By SARAH ROHRS/Times-Herald staff writer
Posted: 01/29/2009
Kaiser Permanante recruiter Gilda Goodrich, left, talks with Touro Pharmacy students Thu Dinh and Rika Fukumuro during a career fair at the Mare Island campus. (Sarah Rohrs/Times-Herald)
As the economy takes a beating and many face the headache of finding work, job prospects are promising for those who dispense medications to help make people well.
The job market for pharmacists has grown over the last 10 years and demand is still high, even in the economic downturn, said Touro University's College of Pharmacy Dean Katherine Knapp.
Hundreds of Touro's pharmacy students crowded into a career fair last week on the Mare Island campus. There were nearly 20 companies and more than a dozen hospitals offering many employment opportunities.
"There is a slight decrease in pharmacy openings, but I think the career fair is evidence there is a need for pharmacists both locally and nationally," Knapp said.
The increased use of medications to treat illnesses and the aging "Baby Boomer" population is helping keep demand high for pharmacists, she said.
Though Stephanie Johnican still has two years left in school, she said it's exciting to know a wealth of job possibilities await her and other graduates.
First-year pharmacy students Thu Dinh and Rika Fukumuro eagerly checked out the Kaiser Permanente table to learn more about hospital residency programs and job opportunities at the health care giant.
Other students talked to recruiters from Wal-Mart, Rite Aid, Safeway, Walgreens and Lucky's Supermarket, among other companies. They also learned more about residency programs at area hospitals.
Fourth year pharmacy student Lisa Bui said she wants to focus on helping patients with chronic health conditions, and is pursuing a hospital residency program.
Touro officials will be paying particular attention to June graduates who comprise the College of Pharmacy's first graduating class. "We'll be anxiously waiting to see which career choices they make," Knapp said.
In early June, 61 students will graduate in the charter class. There are about 350 students enrolled in the program, she said.
Touro's pharmacy students receive a doctor of pharmacy degree after undertaking a four-year program which includes direct pharmacy practice and training.
Pharmacy graduates have several options, Knapp said, such as community practice in corporate companies, or opportunities at hospitals and clinics. Some graduates may also go into teaching or research.
Contact Sarah Rohrs at srohrs@thnewsnet.com or 553-6832.
