Academic and training requirements in advertisements for pharmacy management and clinical positions

The academic and training requirements mentioned in advertisements for various pharmacy management and clinical positions were studied. Position advertisements appearing in five national pharmacy publications between January 1990 and December 1994 were analyzed for requirements or preferences for a particular pharmacy or other degree, postgraduate training (residencies and fellowships), board certification, and experience. The positions were classified as clinical pharmacist, clinical faculty member, pharmacy services manager, clinical manager, or academic manager. A total of 1052 position advertisements were eligible for analysis. Overall, 718 (68%) of the positions either required or preferred postgraduate training; graduates of ASHP-accredited residency programs were sought 10% of the time. Advanced degrees were specified for 934 (89%) of the positions--required for 581 (55%) and preferred for 353 (34%). No degree was specified for 98 (9%) of the positions. Only 20 (2%) of the advertisements indicated that the B.S. degree was a sufficient credential. Board certification was mentioned for 29 (3%) of the positions, although it was never required. Postgraduate pharmacy experience was often acceptable in lieu of advanced degrees and training. Pharmacy management and clinical positions advertised in national pharmacy publications tended to require or prefer residency or fellowship training and advanced degrees.