Hiring patterns for non-faculty clinical staff pharmacist positions in institutions greater than 500 beds

A survey was mailed to 150 randomly-selected hospitals greater than 500 beds to determine: 1) the type of pharmacists currently in non-faculty clinical staff positions; and 2) to assess the hiring philosophy toward such positions. Seventy-two surveys were used to tabulate results. Fifty-eight per cent of the non-faculty clinical positions in the institutions surveyed are held by BS pharmacists. Top preference if rehiring was an advanced degree PharmD or an entry level PharmD with a specialized residency. However, BS pharmacists with clinical experience also ranked high in preference, showing a definite competition with advanced degree pharmacists. Personality and experience seem to become important factors. MS graduates ranked very low, unless their degree was accompanied by a specialized residency. Implications of the survey results are discussed in respect to graduating pharmacy students, academe, and pharmacists currently in the work force.