Pharmacists are in demand across the country

Not only is there concern about Iowa’s looming shortage of teachers and doctors, the state is also running low on pharmacists. While there’s a low number of pharmacists nationwide, other states are offering Iowa druggists lots of money, luxury cars and other incentives to move away.Lloyd Matheson is associate dean of the University of Iowa’s Pharmacy College. He says the college sees about 95 to 100 graduates a year and about half stay in Iowa. Matheson says fewer people are chosing pharmacy as a profession, though more drug stores are opening daily.Lloyd Jessen is spokesman for the Iowa Pharmacy Examiners Board. Jessen says the health care industry has changed over the years, forcing an increased demand for pharmacists — and colleges can’t keep up.Jessen does not see the state of Iowa getting involved with offering incentives to lure more pharmacists to settle here. He says its more of an issue for employers than the state.The U-of-I’s Pharmacy College offers a six-year plan — the first undergrad year is pre-pharmacy, followed by a five-year pharmacy program.