Retired pharmacists sometimes find it challenging to adapt to retirement as they are used to always being on the go. What are the best options for a retired pharmacist looking for a second career?
The best second careers for retired pharmacists are in pharmacology and education. Retired pharmacists may also consider writing, clinical research, or cosmetic pharmacy. Working in a lab or sales are also great options.
This article will cover 15 rewarding second careers for retired pharmacists. Let’s get started!
1. Regulatory Affairs Pharmacist
- Salary: $53 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 5 regulatory affairs pharmacist jobs are available on
A regulatory affairs pharmacist officer is a pharmacist who has the knowledge, skills, and experience to work on FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) regulatory affairs projects. This is the highest-paying second careers for pharmacists.
Regulatory affairs involves ensuring drugs are safe and effective before releasing them to the public. They also ensure that information about drugs is accurate and up-to-date. This role often involves coordination with other teams in the pharmaceutical industry, such as marketing or sales teams.
RA pharmacist officers may also work for pharmaceutical companies or government agencies that regulate pharmaceuticals. They are usually responsible for creating or updating pharmaceutical regulations, such as packaging and labeling requirements and other guidelines.
They also handle any communication needs between companies and regulators regarding drug approval.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or a related field
- A postgraduate qualification or research-based MSc is preferred
- Excellent communication skills
2. Health Communication Specialist
- Salary: $35 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 61 medical communication jobs are available on
Medical communications is an exciting and rapidly growing field. Medical communicators work in various settings:
- Hospitals
- Emergency rooms
- Clinics
- TV news stations
- Newspaper and magazine companies
A medical communicator’s job is communicating information about medical topics to the public. Your job may include participating in various projects, including writing press releases, creating documentaries, and hosting webinars.
There are many different ways that a medical communications professional can make money. Some work with media organizations, while others work for pharmaceutical companies to promote new medications.
Some medical communicators work for non-profit organizations, advocating for better healthcare systems or promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- An advanced scientific degree (Ph.D./PharmD/Masters degree) is helpful
- Excellent communication skills
- Team player
3. Biomedical Scientist
- Average Salary: ranges from $74,000 to $165,000.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 13 biomedical scientist jobs are available on
A biomedical scientist works in a biological field, such as genetics, biochemistry, cell biology, and physiology. This field requires a strong knowledge of biology to work effectively, but it offers a lot of scope for personal growth and development.
This role involves studying the causes, effects, and interactions of both physical and chemical processes in living organisms and how those organisms interact with their surrounding environment.
Biomedical scientists may work at any level of academic study, from undergraduate students to full professors.
Requirements
- An advanced scientific degree (Ph.D./PharmD/Masters degree), depending on the area
- A keen eye for detail
- A deep understanding of the intricacies of molecular biology and genetics
4. Jobs In The Cosmetic Industry
- Salary: $25 per hour.
- Workload: 88% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 2,534 cosmetic jobs are available on
The cosmetic industry is a great career path for retired pharmacists. For example, you can work as a cosmetic pharmacist who is knowledgeable in dermatology and other cosmetic treatments. They are well-versed in their patients’ skin care needs and can offer advice on various skin disorders, ranging from acne to wrinkles.
They can also help patients explore non-medical solutions such as makeup, tattoo removal, and hair coloring. In addition to dispensing medication, cosmetic pharmacists can provide educational materials for customers on skin care routines, self-care products, and anti-aging techniques.
Requirements
- An industry-related course
- At least 2 to 3 years of experience in cosmetic pharmacy
- Certified training in aesthetic procedures, such as Botox injections, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels
- Sound knowledge of aesthetic procedures, including injectable fillers
5. Pharmaceutical Research Technician
- Salary: $22 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 3 pharmaceutical research technician jobs are available on
A pharmaceutical research technician is involved in the research and development of new medicines. This can include working with scientists creating new drugs and technicians testing the effectiveness of various ingredients. It can also include developing new formulations of existing medications.
This job has various responsibilities, depending on the specific role. For example, some technicians may work directly with patients, while others may work in a lab.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Willingness to learn new skills and perform administrative work
- Ability to work alone in a lab
6. Medical Writer
- Salary: $35 per hour.
- Workload: 92% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 1,711 medical writer jobs are available on
A medical writer writes about medicine, health, and healthcare. They can help doctors, nurses, and healthcare providers create, publish and communicate about medical care. It can be a full-time job or freelance work.
Sometimes, medical writers work with companies that create medicine or devices for the healthcare field. Medical writers may also work for publications like specialist news magazines, blogs, or journals.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field or Advanced Scientific degree (Ph.D./PharmD/Masters degree), depending on the area.
- Excellent writing and editing skills
- Ability to conduct medical and pharmaceutical research
7. Clinical Research Scientist
- Average Salary: vary between $63,000 and $206,000.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 10 clinical research scientist jobs are available on
A clinical research scientist (CRS) performs clinical research. Pharmaceutical or medical device companies employ them to help develop new drugs and devices.
In this career, you will be responsible for designing and executing clinical research studies, data analysis, and writing reports. It is not an easy field to enter, but clinical research scientists can earn very high salaries depending on their experience and skill set.
Most CRSs work in the pharmaceutical industry, but some work for medical device companies. Some CRSs work part-time while others work full-time. In this role, you will have a supervisor or manager who oversees all aspects of the project.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field
- An advanced scientific degree (Ph.D./PharmD/Masters degree) is preferred
- Experience working in a lab or conducting research is helpful
8. Educational Pharmacist
- Salary: $23 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 12 educational pharmacist jobs are available on
A pharmacist can work in education by providing health education and counseling to various groups, including the general public and patients. This is a great career for retired pharmacists who want to help others.
In an educational role, pharmacists can teach people various things:
- Healthy eating
- How to achieve a healthy lifestyle
- How to read food labels
- How to take medication and supplements safely
They may also counsel people struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression.
Educating others about disease prevention is essential for maintaining public health, so pharmacists are a crucial resource.
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals and must adhere to strict protocols and codes of conduct regarding patient confidentiality.
Requirements
- A postgraduate certificate in education (PGCE) and one year of teaching experience
- Completion of a graduate teaching program is preferred
- A passion for educating people
9. Pharmacologist
- Average Salary: $121,715 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 3 pharmacologist jobs are available on
A pharmacologist specializes in the study of drugs and how they work. They often work in research, pharmaceutical companies, or universities. Most pharmacologists work full time, although part-time positions are also available.
In addition to research and teaching, pharmacologists may perform clinical trials of new drugs and treatments. Because of their knowledge of how medications affect the body, they make key decisions in how new drugs are approved for use.
They also closely monitor prescription drug sales to ensure they are safe and effective.
Requirements
Unfortunately, a degree in pharmacy is not sufficient to become a pharmacologist. It is still a great second career if you are willing to furter your education in biochemistry, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. Requirements include:
- An advanced scientific degree (Ph.D./PharmD/Masters degree)
- A few years of experience working as a researcher or lab technician is preferred
- Experience in clinical trials is often preferred
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to understand and explain technical information to non-specialists
10. Care Home Pharmacist
- Salary: $12 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 8 care work from home pharmacist jobs are available on
A care home pharmacist works as part of the care home team. The role can vary depending on the location and size of the home but typically involves providing medication management services to residents.
Care home pharmacists dispense drugs and ensure that residents take their medication correctly. They also provide medication and basic healthcare advice to residents and other care home staff members.
The role could also involve working alongside another healthcare professional to provide holistic care for residents. This includes providing medication reviews and support.
This job is becoming increasingly common as there is a growing number of elderly people living in residential care homes.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a science-related field
- Compassion and patience with elderly persons
- Team player
11. Jobs In The Toxicology Industry
- Average Salary: $84,308 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 61 toxicology jobs are available on
Pharmaceutical toxicology is a great second career for retired pharmacists. It is a highly specialized field and involves studying the adverse effects of new drugs on patients before the pharmaceutical company deems them safe for public use.
Most pharmaceutical toxicologists work for pharmaceutical companies and analyze vast amounts of data as one of their primary job functions. The role can be exciting because you’re helping to bring new and safe drugs to the market.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field or Advanced Scientific degree (Ph.D./PharmD/Masters degree)
- A post-graduate qualification in toxicology or pharmaceutical toxicology
- Strong analytical skills
12. Medical Laboratory Technician
- Salary: $26 per hour.
- Workload: 88% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 294 medical laboratory technician jobs are available on
A laboratory technician works in a laboratory or scientific setting. They may be involved in various tasks, including:
- Cleaning, testing, and maintaining equipment
- Ensuring the laboratory is clean
- Organizing samples for testing or lab supplies
Similar roles to a lab technician include an assistant to the scientist or a research associate.
The responsibilities could also be different depending on their other job. For example, a lab technician working with a biologist may be responsible for running experiments, while a lab technician working with a chemical engineer may handle more technical duties.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a science field
- Previous experience working in a lab is useful
- Excellent analytical skills
13. Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
- Average Salary: $53,000 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 14 pharmaceutical sales representative jobs are available on
A pharmaceutical sales representative helps increase drug and medical device sales to medical professionals and organizations. They provide information to doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals about the products they represent and educate them on their uses and side effects. You may also need to troubleshoot any issues that may arise.
Working in pharmaceutical sales can be highly rewarding as you can build relationships with medical professionals and introduce innovative products.
Pharmaceutical sales representatives work in a fast-paced and challenging environment, so you must be able to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions for problems.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a science field
- Sales experience (experience working in a retail pharmacy counts)
- Excellent communication and organization skills
- Persuasive and charismatic personality
14. Pharmaceutical Economist
- Average Salary: $115,907 per year.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 8 pharmaceutical economist jobs are available on
A pharmaceutical economist can work in the private sector or for a government organization. In the private sector, pharmaceutical economists research how private healthcare facilities buy, use, and distribute drugs and medical devices. Their research can help the organization create better drug and medical device marketing strategies.
Pharmaceutical economists working for government organizations have similar job functions. However, instead of helping their employers maximize profits.
Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree in a related field or Advanced Scientific degree (Ph.D./PharmD/Masters degree)
- A course in health or pharmaceutical economics
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills
15. Phlebotomy Technician
- Salary: $19 per hour.
- Workload: 100% of positions are full-time.
- Low Demand: 21 phlebotomy technician jobs are available on
Becoming a phlebotomist requires a relatively short training, typically lasting between six weeks and six months.
Retired pharmacists who have already completed a pharmacy degree have a strong foundation of medical knowledge that can be built upon with phlebotomy-specific training.
More Jobs for Retired Pharmacists
If you want to find a part-time job or a side job, here are some student jobs in the medical field that you should consider: