Pharmacists in Phoenix area (Tucson, Mesa: insurance, job outlook, schools)

[spokenut]

I am a pharmacist and planning to move to Phoenix -- probably Gilbert or somewhere in the south east area. Can anyone tell me what the pharmacist market is like -- are there jobs for pharmacists? My experience is retail, some long term care and mail order so I am not particular at this point what area of pharmacy. What does it look like for pharmacists long term -- growth or stagnation and demise?

On a related note has the economy in the Phoenix area started to come back -- things here in Ohio are not coming back at all but I hear some parts of the country are starting to pick up. Thanks for your help.

[CheyDee]

I'm not a pharmacist and don't know the answer to your question. However, to give you ideas for web searches for in the meanwhile... We have CVS, Walgreens, and Wal-mart, (which have pharmacies). Many of the supermarkets have pharmacies too: Safeway, Fry's, and Bashas' are large chains here. If you want to go the hospital route, Mercy Gilbert Medical Center is right in Gilbert, Chandler Regional Medical Center is very close by, in Chandler. Banner Hospitals have a large presence here, with facilities in and close to Gilbert.

There is a list of hospitals here. It's not the most current, but it's someplace to start.

Good luck in your search.

[Howard Roark]

I would expect there is always room for more Pharmacists in Phoenix.

[PhinsFan1]

I know a few pharmacists, but I'm not one, so I'm not an expert. But yes, there are jobs for pharmacists, though I don't think they're as easy to get as they were 10 yrs ago. With the increased number of pharmacy schools, there are a lot more graduates looking for jobs so there's more competition. But there are retail pharmacies everywhere here, as mentioned above, and many hospitals too. If you're not picky about your location, and especially if you're flexible with your hours, you might find a job relatively quickly. I think your varied work background will help.

And again, I'm not an expert, so take this with a grain of salt, but I would imagine the job outlook for pharmacists here is similar to the rest of the country, in that it's evolving. Mail order is becoming more prevalent, insurance/PBM's play a role, Obamacare will impact, etc., etc. Healthcare in general is evolving, as is the job security....

AzPA's annual meeting is in June, I think. If you happen to be in town visiting, that might be a good networking opp for you.

Good luck!

[Jukesgrrl]

To add to the list CheyDee gave you, the Albertson's supermarket chain also has pharmacies (some Sav-On, most Osco). They have outlets in Gilbert, Mesa, and Chandler. There are also pharmacies in most of the Target stores in Arizona.

I take care of my elderly mother who has many (and ever-changing) prescriptions. I have them all filled at the Osco in my local Albertson's (I live in Tucson) and I have been very happy with the professional service I've received there. They are very attentive to her needs and I've developed an excellent relationship with the pharmacists there who act like what they are — a very important part of her overall care.

Good luck in your search.