Demand for temporary pharmacists increasing, says AHS PharmStat

Pharmacist staffing agencies are growing as the demand for temporary pharmacy professionals continues to rise.

An illustration of this growth can be found in the example of AHS PharmStat in Edmond, Okla. One of the fastest-growing pharmacy staffing firms in the United States, it recently added 5 new employees to celebrate the first anniversary of the opening of its corporate office. Founded in Houston, in 2001, the company provides both temporary and permanent placement of pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.

Because pharmacists and pharmacy technicians are projected to be part of the 16th fastest-growing occupation in the nation, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, executives with AHS PharmStat expect more growth in the future. “There is a huge demand for pharmacists. They are estimating a more than 100,000 pharmacist shortfall by 2020 - with a continued decline in pharmacy school applications,” said Jerick Henley, president of AHS PharmStat.

More pharmacies and pharmacists are now using staffing agencies to help secure the employee or career they desire, according to AHS. “By working with a staffing agency on a temporary assignment, it allows the pharmacist to have a much better idea of what they are looking for in terms of the company culture. And, when the time comes for the company to open up the temporary position as full-time, the candidate is perfectly positioned to interview for that full-time job,” said a statement from AHS.