted, it opens up the way to pitch new ideas/solutions.” 

There are many rewarding and challenging experiences in being a consultant pharmacist. Identifying the challenges that others are facing and making impactful recommendations is a rewarding aspect of the role listed by 8.75%. An additional 7.50% feel rewarded when patients see positive results of their efforts. The most consistent challenging aspect was the length of time it could take to see results, which was listed at 12.5%. 

One respondent from Kansas stated, “Rewarding–seeing a problem solved that makes a difference. Challenging–navigating multi-factorial problems that are time and are resource intensive (not necessarily negative but challenging).” Another from Maryland added, “Rewarding–making a difference. Challenging–not having complete information at all times.” 

A consultant from North Carolina summed it up nicely when they said, “The reward comes in knowing people are helped and reach good outcomes.” 

Respondents were asked to select an additional factor from the full list that they consider to be the most important. Of those who responded to this question (N = 47), self-worth was listed by 27.7%, work schedule by 23.4%, and multi-tasking and pressure/stress both listed by 12.8%. 

Consultant pharmacists had a variety of responses that they provided as highlights of their career and where they see the future of the role. Several of the responses are listed below: 

  • “Becoming a leader among my colleagues through example and professional competency.” 

  • “My career is my highlight.” 

  • “Continuing innovation to address the profession's challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities.” 

  • “Closing the gap within a patient’s health care team.” 

  • “Management consulting, especially in pharmacy, has a strong future as organizations seek specific expertise and support.” 

  • “Expansion of scope and services.” 

  • “President of NABP, Bowl of Hygeia, and recognized by my alma mater in numerous ways.” 

Most appealing aspects

What aspects of the role are most appealing?

A total of 19.0% of the respondents indicated that the flexibility of the role was one of the most appealing aspects. An additional 15.8% indicated helping others/patients was the most appealing aspect of their roles.

One consultant from Minnesota stated, “Freedom and flexibility while making a big difference for the profession.” Another from Texas added, “Helping pharmacists across the nation come up with patient-specific solutions.”

A respondent from California looked a little broader when they indicated, “Solving problems, fixing orders, helping both physicians and clinicians with the medication work/documentation. Knowing I am improving the metrics for my department and how it helps the whole department meet goals.”

Least appealing aspects

What aspects of the role are least appealing?

There was no one trend in the responses to this question. In fact, 11.2% indicated that they do not have least appealing aspects to their roles.

One respondent from Wisconsin stated a least appealing aspect is, “Consulting the same patients’ month after month can get repetitive. Sometimes doctors are not receptive to recommendations.” Another from New Jersey added, “Sometimes [rarely] project deadlines hit all at once, and the demand can be a bit taxing.”

Lastly, a respondent expressed their concern for, “The uncertainty that comes from balancing capacity with contracts for clients.”

Advice

What advice should student pharmacists and practitioners consider when selecting a position in pharmacy consulting?

Respondents provided advice across several areas. Two specific trends came through: life-long learning/continuing education (14.8%) and work/life balance (8.20%). Information from several of the pharmacists is listed below: 

  • “Know yourself–what you value in relationships (personal, patients and work); recognize how extroverted or introverted you are; be honest with how much or little money you’re content with. Pharmacy has something for everyone, but if you do not know yourself you might wind up in a place that you will not be as happy with.” 

  • “Take advantage of EVERY opportunity you are given, and every connection is a potential job interview.” 

  • “First work to be a master of your domain, whatever that area may be, and stay involved in professional association or public service work.” 

  • “Work/life balance is very important to establish up front. Set boundaries so your family does not take a backseat to your job.” 

  • “See your profession as life-long learning.” 

  • “Pharmacy is an amazing career because there are so many avenues to use your degree. Be sure to research through programs like this one what is important to you and make a good choice of career path. Keep up your network and lifelong learning. Do not spend all that you make as it reduces your flexibility and ability to change jobs.” 

Critical factors ratings

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

Consultant pharmacists rated this factor at a mid-range 6.77.

One respondent from Arizonia looks at the opportunities for advancement as a positive when they stated, “I work as a consultant which provides me insights into the industry and provides opportunities.” Another respondent from Colorado had a slightly different perspective, “For entrepreneurs who have the passion, the field is currently wide open for those who have completed advanced practice training.”

A pharmacist from the District of Columbia added, “Developing management and administrative skills was an integral part of my professional advancement as it prepared me to be able to successfully take on large projects and implement pharmacy programs.” A different Arizona pharmacist who is new to the consulting area stated, “My business is in the growth phase, so I still work as a staff pharmacist elsewhere until I have well-established clients and have a need for assistance. I will have opportunities in the future for employment, growth, and more, especially since my company is so new.”

6.77
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 this critical factor as the second highest for the group at 7.97.

A consultant from Kansas stated, “My company offers direct support for advanced training/credentialing, continuing pharmacy education (CPE) support, and professional involvement within reason.” Another respondent from Ohio added, “I continue to mentor pharmacy students, coordinate a psychiatric certificate program, and consult in neuropsychiatric pharmacy.”

One respondent from Arizona looked at this from the on-the-job learning when they said, “The variety of important projects I have undertaken have provided me with the opportunity to stretch my skills and always learn new ones.” A pharmacist from New Jersey added, “Part of my professional development included serving on a state board of pharmacy. This opened the door to many valuable learning and leadership opportunities.”

7.97
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 is your work in terms of serving the community?]

Consultant pharmacists feel that they have an upper mid-range rating at 7.71 regarding community impact. Depending on the consultant’s role, and how they define their community, they may look at the impact differently.

One respondent from Puerto Rico stated, “The greatest impact or outcomes research is to develop observational research to highlight the value proposition of prescription drugs and vaccines which in turn improves access to patients.” Another respondent from New York indicated that they, “Contribute to the care of disabled and improve quality of care in long-term care facilities.”

A consultant from Ohio had a positive impact on the community as they have, “Spoken with thousands (regarding) COVID-19 issues in the community” Another respondent from North Carolina added, “My work though a community non-profit serves the community of need.”

7.71
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?]

Respondents indicated that they lean toward having a higher level of autonomy with a 7.82 rating.

A pharmacist from Iowa responded to autonomy based on years of experience, “As someone (who is) a few years into my position, I get a lot of autonomy to lead projects. People with less experience have more supervision.” Another from Ohio stated, “Mostly autonomous with input from the medical directors and collaborating providers.”

A respondent from Minnesota added, “Being a self-employed consultant is fabulous. You are able to pick and choose things that matter to you.” Another from New Jersey echoed this statement as they stated, “I'm self-employed, therefore I can pick and choose the work I want to perform.”

7.82
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?]

Overall respondents indicated that they look to issues that are more focused on the future with a rating of 7.40.

A consultant from Kansas indicated, “My particular role is 75% direct patient care and 25% administrative function. That 25% of the time is future focused to improve our services and programs, although sometimes related to keeping up with day-to-day tasks and work.” Another respondent from Colorado put this simply, “Consultants are almost always helping clients plot a better future for themselves and their patients.”

A pharmacist from Ohio took a different view when they stated, “Part of the consulting services I provide relate to environmental scans to support strategic planning.” A legal consultant from Kentucky added, “In pharmacy law, you are always looking to see what impact the current regulations have on the future of pharmacy practice.”

7.40
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?]

Prestige can be looked at differently as a consultant dependent on your employment situation, self-employed or by a company. Respondents rated the factor in the upper mid-range at 7.54.

One consultant from Arizona highlighted the business side of prestige when they indicated, “My business has a reputation to build and maintain. I want clients to speak highly of my services so other clients may be interested. In order to build that relationship, we must be prestigious and treat the clients with respect. We must be excellent at communicating.” Another respondent from Colorado stated, “The prestige is much higher in this role with other professionals than from my peers. Not sure why.”

A pharmacist from Arizona highlighted the prestige that they receive when they stated, “I am recognized as a leader in psychiatric pharmacy practice in Arizona and through the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP).” Another consultant from the District of Columbia indicated, “The work I do results in visibility in the pharmacy community at the local and national levels.”

7.54
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 critical factor the highest for the group at 8.66.

A respondent from Maryland was very straightforward, “I advise others on how to be a force for constructive change in the profession.” Another respondent from Minnesota stated, “The projects I undertake touch a broad community of people and the majority involve creating change whether by new market research, education, strategic planning, or advocacy.”

A consultant from Ohio indicated that, “I feel gratified that I can contribute to betterment of the organization.” A different respondent from Ohio added, “Helping colleagues, patients and consumers to achieve their goals gives great satisfaction.”

8.66
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 were in the low-range with a 3.53 rating for patient relationships, meaning that they do not usually have long-term relationships.

One respondent from Arizona provided some insight to patient relationships when they stated, “My business is all about maintaining an ongoing relationship with clients and patients. Once a patient signs up for a service, a pharmacist calls them initially and then monthly, more or less, depending on the patient’s need. Building the relationship is necessary to develop trust.”

Another respondent from California provided the following, “It’s hard because most are extreme geriatrics (in their 8th–10th decade of life), and my clinic is supposed to be a one touch encounter and done. However, my patients remember me, and I try to form bonds with those at work with events outside of work.”

3.53
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = No ongoing/long-term relationships 10 = All are long-term relationships

Coworker/client relationships
[To what degree do you have ongoing or long-term relationships with coworkers or clients?]

Respondents are upper mid-range with a rating of 7.75 when looking at relationships with coworkers and clients.

One consultant from Wisconsin stated, “Coworkers, for the most part, have been with the company for years; facility staff has had some turnover over the past few years.” A respondent from Arizona added, “I have many long-term relationships with psychiatric practitioners and use Facebook for keeping connected. I do not keep long-term relationships with patients.”

7.75
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 were in the low mid-range for this critical factor at 4.50, meaning that they only engage in writing/conducting research some of the time. However, most seem to be involved in writing reports of some kind.

One respondent from Texas provided a unique perceptive when they stated, “Research/projects are for my department goals not for publication outside of our organization; would love to do research with a hospice or home health organization.” Another from Washington looked at this a little differently when they indicated they are, “researching constantly. Only deliver by knowing studies, not anecdotal.”

A consultant from Arizona provided a look at conducting research from the side of patient care, “[…s]ome time. There is a huge component of direct patient care and teaching, but completing projects is important.” A different pharmacist from Arizona provided the following, “The writing done for my work is mostly patient SOAP notes to cover what was discussed, logging of time, and coding correctly. The research I conduct currently is mostly business research at this point. I love research and can see as my business expands how research may be incorporated into it. For now, it is mostly writing.”

4.50
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 were mid-range with a rating of 6.79 for this factor.

A consultant from Florida indicated that, “Each new client requires thought process for positive experiences.” Another respondent from New Jersey added, “People are looking for solutions when they hire a consultant. Sometimes that means the generation of new ideas.”

A pharmacist from South Dakota stated, “I am often asked to generate ideas and plans for new firms coming into the market space.”

6.79
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?]

Consultants rated the factor of supervision/management as 4.38 based on the fact that many do not directly oversee others. This can differ if you are an employed consultant for a firm or organization where you complete your work.

One respondent from Minnesota stated, “I often have to manage subcontractors as well as running the business operation.” Another respondent from Wisconsin added, “No employees to manage. Business activities take little time.”

A different consultant from New Jersey provided the following information, “Often the work I'm doing is teaching others, or providing a structure for them to organize, manage, and supervise others.” Lastly, a consultant summed up what many do see in their roles, “Different consulting clients ask for differing levels of direct involvement in operations or supervision.”

4.38
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?]

For the most part, consultant pharmacists have little direct patient interaction–although it does depend on the project. This factor was rated in the low range of 3.06.

One consultant from Ohio highlighted the change in his business over time, “I have 30-minute appointments with patients 5 days a week. When I first started my business I would speak at community events but have not recently due to time constraints.” A respondent from Kansas had a different perspective when they indicated that, “75% of my time is scheduled for one-on-one medication/disease state reviews with patients. Outside of that, I do not interact much with the public anymore.”

3.06
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?]

Similar to patient interaction, most respondents indicated little interaction with the public and rated the factor at 3.97. The difference is that some projects do require interaction with other experts.

A respondent from the District of Columbia stated, “My work is more on the policy development, administration, and management side. I interact with clients when doing policy review and consult visits.” Another consultant from Ohio added, “Various task forces in academic medicine allows this to be an important component.”

3.97
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 rated collaboration in the high mid-range at 7.38.

One consultant from Colorado indicated that they, “Work closely with providers.” Another respondent from California added, “This is most of my work, orthopedics with protocol, therapists with medication reviews, and nursing with education.”

One pharmacist from Puerto Rico stated, “I am involved in collaborative research with other health professionals and colleagues. I also lecture at the school of pharmacy on topics related to pharmacy administration, Pharmacoeconomics, and outcomes research.” Another consultant from Arizona discussed collaboration in this way, “We collaborate with health professionals to notify them of anything that requires urgent attention for a patient. We will reach out to health professionals when necessary to make adjustments in treatments or protocols.”

7.38
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?]

Many of the respondents feel that they do have the opportunity for leisure and family time–rating the factor at 7.03.

A respondent from Colorado stated, “While a successful business faces a heavy workload, there is always the option to decline assignments or find colleagues who can accept them. Additionally, consultants often have significant flexibility in exactly when and where they work.” Another from Minnesota added, “My schedule is driven by the projects I choose to take, and sometimes great opportunities come up that are unanticipated and then it impacts my ability to take time off. That said, for the most part, I can travel and spend leisure time when I want. This is very, very flexible, which is one of the best parts of my work. I do not have to fight for time off.”

One respondent from the District of Columbia provided information that they, “Have developed a well-balanced family and leisure. My professional and family life are in harmony.”

7.03
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 were in the upper mid-range with a rating of 7.51 relative to the impact of individual well-being.

A respondent from California stated, “I hope at least 50% of the time I am improving care and helping our staff with stress of med issues.” Another consultant from Colorado who is in sports medicine added, “They are often identified as ‘an athlete’ it takes time building a trusted professional relationship to have a meaningful discussion about wellness that includes deprescribing and avoiding dietary supplements.”

A pharmacist from Ohio indicated, “My goal is to educate patients on ways to improve lifestyle, minimize need for medications, and improve outcomes.” A different consultant from Ohio was very direct in their response, “Family especially.”

7.51
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?]

Respondents were mid-range at 5.30, indicating a mix of both processes.

A pharmacist from Kansas stated, “As an evidence-based practitioner, I am almost always using some sort of evidence to justify solutions and ideas. However, that often requires critical thinking to appropriately apply the tried-and-true solutions to unique scenarios both in patient care and organizational projects.” Another respondent from North Carolina added, “In obtaining a basic pharmacy degree, I was taught to seek alternative solutions through good practices.”

5.30
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 indicated that they lean toward specialized expertise with a rating of 7.72.

A consultant from Pennsylvania who is in home health care provided the following, “It involves all of primary care issues plus orthopedics, surgery, wound, diabetes, heart disease, so generalized only specialty part is geriatrics (average age of patient population last I checked was 86 years old for our home health department).” Another practitioner from New York who works with the intellectual and developmentally disabled (I/DD) provided the following, “The I/DD population is unique. Regulatory expertise is specialized. Education and engaging presentations take a special skill set.”

Another respondent from Texas who consults with correctional institutions added, “You have to be experienced in correctional medicine and in the practice of health care and administration to perform this role.”

7.72
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 5.81 rating for repetition.

A respondent from New Jersey provided the following information, “Each day brings opportunities. There are patterns to the work I perform, but the application of those principles is highly varied, based on the business or practice setting.” Another respondent from Colorado stated, “Same process; different patients.”

Another consultant from Arizonia stated, “While the work may be repetitive (calling patients, logging time, and coding) every patient is different, so the information will be different for every patient. The repetition will be noted when calling the same patients month after month.”

5.81
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 rated applying scientific knowledge at 6.06.

A respondent from Arizonia was clear that, “Pharmacists really need the clinical and scientific background to quickly and efficiently work.” Another from Minnesota supported this idea and stated, “I use both of these knowledge bases in each project I do.”

6.06
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 rated applying clinical knowledge slightly higher than scientific knowledge with a rating of 6.75.

One respondent from Michigan stated that, “Clinical commentaries provided in one component of my job is 100% application of clinical knowledge.” Another from Kansas added, “I provide direct patient care and teach/precept learners, so basically all of my time requires using clinical expertise for patient care and often applying researched principles for precepting/teaching.”

6.75
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 as mid-range at 5.19. It should be noted that many respondents indicated they do not have a need for this factor.

One consultant from Ohio stated, “Since I own my own business, my schedule is primarily my own. I could take parental leave if I were in that phase of life, but it would be unpaid.” Another respondent from the District of Columbia added, “The work hours are very flexible.”

5.19
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 was rated as a mid-range score at 6.88. One item to consider is that everyone defines compensation differently. What one may feel is fairly compensated, another may not agree.

A consultant from Kentucky was straightforward and stated, “Could always be better.” Another respondent from Arizona added, “My private practice allows me to charge for my time and providing consultations.”

One respondent from Colorado listed their concerns, “The main challenge to consultants is to not give away too much ‘free milk’ to some clients who feel free to continue asking questions but are sometimes slow to pay.”

6.88
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 rated this factor at the lowest end of the mid-range at 4.00. What is interesting is the number who are self-employed who are concerned about this as well.

One respondent from Colorado summed this up when they stated, “Most/many consultants are self-employed, and even if working with a consulting group, benefit packages are often limited.” Another respondent from Minnesota added, “I have my own 401K plan, HSA, find my own health care plan etc. I draw funds from my business when I want vs. paying myself a salary.”

4.00
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
0 = Not comprehensive 10 = Very comprehensive

Advice for student pharmacists 

Practitioners’ advice to student pharmacists varied across many areas–all which looked at ways to gain additional information in this area as well as looking forward to the future. Below is a partial list of advice. 

  • “Opportunities are unlimited if industry starts to realize value of efforts.” 

  • “Continuing innovation to address the profession's challenges and take advantage of emerging opportunities.” 

  • “We will continue to see growth in ambulatory and community practice and expertise will be needed to guide that growth.” 

  • “Go for it and make it what you want.” 

  • “Management consulting, especially in pharmacy, has a strong future as organizations seek specific expertise and support.” 

  • “Pursue it and invest in the training needed to get there. Keep an open mind and focus on developing soft skills that translate to patient care and business.” 

Critical factors

Opportunities for advancement 6.77
Leadership development/professional involvement 7.97
Community impact 7.71
Autonomy 7.82
Focus 7.40
Prestige 7.54
Creating value/positive outcomes 8.66
Patient relationships 3.53
Coworker/client relationships 7.75
Writing/conducting research 4.50
Generating new ideas 6.79
Supervision/management 4.38
Patient interaction 3.06
Public interaction 3.97
Collaboration 7.38
Family time/leisure 7.03
Impact on well-being 7.51
Problem solving 5.30
Expertise 7.72
Repetition 5.81
Applying scientific knowledge 6.06
Applying clinical knowledge 6.75
Parental leave 5.19
Compensation 6.88
Benefit package 4.00

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. 

What Is a Consultant Pharmacist and How to Become One. ZipRecruiter. Available at: www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Consultant-Pharmacist/What-Is-How-to-Become. Accessed July 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, IL 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 
(571) 404-0471 | www.afpenet.org 

American Pharmacists Association (APhA) 

2215 Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037 
(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 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 

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
ADVERTISEMENT