How to Become a Pharmacologist

This article will help you learn how to enter the field of pharmacology and gain information to see if a career in the pharmaceutical industry may be for you. There is an array of personal skills and education that go into becoming a pharmacologist. If you’re an aspiring pharmacologist, read on to find out more about this exciting career.

What is a Pharmacologist?

A pharmacologist is essentially a scientific medical researcher working with chemicals and other substances to discover new drug applications useful for the human body, plants, or animal purposes. Duties of this highly technical vocation include mixing components, analyzing and recording results of those mixtures, applying these mixtures to real-world use via clinical research trials, clinical trial analysis, test medications and more. Clinical pharmacologists work to create new drugs and pharmaceuticals through extensive research and drug development. These medical scientists do clinical trials to develop new drug therapies and prevent drug interactions.

Experts in biomedical sciences have an in-depth understanding of biological systems and how drugs are metabolized, absorbed by the body, and utilized to benefit people or other living things. Through their study they work to prevent drug adverse side effects as well.

Pharmacologist Education Requirements

Aspiring pharmacologists make education a priority to become successful in this field. The potential to make such a difference in the greater picture of society is significant in a career in clinical pharmacology. This potential inherently means that an adequate education must be obtained first. An educational path to becoming a pharmacologist will be loaded with life sciences, biological sciences, math, medicine, molecular biology, physiology, and chemistry. The most direct educational route to this occupation is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry or related field, followed by a master’s degree in pharmacology. Many go on to earn a Ph.D in pharmacology or other high level degree, or attend medical school. However, others can gain entrance to pharmacology work through similar, relevant medical and science degrees. Examples include degrees in biology and a medical degree.

It is important to note that a degree in pharmacy will not open any doors to a pharmacology career. As clarified by the Pharmacy College Application Service, pharmacy is a similar study. It is also a similar word. However, it is different educational and career path, not leading one to become a pharmacologist.

Personal Traits and Skills of a Pharmacologist

As with any serious profession, becoming a great pharmacologist can be made much easier when one possesses certain skills and personal traits. Those who are detail-oriented will have a particular inclination in pharmacology. Extremely small, precise quantities, weights, and measures are the world of many pharmacologists. You must not be one to quickly tire of small details.

Another great, personal skill is the ability to stay organized and data analysis skills. As a pharmacologist, you will be responsible for a huge volume of information. Whether it is all stored on your laptop, on physical bookshelves, in filing cabinets, or even a combination of the three, you must be organized in the storage and recall of the data. Data must be quantified and analyzed, and the pharmacologist must have communication skills to communicate findings. These medical scientists also must use their communication skills to write grant proposals to get the funds needed for their important research.

Pharmacologists need critical thinking skills to determine the best system to solve a research question. Observation skills to observe samples and data and using their decision-making skills to determine what is important in solving a research question are also needed to be a successful pharmacologist.

How much does a Pharmacologist make?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people working as medical scientists with a Ph.D or professional degree can expect to make a median salary of $95,310 per year in May 2021. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reveals an excellent job outlook of 17% growth between 2020 and 2030, which is much faster than average job growth. Clinical pharmacology is a growing field, according to recent labor statistics. Most pharmacologists earn a good living with an above-average salary, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Go to the Source

Finally, one of the best ways to get on the path to the field of pharmacology is to go directly to the sources of pharmacology jobs. By doing so, you will find out exactly what is being asked of prospective pharmacologists. Repeated communication with employers can even lead to a certain repertoire, familiarity, and thus, the job. Look to government agencies, colleges, hospitals, private research entities, and pharmaceutical companies who may employ pharmacologists.

Stay the Course

It will not happen overnight, but with some persistence, you can break into pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences. This is a lucrative, technical, and respectable career choice. Get the right education, be sure you have some of the career’s more helpful personal traits, and check with actual job providers who hire pharmacologists. You will eventually earn the prize, and enter the exciting field of pharmacology.

What is the professional organization for Pharmacologists?

Professional organizations help their profession through promotion and continuing education, among other things. The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET) is a 4,000 member professional organization whose members conduct pharmacological research and work in academia, government, pharmaceutical companies, biotech companies, and non-profit organizations. Members work in neuroscience, toxicology, chemical biology, and other important fields. Members’ research helps develop new medications and other therapeutic agents to fight diseases and cure medical conditions.

MPH Staff, August 2022

How Do You Become a Pharmacologist?