Understanding pathways to health-system pharmacy administration: A journey mapping study.

This article focuses on exploring and describing the pathways to becoming a health-system pharmacy administrator, including the challenges encountered and resources needed. Using journey mapping with 21 participants experienced in pharmacy leadership, the study identified varied pathways often beginning with pharmacy school, high school, or undergraduate training, with most including residency or a master's of science in health-system pharmacy administration (MS-HSPA). Common challenges across these pathways included financial and time constraints, stress, and competing priorities, while key supports involved exposure to diverse career options, mentoring, networking, and leadership development. The study highlights the evolving definition and core competencies of pharmacy administrators, the significant role of serendipity and networking in career progression, and the need for accessible, sustainable training and pipeline programs to develop and retain a diverse and competent pharmacy administration workforce.