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Federal/Government (Clinical Practice)

Pharmacists in federal government clinical roles serve patients through agencies such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of War, Indian Health Service, and the U.S. Public Health Service. They work in a variety of settings, from military hospitals to tribal clinics. They manage complex medication therapies, provide direct patient care, and collaborate on public health initiatives. These roles allow pharmacists to work as essential members of interdisciplinary teams, serving unique populations, influencing national health programs, and practicing at the top of their license with considerable autonomy and benefits.

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 factor ratings
  • Critical factors
  • References/resources
  • Professional organizations

Background

Pharmacists who work for a government pharmacy are employees of local, state, or federal government agencies. These could include government units such as municipal health clinics, departments of the health, state Medicaid agencies, federal Medicare agencies, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), branches of the U.S. military, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), and other related organizations. The PHS oversees a number of agencies, including, but not limited to, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Indian Health Service (IHS), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Federal/government pharmacists may be considered active military or have a civilian appointment depending on their place of employment and their position held.

Opportunities for pharmacists in the government are varied and cover a wide scope of practices including clinical, research, and administrative roles. This profile will focus on those in clinical roles. Their clinical responsibilities within various federal agencies focus on optimizing some of the following services:

  • Medication management and therapeutic monitoring
  • Patient care and education
  • Collaborative practice and health care team integration
  • Public health and policy development
  • Pharmacy clinical operations and management

A clinical pharmacy specialist (CPS) functions at the highest level of clinical practice. They work independently under a scope of practice that is defined by the rules and regulations of the government and implemented at a medical center to directly care for patients.

Characteristics

A total of 43 federal clinical pharmacists responded to the 2024–2025 APhA Career Pathways Program Survey. Forty-seven percent of the respondents completed a residency. An additional 6.98% received an MPH and 4.65% received an MS or MHA degree. Two respondents indicated they completed more than one additional degree.

Pharmacists in this profile have an average age of 47 years. The salary for a federal clinical pharmacist varies based on experience and location but generally falls within a range of $115,000 to $149,000 annually.

The average time worked was the standard 40 hours per week; however, this varies as some locations may require 7 days on then 7 days off. The number of hours can depend on the location and type of clinical position. A total of 26.5% indicated that they travel for work. Another 23.5% indicated that they work nights and weekends.

A total of 33 clinicians responded directly to a question about what they felt was an important skill for their role. Those skills mentioned with the highest percentages included: communication (21.2%) and putting the patient first (18.2%). Many others critical factors were listed by the group.

One of the respondents from Arizona provided a detailed response that was included many of the other comments, “Understanding and demonstrating compassion for your fellow human beings. Despite the challenges in our profession, practicing empathy and being willing to always help makes such a difference in patients’ lives. Especially patients who have never experienced a provider simply listen to them and address their concerns.”

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 if 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.

Top 5 – first tier

Three of the factors have the same percentage response.

  • Application of knowledge (clinical or scientific) (18.6%)
  • Problem solving (9.30%)
  • Community impact (9.30%)
  • Collaborating with health professionals (9.30%)
  • Leisure and family time (6.98%)

In addition to the top 5 factors, the second tier of critical factors are listed below. Note that three of the factors, application of knowledge, problem solving, and collaborating with health professionals are listed in both areas. This can be interpreted to mean that, for some, these factors are in their top five list while, for others, these are a close second. All of the second-tier factors were listed by the same percentage of respondents.

Top 5 – second tier

  • Application of knowledge (e.g., clinical or scientific) (14.0%)
  • Problem solving (14.0%)
  • Collaborating with health professionals (14.0%)
  • Leadership and professional development (14.0%)
  • Work type (e.g., repetitive versus variable work) (14.0%)

One respondent from Georgia indicated that for application of knowledge it is, “Nice to use what was learned in school.” Another respondent from Arizona stated, “It is hard to put into words just how invaluable a collaborative setting is. It builds needed rapport, respect for other professions, increase in resources, increase in communication skills, and so many more skills!”

There are many rewarding and challenging experiences in being a clinical pharmacist in the federal government. Thirty percent of the respondents indicated helping patients was the most rewarding aspect of the role. A different respondent from Arizonia stated, “Rewarding–the amount of patients who tell me thank you for listening to them and reassuring them by saying ‘I will make sure you are taken care of even if that requires me reaching out to other contacts.’ ” Another from North Dakota added, “making a positive impact on a Veteran's medication therapy.”

There was no specific area highlighted as challenging as there are many. One of the clinical pharmacists from Arizona indicated, “We are sent the sickest patients that tend to be non-compliant and have large healthcare knowledge deficits.” Another from Alaska stated, “Challenging experience is going on multiple deployments in a short span of time.”

Respondents were asked to select an additional factor from the full list that they consider to be the most important. Work schedule was listed the most often at 18.6%, followed by job security at 14.0%, and pressure/stress at 9.30%.

Federal clinical 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:

  • “Being able to serve those who have given our country so much and their family that also sacrificed.”
  • “Veterans commenting regularly on how much our work has made them care about themselves again.”
  • “Growing a small branch into a 48-person division, staffed with mostly pharmacists.”
  • “Patient safety should continue to be the primary focus of healthcare. It should grow exponentially, but sadly it will be a slow climb.”
  • “My pharmacist career highlight has been as chief pharmacy officer on an international deployment.”
  • “More opportunities for pharmacists to participate in interdisciplinary roles/non-traditional roles.”
  • “Expansion of the role of pharmacists in public health initiatives and expansion of pharmacists working in formal public health roles.”

Most appealing aspects

What aspects of the role are most appealing?

A total of 18.6% of the respondents listed working with patients was the most appealing aspect of the role. One respondent from New York stated, “Direct patient care where I can see the outcomes.” Another from Alabama added, “Being able to help patients in a team setting.”

One clinical pharmacist from North Carolina stated they enjoy, “Working with an interdisciplinary team, direct patient care, educating students/residents.”

Least appealing aspects

What aspects of the role are least appealing?

Fourteen percent of the respondents indicated that the least appealing aspect is the administrative tasks that they are asked to complete. One respondent from Arizona stated, “Trying to fit in administrative duties/bureaucracy while completing direct patient care, residency coordination, and precepting tasks.” Another from Alabama added, “Having to worry about metrics and billing.”

An additional 9.30% of the respondents highlighted high workload level as a concern. One respondent from Arizona simply stated, “Sometimes workload can be high, which can cause some stress.”

Advice

What advice should student pharmacists and practitioners consider when selecting a position in a federal government clinical role?

Respondents provided advice across several areas. Two specific trends are that the work is rewarding, and one needs to be passionate about the work. Both had a score of 11.6%.

One respondent from Arizona felt the need to detail a response, “I cannot stress this enough–have compassion for others and a passion to serve. You have to take your oath from your white coat ceremony seriously. As long as your goal is to take care of the patient while not compromising your own mental health, you will truly make a difference in the lives of others. If you can implement ways to ‘remember your why,’ it will make a huge difference in your job satisfaction as well.”

Information from several of the pharmacists is listed below:

  • “Very rewarding career. You must be a person who cares for patients.”
  • “They should be passionate and detailed oriented.”
  • “Consider whether this piece of health care is important to you. As the medication expert, you will be helping your patient to get the best therapy option tailored to them.”
  • “Make time to inform patient of recommendations. Let them have a voice.”
  • “Don't be afraid to take the difficult jobs.”

Critical factor ratings

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

Respondents indicated that there are modest opportunities for advancement with a rating of 6.76.

A federal clinical pharmacist from Arizona stated, “Main opportunities to advance beyond being a provider of care is becoming a supervisor, associate chief or chief of department.” Another respondent from Georgia stated, “As a PHS officer, in traveling through the Navajo Nation, I was able to work through several billets inside and outside of pharmacy.”

Another pharmacist from California indicated that they work, “In a department with over 100 pharmacists. Only two have a pay grade above me and one has a pay grade above them so it's a waiting for retirement game.”

6.76
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 factor in the mid-range with a score of 7.56.

A pharmacist from New Mexico stated, “Due to our scope of practice we are able to be a leader of our team in patient care, however, we are often less able to participate in pharmacy organizations due to restrictions in the federal government.” Another respondent from Arizona indicated, “This job requires leadership skills, and the bonus is being able to participate in all the different professional groups on the state and national levels.”

7.56
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?]

Respondents indicated that they have the opportunity to impact the community with a rating of 7.64.

A respondent from North Carolina stated, “I am heavily involved in working with the community and implementing our programs with involvement from high schools, local colleges, and community centers.” Another from Alabama added, “Working in primary care, there is a widespread impact to the specific community of the veteran population, which tends to have less success with health outcomes due to socioeconomic issues.”

One pharmacist from California had a different perspective of what community impact accomplishes and indicated, “Direct patient care that has evolved to where patients have become referral sources.”

7.64
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 have a moderate level of autonomy with a 7.76 rating.

One respondent from Arizona stated, “The VA is a guideline-based practice setting, which carries some autonomy restraints, however I'm able to practice independently within the VA practice guidelines.” A different respondent from Arizona added, “Every day I am permitted to make decisions that include starting, discontinuing, and modifying prescriptions as well as referrals to other professionals.”

Another pharmacist from Arizona indicated that they feel that they have a high level of autonomy when they said, “I never imagined I would be able to run my own tertiary level clinic with my own patient panel and prescriptive authority. I love my level of autonomy and coordination with my healthcare team!”

7.76
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 were mid-range with a 6.68 rating on the critical factor regarding focus.

One clinician from Arizona stated, “For the most part, we focus on the day-to-day tasks, but we get to participate in the decisions that affect the future of pharmacy practice in our state.” Another respondent from Michigan added, “Quality and Safety has both tactical and strategic goals and impacts.”

6.68
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 varies depending on the team/group that you work with. In general, the respondents indicated that they are mid-range with a rating of 7.30.

One respondent from New York stated, “Pharmacy service as a whole is thought of highly. We have great administrative staff and awesome employees.” Another from Alabama had a different perspective when they added, “Our organization is not about prestige but about taking care of our patients.” This was countered by a comment provided by a respondent from Maryland who felt that they are, “Well respected. Views appreciated.”

7.30
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 creating value/positive outcomes as the second highest critical factor with a score of 8.36.

One respondent from Arizona provided what many were stating, “We have a great opportunity daily to make meaningful positive impact/differences in patient's quality of life through improvements in their disease state control.” Another from Alaska added, “Tons of personal fulfillment as one gets to serve the public in a domestic setting as well as international setting.”

One clinician from Arizona felt that they, “Have the privilege of guiding pharmacists in their profession hopefully in a way that improves their practice and inspires them to be passionate about their profession.”

8.36
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 rated patient relationships as a mid-range factor at 5.83.

A respondent from New York indicated, “I work in long term care so most of my patients knew me before I had kids or have seen me pregnant several times, which is the same with my coworkers.” Another respondent from Arizona added, “I have a group of doctors that I support, and my patient base is consistent, I have known some of my patients for almost 25 years, we are the second fastest growing VA in the country so lots of new patients as well.”

5.83
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 rated coworker/client relationships as a high-range relationship at 8.14. This means that they tend to be long-term.

One respondent from Arizona stated, “The downside is not having personal contact with patients in a practice. However, I work with a great bunch of people and plan to remain friends even after I retire.” Another respondent from New York added, “I have 15 years of service working with some of the same people and some of my patients I have been taking care for almost ten years.”

8.14
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?]

Most respondents indicated that they spend little time writing/conducting research and rated this factor 3.60.

One pharmacist from Arizona provided that, “Most of our work involves research of data, clinical trials, MedWatch reports, and scientific publications. A written document summarizes the data and analysis.” Another from Michigan added, “The Quality and Safety Division includes Graduate Medical Education and Research Division so there is some oversight and familiarity but limited execution of actual studies.”

A respondent from Arizona looked at this a little differently when they stated, “I also serve as our PGY2 Residency Program Coordinator, so I’m able to participate in PGY2 projects each year, as well as mentoring for PGY1 projects.”

3.60
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 at 6.29 relative to generating new ideas.

One pharmacist from Arizona stated, “IHS supports pharmacists and integration into many aspects of care. Someone just needs to demonstrate passion and competence to bring forward new ideas and efficiencies.” A different respondent from Arizona added, “There is only so much innovation you can do and remain within the statutes, however we do like to problem-solve.”

6.29
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?]

Respondents rated the factor supervision/management in the mid-range at 5.03.

A respondent from Arizona stated, “Management of workflow and peers in pharmacy-based clinics.” Another from Georgia added that they, “Organize coverage for acute care pharmacists (7 in total).”

On the other side, a respondent from Arizona related this to their precepting side, “Precepting student pharmacists and residents is a big part of our clinical pharmacy practice.”

5.03
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?]

Clinical pharmacists indicated that they spend some time with patients with a rating of 5.31.

A respondent from Arizona stated, “I run a clinic and see patients all day. I interact with other patients in the waiting room, and I work on an active military base, so I interact with department of defense (DOD) personal family members that are here for care on the DOD side but not from me.”

5.31
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 was rate as the lowest critical factor for this group at 3.34.

One respondent from Arizona stated, “I occasionally have an opportunity to talk to the public, especially when a complaint is made by someone who is a patient.”

3.34
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?]

Pharmacists in clinical roles with the federal government rated collaboration in the high range with an 8.06 score.

One respondent from Arizona stated, “The VA PACT (Patient-Aligned Care Team) model allows for nearly constant collaboration with all aspects of a patient's health care.” A different respondent from Arizona supported this statement and added, “I provide a lot of support to nurses and MDs, NPs, PAs in clinic and I educate PharmD students and residents every month on rotation.” An additional respondent from New York also collaborates with others and said, “I work with an interdisciplinary team comprised of a physician, psychologist, dietitian, social worker, and nurse.”

8.06
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 rated this factor as mid-range with a score of 5.83. The ability to take time differs based on the role and location of the employee.

One pharmacist from Arizona stated, “It's easy to get imbalanced with work/life, but it is important to set boundaries.” A different respondent from Arizona added, “I have a demanding job, usually work at least 9-10 hours per day.” A respondent from Illinois provided a different perspective when they stated, “Time off is easy to take with and get approval for.”

5.83
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 rated their impact on well-being in the upper range with an 8.20.

A respondent from Arizona stated, “I hope that the message I convey to the other professionals that I interact with improves their well-being by helping them develop the skills they need or helping them to solve problems that may arise.” Another respondent from New York provided the following, “I feel like I have a direct and great impact on my patients.”

8.20
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 was rated as mid-range with 4.91.

A respondent from Arizona looked at this from their practice side, “Just thinking about our practice being guideline-directed.” Another from New York added, “We use evidence-based guidelines, we collaborate, and we prioritize patient centered care.”

One additional pharmacist from Arizona stated, “Because our work is affecting the population the methods used should be based on established principles for the most part.”

4.91
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 rated the requirement of expertise at mid-range with a 6.66 rating.

One pharmacist from Arizona stated, “IHS pharmacists are generalists. At my site we have multiple pharmacies (peds, primary care, specialty) and rotate inpatient and outpatient, so our skill set must be broad.” A different respondent from Arizona added, “Good mix of practices at the VA including inpatient, outpatient, primary care, and specialty clinics. My focus is mostly primary care.”

A different respondent from Arizona has a unique perspective, “I have to be familiar with our state laws for the practice of pharmacy, medical examiners, nursing, and PA's. I am also familiar with Federal guidelines from the FDA and DEA. I am a trained inspector for USP 795, 797, 800 & 825.”

6.66
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 rated repetition as mid-range with a 6.00. This is one factor that is interesting to review as different people consider repetition in various ways. To some, a role may be repetitive while, to others, it is the motions or tasks that are repetitive, and the patients and outcomes unique.

A respondent from New York stated, “My monthly medication regimen reviews are repetitive, but the patients are dynamic, so the content and recommendations vary.” Another respondent from Arizona added, “It is always different with patient workload, assignments, patient needs, staffing, precepting. One can never be bored.”

6.00
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?]

The application of scientific knowledge was rated 7.00, a. mid-range result.

A respondent from Arizona indicated, “USP inspections require scientific knowledge, inspection institutional facilities require clinical knowledge.”

7.00
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?]

Applying clinical knowledge was rated slightly higher that scientific knowledge at 7.66.

One respondent from Arizona was detailed and stated, “You need to know what the primary literature/evidence is, but you have to be able to apply that and use motivational interviewing techniques and be able to educate on the patient's level and your clinical knowledge helps guide when to implement certain therapies–it's an art.”

7.66
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?]

Parental leave does not impact all respondents in the same way. Some do not have a need for this factor. The group rated this 7.11 a mid-range rating.

One pharmacist from Colorado summed this up well when they stated, “The federal government has great parental leave options.” Another from Alaska indicated that, “The FMLA process has allowed me to take maternity leave 3 times over my 14-year career with the VA.”

7.11
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?]

Overall, the rating of 7.51 indicates good compensation.

One respondent from Arizona supported this idea as they stated, “I'm well paid and have excellent retirement and health benefits–top notch.” Another pharmacist from North Carolina added, “Between benefits and pay, I do well.”

7.51
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?]

The benefit package factor was rated the highest factor by the group with a high-range rating of 8.46.

One respondent from Arizona summed this up well including what most stated, “I have a retirement plus a 401K account, bonus for longevity, good health insurance, and other paid benefits.”

8.46
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. Continued growth received a rating of 18.6%. Additional information from several of the pharmacists is listed below:

  • “Make time to inform patient of recommendations. Let them have a voice.”
  • “Very rewarding career. You must be a person who cares for patients.”
  • “As the medication expert, you will be helping your patient to get the best therapy option tailored to them.”
  • “Expanding roles into more specialized clinical pharmacy practitioners.”
  • “Growth and improvement.”
  • “Recognition of pharmacists as providers by CMS.”

Critical factors

Opportunities for advancement 6.76
Leadership development/professional involvement 7.56
Community impact 7.64
Autonomy 7.76
Focus 6.68
Prestige 7.30
Creating value/positive outcomes 8.36
Patient relationships 5.83
Coworker/client relationships 8.14
Writing/conducting research 3.60
Generating new ideas 6.29
Supervision/management 5.03
Patient interaction 5.31
Public interaction 3.34
Collaboration 8.06
Family/leisure time 5.83
Impact on well-being 8.20
Problem solving 4.91
Expertise 6.66
Repetition 6.00
Applying scientific knowledge 7.00
Applying clinical knowledge 7.66
Parental leave 7.11
Compensation 7.51
Benefit package 8.46

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.

Leelamanthep S, Sergent SR. Pharmacy Federal Rules and Regulations. National Library of Medicine. Available at: www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562220/. Accessed July 1, 2025.

What Is the Average Federal Pharmacist Salary by State. ZipRecruiter. Available at: www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/What-Is-the-Average-Federal-Pharmacist-Salary-by-State. 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 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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