Is pharmacy still a viable career?
I think the answer is a “Yes……But”
As Chill (and others) have kindly enlightened this forum, there are indeed exciting and promising new roles for pharmacy graduates in GP surgeries and primary care etc as well as the established hospital pharmacy positions.
The “but” is that these new roles are finite in number and filling rapidly with experienced pharmacists. The unfortunate fact is that only a lucky few future pharmacy graduates will find such positions. Most, currently 2/3, will only find employment in Community Pharmacy.
I have nearly 40 years experience in CP and have seen the direction of travel. CP now (especially with the large multiples) can be an utterly soul destroying experience. Poor pay, sweatshop working conditions, stress and no career progression are just some of the hallmarks unfortunately.
Littlebigman pointed out that over half of University Phamacy courses are spending extended time in clearing. That really is a big red flag. Beware that some of these Unis are grossly exaggerating the the career prospects of their graduates to sell their courses. Be very suspicious of their sales pitch and do your own research.
You really need to think long and hard before embarking on a Pharmacy degree course.
Good luck….