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Education for Jobs in the Pharmaceutical Industry

August 23, 2006
by Joe Cooper
joe.cooper@healthcare-programs.com
Healthcare Programs Columnist

The pharmaceutical industry is one of the business sectors charted for the highest growth over the next decade, even century. But being successful in the pharmaceutical industry means being educated. In fact, over 60% of professionals in the pharmaceutical industry have a bachelor's degree or higher.

The Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceuticals is a powerhouse of an industry, already big and still growing. It is a global business with offices and manufacturing plants all over the world, including large presences in the US, Asia, and India. Working in this industry means working amidst fierce competition, as factors such as government regulation, health insurance and reimbursement, and science play a large role in the success of businesses.

Pharmaceutical Jobs

There are many types of pharmaceutical jobs available, from Chemist to Sales Rep. Knowing your specific area of interest in the industry will help you determine the type of pharmaceutical career for which you should prepare.

Here are the major pharmaceutical positions, any one of which offers solid job prospects:
  • Biologist
  • Chemist
  • Scientist
  • Technician
  • Inspector
  • Quality Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative

Pharmaceutical Degrees

The education you'll need to qualify for pharmaceutical jobs will vary depending on your field and position. For instance, if you want to be a biologist in the pharmaceutical industry, most jobs require a bachelor's in science as well as a master's degree.

Here are some examples of the areas in which professionals in the pharmaceutical industry hold degrees:
  • Pharmaceutical Science
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Pharmaceutical Marketing
  • Business

One thing's for certain: an education is essential for a pharmaceutical career. Earnings for this industry are much higher than national averages for similar positions, so the investment will be well worth it. Research degree programs in the health, science, and business fields, and fine the one that's best for you.

Source
About the Author
Joe Cooper is a freelance education and technology writer and edits medical literature. He holds a bachelor's in American Literature from UCLA.


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