Final answer:
The supply of pharmacists can be influenced by the level of education required, economic factors, job conditions, and the demand for their services. A shortage can occur when demand exceeds supply, while a surplus can happen if there are more pharmacists than required.
Step-by-step explanation:
The supply of pharmacists, like that of any profession, can be influenced by a variety of factors. One essential determinant is the level of requisite education. As the reference details, more required education often corresponds to a lower supply of professionals. In the case of pharmacists, a high requirement of specialized educational degrees and certifications can potentially lower the supply. Furthermore, factors such as salary, job conditions and demand for services can also affect the number of professionals in the field.
A shortage of pharmacists could arise if the demand for their services exceeds the current supply. This may be due to increased population growth, an increasing number of elderly people requiring medications, or a sudden disease outbreak requiring additional pharmaceutical services.
A surplus of pharmacists, on the other hand, could occur if there are more trained professionals than there are job openings. This may happen when the profession becomes particularly attractive due to high salaries or favorable working conditions, inducing an influx of students into pharmacy schools. On the flip side, an economic downturn or advances in technology that reduce the need for human pharmacists can also cause a surplus.
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