Oncology pharmacy is a field that deals with the treatment of cancer patients in all stages of cancer for prolonged and most healthy living. Let us know ‘How Much Is Oncology Pharmacist’s Salary?’.
How Much Is Oncology Pharmacist’s Salary?
Currently, an oncology pharmacist in the US is paid an average of about $120,000 yearly, which is about $10,000 monthly, the salaries differ with highly experienced oncology pharmacists who earn over $600,000 yearly. For more on oncology pharmacy, the way of living of oncology pharmacists, and more, read below.
Oncology Pharmacy
Oncology pharmacy has to do with all research on cancer, its symptoms, treatments, and so on. Yes, there is no cure for cancer, but its symptoms can surely be treated.
That is what the oncology pharmacist is for, checking on patients with cancer, reviewing symptoms, prescribing medicine dosages, times for the dosages, and writing chemotherapy orders.
Cancer causes a rise in the fatality rate every year and being a pharmacist in oncology has its ups and downs. It is a challenging and rewarding experience.
The patient doesn’t just need treatment but supportive care and psychological treatment for the patient and their family.
With new drugs being provided consistently, the oncology pharmacist has to not only consider the good effects of the drugs on their patient but also the side effects, which should be less than the advantages of the drug.
Oncology pharmacists provide medication therapy and emotional support for cancer patients when they develop side effects like hair loss. Also, help metastatic patients relieve pain in their last months of living.
Usually, when cancer patients get into the last phase, they experience a lot of pain which can be relieved with medication and a pain pump.
Oncology Pharmacist’s study and responsibilities
The United States is a huge country with a total population of 332.4 million, still, there is always room for a decent living.
In the US, there are currently over three thousand board-certified oncology pharmacists, across all states.
Board certification means when an individual is fully recognized as having required and relevant information, knowledge, experiences, and skills in their specified field of study.
To complete board certification as an oncology pharmacist, you need to have at least passed four years of clinical pharmacy or Postgraduate Year (PGY 1) and PGY2 in oncology pharmacy residency.
You have to have years of experience in oncology to be considered an oncology pharmacist.
Not every medical personnel gets board certification, board certification shows how dedicated one is to their profession and can heighten your chances of getting a job in the already competitive job market.
An average oncology pharmacist spends a minimum of 80 hours weekly in the hospital, usually, the oncology pharmacist is already at the hospital by 6 am, to review lab results and check on charts. They perform morning rounds and evening rounds and update databases on how patients’ conditions have progressed or declined.
Some oncology pharmacists may work on the weekends. The pharmacist performs checks on their patients daily, monitoring and managing their symptoms, so the pharmacist should be able to handle their patient’s emotions and have empathy.
Some other duties of oncology pharmacists are listed below.
- Researching the different stages of cancers and determining the most appropriate drugs for treatment.
- Keeping and organizing medical records of patients.
- Controlling and managing drug inventory, they control which drugs are outdated and no longer in use.
- Working with medical personnel to provide the patient with the most effective treatment.
- Providing information and knowledge for patients and their families regarding medication dosages and the progress of treatments.
Average Salaries of Oncology Pharmacists in Some Parts of the US
Oncology pharmacists all over the US are not paid equally, probably due to location, the number of patients available, or level, knowledge, and experiences gained. Below is a list of how much oncology pharmacists are paid in some parts of the United States from the highest to the lowest.
- San Francisco, California, with a yearly salary of $156,334, and $13,027 monthly.
- Fremont, California, $150,073 annually, $12,506 monthly.
- San Jose, California, $146,592 annually and $12,216 monthly.
- Oakland, California, $144,988 annually, $12,082 monthly.
- Tanaina, Alaska, $144,584 annually, $12,048 monthly.
- Wasilla, Alaska, $144,582 annually, $12,046 monthly.
- Sunnyvale, California, $142,787 annually, $11,899 monthly.
- New Jersey, $142,665 annually, $11,889 monthly.
- Hayward, California, $141,951 annually, $11,829 monthly.
- Jackson, Wyoming, $141,193 annually, $11,766 monthly.
- Norwalk, Connecticut, $141,001 annually, $11,750 monthly.
- New York, $138,458 yearly, $11, 538 monthly.
- Florida, an average of $135,989 annually, and $11,332 monthly.
- Florence, South Carolina, $116,315 yearly, $9693 monthly.
- Ohio, an average of $115,339 yearly, and $9,612 monthly.
Apart from their salaries, oncology pharmacists receive benefits including vacations, medical and dental insurance, retirement plans, and many more.
Conclusion
The salary received by oncology pharmacists depends on their level of expertise and locations of practice. Some oncology pharmacists work in medical centers and clinics. Generally, a top oncology pharmacist, usually one with board certification, can make up to $600,000 yearly, which is $50,000 monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you specialize in oncology pharmacy?
To be a specialist in oncology pharmacy, you need to have a degree in Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D.), complete a residency program and get a license in oncology pharmacy.
- How long does it take to be an oncology pharmacist?
The years it would take all depends on you, not dropping out of college or taking a break. Without any of the above conditions, it should take a minimum of ten years plus your college and residency years.
- Can you become an oncology pharmacist without going through residency?
Most oncology pharmacists you might see today went through residency and even fellowship before getting to where they are, however it is also possible to become an oncology pharmacist without going through any of those programs.
- How long is a BCOP exam?
BCOP stands for Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist and the exam takes about two hours and thirty minutes.
- Is there a difference between a chemotherapy pharmacist and an oncology pharmacist?
A chemotherapy pharmacist is also called an oncology pharmacist, they might as well be the same thing as they are both related to cancer.
