Author: Savannah Justen, PharmD Candidate, Oregon State University
Whether you are already working in a chain pharmacy or looking to start your career in community pharmacy, an independent pharmacy may be the fulfilling fresh start you’re looking for.
With patients visiting pharmacies an average of 35 times per year, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to make a difference in patient care. Of the 60,000+ pharmacies in the U.S., only about 38% of them are independent or regional franchises. While chain pharmacies are more visible, independent pharmacies offer a unique, and often more fulfilling, experience for both patients and pharmacists alike.
So, what sets independents apart?
Flexibility That Works for You and Your Patient
Unlike corporate chains, independent pharmacies aren’t bound by nationwide policies or rigid workflows. They have the freedom to adapt to the needs of their community and their staff. This is because they’re often family owned or operated by small teams, which means decisions are made locally, not at a corporate office hundreds of miles away.
Have an idea for a new service? Want to pilot a medication adherence program or implement med sync? In an independent setting, there’s room to bring those ideas to life without months of corporate approval. Independent pharmacies have the flexibility to pivot quickly and provide personalized services. This flexibility doesn’t just benefit patients; it gives you as a pharmacist the chance to help shape the direction of care and make your voice heard.
Services That Go Beyond Scripts
Independent pharmacies aren’t just flexible, they’re forward-thinking when it comes to clinical services. Freed from one-size-fits-all protocols, they can tailor to the unique needs of their community.
Many independents partner directly with local providers to offer services like:
- Chronic disease screenings: Blood Pressure, Blood Glucose, A1c, Lipids
- Point-of-care testing & test-to-treat services: Flu, COVID-19, Strep, Hep C
- Minor illness treatment: UTIs, Yeast infections, Burns, Shingles, Insect bites
- Comprehensive medication management: Diabetes, Asthma, Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia
- Public health services: Travel consults, PEP/PrEP, Opioid risk assessments
In these settings, pharmacists don’t just follow policy, they help create it. You’ll have the opportunity to design, lead, and deliver services that have real impact, all while practicing at the top of your license.
Work Life Balance That Actually Exists
One of the biggest concerns people have about independent pharmacies is their stability. But the truth is, many independents offer competitive salaries, solid benefits, and generous PTO. Some even provide profit-sharing opportunities and pathways to ownership—something rarely seen in the chain world.
When it comes to hours, independents often win. Most aren’t open on weekends or holidays, which means you get real time off. Burnout is less common, not just because of shorter hours, but because you’re part of a close-knit team that truly has your back. Need time for that dream vacation? Your coworkers will help make it happen.
You’ll Feel the Heart
One of the most noticeable differences? The people.
Independent pharmacies are rooted in their communities. Many of the pharmacists who work in them live in the same neighborhoods, shop at the same stores, and send their kids to the same schools as their patients. You’re not just a white coat behind a counter, you’re a trusted, familiar face who knows your patients’ names, stories, and needs.
This connection creates a different kind of care, one that’s genuinely personal. You’re not pressured to hit corporate metrics or push unnecessary services. You’re encouraged to take the time to know your patients, support them as whole people, and be a consistent, trusted face in their healthcare journey.
Bottom Line: A Career with Meaning
If you’re feeling burned out or disconnected in your current role, it might be time to explore what independent pharmacy has to offer. These pharmacies provide flexibility, autonomy, clinical depth, and most of all—heart.
The next time you fill a prescription or think about where your career is headed, consider stepping into a space where you’re not just a cog in the system, but a leader, a collaborator, and a healer in your community.
Independent pharmacy might just be the change you’ve been needing.
Ready to learn more? Cascadia Pharmacy Group supports over 40 independent community pharmacies across the Northwest; each committed to redefining what it means to practice pharmacy. Find your perfect fit—your future patients are waiting. Visit our Careers page to learn about open positions within our community pharmacies.
Citations:
https://www.japha.org/article/S1544-3191(22)00233-3/fulltext