Like Other States, New Jersey Struggling With Pharmacist Shortage
Drugstores across New Jersey are finding it hard to find pharmacists because of a "national shortage," the Bergen Record reports. Industry "insiders" say several factors account for the shortage:
- The "toughening" of education requirements: To practice pharmacology, pharmacists now need a six-year doctoral degree instead of the previously required five-year bachelor's degree;
- An increase in the need for pharmacists: Because of "medical advances," a larger elderly population and the opening of more drug stores and "24-hour drug-dispensing outlets," the demand for pharmacists has increased in recent years:
- Shrinking workforce: "Growing dissatisfaction" with working conditions has prompted many pharmacists to leave the profession or "seek jobs in hospitals."
Seeking Solutions
According to the Record, officials at three major drugstore chains --Eckerd, CVS and Walgreens -- have "stepped up recruiting." CVS has started recruiting over the Internet and "actively seeking candidates overseas." CVS, along with Eckerd, is also attempting to address "quality-of-life issues" to retain current employees. Walgreens has started a scholarship program that pays tuition for pharmacy students, in return for a promise to work for the company after graduation. In addition, pharmacists' salaries are increasing. The average salary at a "chain store" rose $11,323 over the last two years to $74,154, and the rate rose $12,407 to $67,824, at "independent stores" (Morley, Bergen Record, 7/26).
