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Clinical Pharmacist Specialist-Critical Care

Upmc Mercy
UPMC Mercy
3-6 years
USD $71.17 – $106.77 per hour
Harrisburg, United States
10 Feb. 16, 2026
Job Description
Job Type: Full Time Education: B.Sc./ M.Sc./ M.Pharm/ B.Pharm/ Life Sciences Skills: Causality Assessment, Clinical SAS Programming, Communication Skills, CPC Certified, GCP guidelines, ICD-10 CM Codes, CPT-Codes, HCPCS Codes, ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS Coding, ICH guidelines, ICSR Case Processing, Interpersonal Skill, Labelling Assessment, MedDRA Coding, Medical Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Terminology, Narrative Writing, Research & Development, Technical Skill, Triage of ICSRs, WHO DD Coding

Clinical Pharmacist Specialist – Critical Care
Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
Facility: UPMC Harrisburg
Department: Pharmacy
Employment Type: Full-Time | On-Site | Day Shift
Salary Range: USD $71.17 – $106.77 per hour
Sign-On Bonus: Up to $10,000 (based on experience)
Experience Required: 3–6+ Years Clinical Pharmacy Experience (Critical Care or Specialized Area)

About the Organization

UPMC is a leading integrated healthcare delivery system recognized for excellence in patient care, research, and education. UPMC in Central Pennsylvania is committed to advancing clinical pharmacy services and delivering evidence-based medication management across specialized care settings.

Position Overview

The Clinical Pharmacist Specialist – Critical Care plays a vital role within the interdisciplinary healthcare team, delivering advanced clinical pharmacy services to critically ill patients. This position focuses on safe, evidence-based, and patient-centered medication management in high-acuity environments.

The specialist provides direct patient care, leads therapeutic programs, participates in emergency response, and ensures regulatory and quality compliance within hospital pharmacy operations.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Leadership & Therapeutic Oversight

  • Lead assigned critical care service lines and therapeutic programs

  • Design and implement antimicrobial stewardship, medication restriction, and surveillance initiatives

  • Develop and oversee policies for drug purchasing, distribution, and control

  • Align medication utilization systems with evidence-based best practices and regulatory standards

  • Benchmark pharmacy programs against national and institutional performance metrics

Direct Patient Care – Critical Care Setting

  • Provide comprehensive medication therapy management for critically ill patients

  • Identify high-risk patients and implement interventions to improve safety and outcomes

  • Adjust drug therapy based on clinical assessment, labs, and patient-specific factors

  • Participate in medical emergencies and rapid response events

  • Conduct discharge medication reconciliation and patient counseling

  • Prevent and mitigate adverse drug events, drug interactions, overdosing, underdosing, and untreated indications

Operational & Regulatory Excellence

  • Maintain proficiency in hospital information systems and medication ordering platforms

  • Oversee pharmacy technician activities and decentralized pharmacy services

  • Facilitate procurement and dispensing of specialty medications, including chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition, and controlled substances

  • Ensure continuity of care between shifts and interdisciplinary teams

  • Participate in quality improvement initiatives and clinical research projects

Education & Practice Advancement

  • Serve as a preceptor for pharmacy students and residents

  • Develop training programs and competency frameworks

  • Contribute to experiential education and professional development initiatives

  • Advance medication-use systems to enhance patient safety and optimize therapeutic outcomes

Education & Qualifications

  • Graduate of an ACPE-accredited College of Pharmacy

  • Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD); PharmD preferred

  • Current Pharmacist licensure in Pennsylvania (Required)

Residency & Experience Requirements

Candidates must meet one of the following:

  • Completion of ASHP-accredited PGY-2 Pharmacy Residency in Critical Care or related specialty
    OR

  • PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency plus 3 years of clinical pharmacy experience in a specialized area
    OR

  • Minimum 6 years of clinical pharmacy experience in a specialized practice area

Preferred Certifications

  • Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) Certification preferred, particularly in Critical Care Pharmacy or related specialty areas

Core Competencies

  • Advanced clinical expertise in critical care pharmacotherapy

  • Strong knowledge of comprehensive medication management and evidence-based medicine

  • Experience in antimicrobial stewardship and restricted medication programs

  • Excellent interdisciplinary communication and collaboration skills

  • Ability to manage high-acuity patient care in fast-paced environments

  • Strong analytical and quality improvement capabilities


Licensure & Clearances

  • Active Pharmacist License (Pennsylvania)

  • Act 34 Clearance (as applicable)

Why Consider This Role

This position offers an opportunity to practice at the highest level of clinical pharmacy within a respected academic healthcare system. The role combines advanced critical care pharmacotherapy, research participation, interdisciplinary leadership, and structured career development within a high-performance hospital setting.

Equal Opportunity Statement

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Disability and Veteran status.