Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Pharmaceutical Jobs, Occupations and Careers

Pharmaceutical

Pharmaceutical companies research, develop, produce, and sell chemical or biological substances for medical or veterinary use, including prescription and generic drugs, vitamins and nutritional supplements, drug delivery systems and diagnostic substances, and related products, equipment and services, including distribution and wholesale.

Pharmaceutical occupations include pharmacists, pharmaceutical sales representatives, medicinal chemists, clinical trial administrators, toxicology study managers, clinical research associates, regulatory affairs specialists and drug approval officers. Does not include pure research positions - see life science opportunities outside the drug industry - see Biotech / Biology.

Pharmacology is the study of how chemical substances interact with living systems. If these substances have medicinal properties, they are referred to as pharmaceuticals. The field encompasses drug composition, drug properties, interactions, toxicology and desirable effects that can be used in therapy of diseases.

Development of medication is a vital concern to medicine, but also has strong economical and political implications. To protect the consumer and prevent abuse, many governments regulate the sale and administration of medication.

Pharmacologists practice pharmacology as a science. Clinical pharmacology is the medical field of pharmacology.

Pharmacy is the profession of compounding and dispensing medication. More recently, the term has come to include other services related to patient care including clinical practice, medication review, drug information, etc. Law in various legislatures now mandates some of these new roles. Pharmacists, therefore, are the primary health professionals who optimize medication management to produce positive health-outcomes.

The symbols most commonly associated with pharmacy are the mortar and pestle.

Pharmaceuticals Related Industries

• Biotech / Biology
• Health / Medical