Clinic pharmacist

What does a clinical pharmacist do? – Tasks and work environment

A clinical pharmacist works closely with healthcare to optimize medication use for patients in various care settings. Tasks include medication reviews, advising healthcare staff, training initiatives, and participating in multidisciplinary teams to ensure safe and effective medication management. The role often involves acting as a link between pharmacies, doctors, and other healthcare professionals, contributing to improved patient safety and reduced medication-related problems. The work environment is characterized by close collaboration with both patients and colleagues, requiring good communication skills and a systematic approach.

Salary development over time

The salary for clinical pharmacists has shown variations over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 43,200 SEK per month, increasing to 45 000 SEK in 2023, representing an approximate 4.2 % increase. However, in 2024, the average salary has decreased to 41 519 SEK, indicating a decline of nearly 7.7 % compared to the previous year. This development can be explained by changes in demand, regional redistribution of positions, and an increased number of new graduates in the field. Despite high overall demand for pharmacists, salary levels have fluctuated, possibly due to market conditions and changing working conditions in the public and private sectors. The forecast suggests stabilization rather than further decline, as the need for recruitment in healthcare remains strong.

Clinical pharmacist salary – comprehensive overview

• Average salary: 41 519 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 42,900 SEK (female, private sector, post-secondary education <3 years)
• Highest salary: 52,600 SEK (female, private sector, research degree)
• Lowest salary for men: 46,900 SEK
• Highest salary for men: 51,100 SEK
• Hourly wage (average): 250 SEK
• Gender differences: We lack complete data on gender-specific salaries
• Regional differences: Limited data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a clinical pharmacist, a solid educational background in pharmacy is required, typically a degree in pharmacy from a university. Additional qualifications or specialization in clinical pharmacy are often advantageous. Practical experience from healthcare environments and ongoing professional development are important for success in the role.

• Formal degree: Degree in pharmacy (5 years, university)
• Further education: Clinical pharmacy, master's or doctoral studies
• Practical training: Mandatory pharmacy internship and clinical practice
• Prerequisites: Science-oriented high school education
• Professional development: Courses/seminars in pharmaceuticals and healthcare

Common benefits and compensations

Clinical pharmacists are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowances, professional development, and flexible working hours. Some employers also provide extra vacation days, subsidized lunches, or staff discounts at pharmacies. Public sector employment typically includes collective agreements and insurance coverage.

Competition and challenges

The job market for clinical pharmacists is strong, with many opportunities for employment, but there is a paradoxical situation where recruiting experienced specialists can be difficult, even though the proportion of part-time workers and those leaving the profession is relatively high. Competition for attractive positions can therefore be significant, especially in metropolitan areas or specialized clinics. The profession also demands continuous education and adaptation to new guidelines in pharmaceuticals. Technological development and digitalization of healthcare mean clinical pharmacists need to be flexible and prepared for changes in work tasks and processes.

Tips for aspiring clinical pharmacists

To succeed as a clinical pharmacist, it is beneficial to have an analytical mindset and strong teamwork skills, as the work often involves collaboration and careful review of patients' medication use. Good communication and pedagogical abilities are essential, as advising and training healthcare staff are part of daily tasks. Strong problem-solving skills help when handling complex medication questions quickly and safely. Being detail-oriented and organized is helpful when managing detailed medication lists and documentation. Engagement in continuous learning and curiosity about medical advances are also crucial to stay updated and contribute to the best possible patient care.

Key facts about clinical pharmacists

• Education level: Degree in pharmacy (5 years, university)
• Professional group: Pharmacists in healthcare
• Work environment: Hospitals, health centers, and clinics
• Demand: Great opportunities for employment nationwide
• Number of job openings: 375 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, clinical pharmacists can advance to leadership roles such as clinical pharmacy manager, medication strategist, or specialist in a specific therapy area. Further education and research work open opportunities as researchers or university lecturers. Forecasts from the Employment Service indicate that job opportunities in pharmacy are large and expected to remain unchanged over the next five years. Despite high mobility within the profession, recruiting experienced candidates can be challenging. Digitalization and changes in healthcare structures may influence tasks and skill requirements, but the demand for clinical pharmacists is expected to remain stable.

Common questions about clinical pharmacists

• What does a clinical pharmacist earn?
  - The average salary for a clinical pharmacist is 41 519 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What education is required to become a clinical pharmacist?
  - A degree in pharmacy from a university is required, often supplemented with additional training in clinical pharmacy.
• What is the job market like for clinical pharmacists?
  - Demand is high and the outlook indicates that employment opportunities will remain stable in the coming years.
• Where do clinical pharmacists work?
  - Typically in hospitals, health centers, clinics, and sometimes within the pharmaceutical industry or research.
• What are the most common benefits?
  - Occupational pension, wellness allowance, professional development, and collective agreements are common.
• Are there salary differences between men and women?
  - There are some differences, but comprehensive statistics on gender-specific salaries are currently unavailable.
• What are the career paths for a clinical pharmacist?
  - Career opportunities include leadership roles, specialization, research, and teaching.