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Katherine Johnson
Joan Robinson
English 101-4002
8 November 2015
A Brief Look at Current and Future Neuropharmacologists
Of all the careers in the world, only one suits my needs best. Becoming a
neuropharmacologist feeds my love for research, psychology, and influencing change. Certain
skills such as the ability to write and analyze information are my natural talents, and the core
foundation for success in this career. Those who enter into this career tend to be financially stable
and well-paid for their work. Neuropharmacologists produce medications, research nerve
diseases, and learn associations between the brain and prescription drugs.
Neuropharmacologists tend to do what someone who is a generic medical scientist does.
Most of which includes analyzing data, problem-solving, and researching. By conducting their
own experiments, they improve the knowledge about mental issues pertaining to the brain and
those who also seek to treat them. This specifically relates to the effects of medications on the
brain ("Medical Scientists and Pharmacologists). Although it is important to be able to perform
duties, those who hire look for even more from candidates. The ability to communicate
concepts, data and processes to colleagues (Got Jobs) as well as the ability to collaborate is
key to this occupation. Employers look for applicants who can build upon the support of others
to ultimately complete their goal ("Got Jobs"). This support can be in the form of clinical
scientists, experts in medical fields, or even with other pharmacologists. Some job listings expect

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the team to meld ideas together as a unit, while many other others seek independent workers who
are supplemented by expertise ("Education").
A neuropharmacologist, a type of medical scientist, typically works in an office or
laboratory. Mostly they analyze data and reports. In terms of danger, the only situation is when
they handle unsafe biological samples and chemicals ("Medical Scientists and
Pharmacologists). While the working conditions sometimes are at one location, certain
opportunities expect applicants to travel. Some of the locations could be to move between instate work-sites, while others require travel outside of region. In general, the higher ranking
pharmacologists are expected to travel, while the lesser ranking are able to stay in one spot. This
difference explains the expectation and pay gap between these two groups. A young
neuropharmacologist typically does not relocate, while the experienced are expected to travel for
important research ("Got Jobs").
In terms of tools and equipment, the uses relate to the studies the neuropharmacologist
conducts. Computers are used for analyzing, researching, and sorting data. At times, those in this
occupation may use a microscope in order to look at cells closely. They will use various types of
medical equipment to research and collect data ("Medical Scientists and Pharmacologists). In
some cases, the pharmacologists have a support system to fix their computers and software.
Some employers favor those who can troubleshoot systems proficiently for time and money
management. Since computers are used so often to organize data, individuals should be able to
use Microsoft office suite (Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Word) and statistical analysis packages
("Got Jobs"). Although high-technological, scientific tools are used, basic tools such as Microsoft
Word are crucial to the work of neuropharmacologists.

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To conduct all the research needed to reach results, neuropharmacologists tend to work
often during the week. Most pharmacologists work full time. This includes around forty hours a
week, though sometimes needing overtime ("Medical Scientists and Pharmacologists). Alike to
many other medical scientists, some have short-term contracts for select periods of time. Some
standard contracts tend to range from two years to an non-explicit period of time. Many note that
by the end of the project, the applicants role is complete. The routine schedule that causes them
to work long hours tends to regulate the amount of time employers pay workers ("Got Jobs").
In terms of neuropharmacologists, income variation is largely dependent on experience.
Pay varies based on the specific job listing chosen and the specifications ("Medical Scientists
and Pharmacologists). Listings with larger expectations for their employees tend to pay
applicants more, especially in the case of having extra training and a graduate degree. Employers
who expect more from their employees, pay more due to their larger amount of obligations ("Got
Jobs"). Many new neuropharmacologists have their pay start around ninety-thousand dollars.
Later on, the pay increases, leaving the median to be nearly ninety-two-thousand dollars
("Medical Scientists and Pharmacologists). Although it seems as though experience does not
increase pay, it does. More experienced scientists receive bonuses, and typically are offered
better contracts over time ("Got Jobs").
In terms of growing rate, the growth of neuropharmacology stays about the same. It is the
same as the national average reaching 13% for growth. As time progresses, there is only a select
amount of occupations available ("Medical Scientists and Pharmacologists). The nature of the
job explains the lack of job openings. While this is a medical field, it is diverse and individuals
who have worked in other medical fields often can apply as well. The diverse nature of
pharmacology and expertise makes this occupation more competitive than others ("Education").

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Upcoming neuropharmacologists need to typically get a bachelors degree in biology,
neuroscience, chemistry, or another medical related field. Later on, many enter into Phd
programs and it is strongly recommended that they seek dual accreditation for MD and Phd.
Dual-accreditation gives more opportunities in the field and the ability to receive higher pay due
to experience and training (Medical Scientists and Pharmacologists). Certain
neuropharmacologist jobs give preference to those with credits in both, though they only require
that the applicant have a Phd ("Got Jobs").
During the MD or postdoctoral study, neuropharmacologists can choose to learn more
about neuroscience and/or pharmacology. This experience is used to cultivate learning, establish
a strong resume, and sometimes the credentials for their medical degree ("Medical Scientists and
Pharmacologists). Certain programs offered by schools with this area as their specialty range
from one year to three years which typically require extra course work and study in neuroscience
and pharmacology. Applicants who engage in such programs tend to be better, have more
experience, and are paid more. According to the University of California, programs such as these
prepare graduates for success in the rapidly changing field of pharmaceutical sciences
(Graduate Program). Although not all careers as a neuropharmacologist require them to pursue
extra credentials, the likelihood of employment increases with additional training.
The benefits of becoming a neuropharmacologist are overwhelming, as well as the
possible mishaps from choosing it. In terms of job safety, this occupation is generally sound as
long as protocol is followed, and there will not be extensive hard labor to deal with either. The
wage is high, even as entry level, and the benefits are generally decent. Due to being in the
medical field, many have more than sufficient healthcare and plans ("Medical Scientists and
Pharmacologists). Employers competitively offer reward programs and benefits, so bonuses and

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healthcare increase from competition as do better offers. Also, contracted agreements can give an
employee a sense of stability as well as reliable income. In terms of occupation, the benefits and
income are steady for this career choice ("Got Jobs").
Unfortunately, the time for getting the certifications and needed job preparation fulfilled
takes more than half a decade. Many potential neuropharmacologists will be deterred from the
hard academics and expensive graduate program. Although the wage is high, the amount of time
and energy spent into the schooling is enormous. Hundreds and thousands of dollars of debt will
be waiting for those who follow this career path ("Graduate Program).
Becoming a neuropharmacologist suits my interests because it satisfies my love for
writing, neuroscience, and research. Though the time spent in college may be long, it literally
pays off. Not only will I receive benefits and a large wage, my inner aspirations will come to
fruition. Those in this occupation will be able to influence the lives of others and impact the
scientific world.
My first step to becoming a neuropharmacologist is finishing my associates degree.
Once finished, I will transfer to larger college that has a strong neuroscience basis and
pharmacology program. After two to three years, I will have a bachelors in neuroscience and be
prepared for my later steps into medical school and/or a program for my Phd. In order to reach
the height of my success, I will most definitely participate in extracurricular opportunities on my
road to success. The balance of my dedication as well as my inherent skills creates a positive
future as a neuropharmacologist.

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Works Cited
"Education." International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. IUPHAR. N.d. Web. 26
Oct. 2015.
"GOT JOBS? Reach Your Niche Market with 24/7 Visibility!" Job Bank. Safety Pharmacology
Society. N.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2015.
"Graduate Program." University of California: MCP. University of California. N.d. Web. 24 Oct.
2015.
"Medical Scientists and Pharmacologists." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics, 8 Jan. 2014. Web. 22 Oct. 2015.