CVS Pharmacist Career

By | July 14, 2023
CVS pharmacist career
The CVS pharmacist career can lead to other rewarding job positions, including pharmacy department manager, pharmacy service representative, and pharmacy supervisor.

This post provides complete information on the CVS pharmacist career, including how to get into the career, the various opportunities available, and the benefits of being a CVS pharmacist.

How to Become a CVS Pharmacist

Do you want to work as a pharmacist for CVS? If you do, the following are steps you can take to achieve it:

  1. First, enroll in a four-year college and major in biology or medicinal chemistry.

After completing three years of undergraduate study, a pharmacy program may accept a student pharmacist applicant.

Check that you have completed the undergraduate pharmacy school prerequisites as well as any prerequisite courses.

2. Take the Pharmacy Admissions Test (PCAT).

3. Apply to a pharmacy school to get a doctorate (PHARM D).

Check to see if the pharmacy program has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

4. A formal internship/residency program and experiential learning in pharmacy practice settings are required.

The number of hours required to qualify as a pharmacist will be determined by the state licensing criteria.

5. Aspiring pharmacists must pass two licensing tests and meet any precondition requirements imposed by the state in which they will practice. 

As part of your licensing, you will be required to participate in continuing pharmacy education and continuing professional development activities throughout your pharmacist career.

CVS Pharmacist Career Opportunities

There are several career opportunities open to a pharmacist with work experience at CVS, such as:

  1. Pharmacy Department Manager

A pharmacy department manager is a mid-level manager in charge of a department and responsible for the pharmacy staff.

CVS Pharmacy hires for their pharmacy department managers with experience in retail and management.

2. Pharmacy Service Representative

A pharmacy service representative is a clerk who assists customers with their prescription needs by scanning prescriptions and retrieving refills and meds.

3. Pharmacy Supervisor

A pharmacy supervisor is an employee who supervises others, rather than performing more manual tasks.

4. Pharmacy Consultant

A pharmacy consultant is a pharmacist who has experience and is knowledgeable in consulting.

5. Pharmacy Director

A pharmacy director is an administrative pharmacist who serves as a support to managers in a drug store chain.

6. Franchise Pharmacists

A pharmacist can buy a CVS franchise, so they can run their own store. If owning your own business is for you, this is a way to make it happen.

7. Staff Pharmacist

A staff pharmacist is an employee who supervises others, rather than performing more manual tasks.

8. CVS Pharmacy Manager

A CVS pharmacy manager is a mid-level manager in charge of a department and responsible for the pharmacy staff.

9. Senior Pharmacist

A senior pharmacist is the highest employee grade. A senior pharmacist has experience working as a staff or franchise pharmacist, which includes managing others and being an expert at customer service.

10. Retail Pharmacist

A retail pharmacist is an employee who is in charge of the pharmacy portion of a retail store.

CVS pharmacy hires for their retail pharmacists with experience working in retail and management.

Challenges faced by CVS Pharmacist on the Job

The challenges faced by CVS pharmacists on the job include the following:

  1. Long hours

CVS pharmacists work long hours, so they have to have a lot of stamina and patience. One of the most important skills and qualities a CVS pharmacist needs is the ability to handle stress well by staying focused, relaxed, and organized.

2. Physically demanding job

CVS pharmacists must be physically fit, because they often help customers who need assistance in standing, moving or heavy lifting.

3. High stress for CVS pharmacist on the job

CVS pharmacists are under a lot of stress on the job, so they have to stay calm and collected.

They also need to be able to multitask, by having good communication skills and

Major Benefits of a CVS Pharmacist Career

A CVS pharmacist career is one of the top jobs to pursue in the pharmaceutical industry.

There are various benefits that come with being a pharmacist at CVS, such as:

  1. High Salary

One of the main benefits of a CVS pharmacist career is the high salary offered by the company.

The average CVS employee salary in the United States can range from $80,000 to $135,000 a year.

2. Job Security

Another major benefit of a CVS pharmacist career is job security.

According to Indeed.com, the pharmaceutical industry will always be in demand because of an aging population, which means that pharmaceuticals are needed for the elderly.

3. Job Satisfaction

There is a lot of job satisfaction in a CVS career as well, which makes it one of the top jobs to pursue today.

You get to work with people who need your help and you know that you are making a difference in their lives.

4. Advancement Opportunities

A pharmacist who works for CVS can advance their career to a supervisor position.

Becoming a pharmacy supervisor is one of the most important steps in moving up from the bottom of the food chain.

A pharmacist supervisor is responsible for managing others, so they must have excellent management skills and be able to work well with people.

More Benefits of a CVS Pharmacist Career

5. Work Environment

CVS pharmacists have an atmosphere that encourages teamwork and productivity, which makes it one of the best places to work.

CVS wants to make their employees happy and if you are doing your job well, you will be recognized by your co-workers, which will make you feel proud of yourself.

6. Work Life Balance

There is a good work life balance in a CVS career as well, which allows pharmacists to have time for family and friends.

If you can find this type of balance in your career and still make a good living, then you will be very happy in the end.

Conclusion

The CVS pharmacist is a career that is demanding yet very rewarding. The position demands great responsibility, organization, and business acumen.

In addition, they have to be able to multitask while providing excellent customer service and care.