How to become a pharmacist

Pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare by ensuring patients receive the correct medications at the right dosages. They need to have a comprehensive understanding of the medications they administer and the potential side effects. In some states, they are even authorized to administer vaccinations. Working directly with patients, pharmacists experience the impactful contribution they make to people’s lives first-hand.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 2021 and 2031, there will be an average of 13,600 new job openings for pharmacists per year. The highest growth is expected in non-retail locations, such as hospitals, physician offices, and outpatient care centers. These roles offer excellent job security, with an average yearly salary of $128,570. Interested in this lucrative and promising career? Outlined below are the steps towards becoming a pharmacist.

6 steps to become a pharmacist

Step 1 – Get an undergraduate degree

To set the foundation for your journey in pharmacy, you typically need a bachelor’s degree to apply to pharmacy schools. Although a science-related degree is often preferred, non-science majors can also bring unique perspectives to the profession, provided they complete the necessary prerequisite science courses.

Some pharmacy schools may only require 2 years of post-secondary education, but regardless, it’s essential that you take chemistry, biology, and physics classes in college.

Step 2 — Pass the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

The PCAT is a standardized admission test covering subjects such as biochemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics. Students can prepare for this exam with specialized courses that review the necessary information. Most pharmacy schools require this test certificate during the admission process.

Step 3 — Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree

Your actual pharmacy education begins in graduate school. To become a licensed pharmacist, students need to complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which typically takes 4 years. Some schools offer an accelerated 3-year option. Many schools also offer early-entry pharmacy programs to students who just graduated from high school, making a PharmD great value for money.

The curriculum of the PharmD program is designed to provide a comprehensive education in the various aspects of pharmacy, with each year focusing on specific elements and skill sets. This ranges from intensive coursework in biomedical science, principles of drug action, and immunology in the first year, to hands-on experiences in different healthcare settings and advanced pharmacy practice rotations by the fourth year.

Step 4 – Get licensed as a pharmacist

Once you’ve graduated, the next step involves passing 2 crucial examinations to become a licensed pharmacist: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a state-specific alternative.

Step 5 – Complete a pharmacist training program (optional)

Some pharmacists opt to enhance their skills and expertise by completing pharmacy residency programs. These offer postgraduate training in specialized areas of pharmacy. The commitment is full-time and typically lasts a minimum of 12 months.

Some residencies even offer the opportunity to earn a postgraduate degree such as M.S., MBA, or MPH, though this may require an additional year to complete. A residency is not mandatory to practice, but it can be a rewarding option for those who wish to further their professional development.

Step 6 – Become board-certified

Board certification – usually provided by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) – is a voluntary credential demonstrating a pharmacist’s advanced skills, experience, and qualifications in a specialized area. The process typically requires several years of practice, specific education or residency training, and passing a specialty examination.

The certifications range across various fields such as oncology, psychiatric, and ambulatory care pharmacy, among others. Board-certified pharmacists must also engage in ongoing education and recertify periodically, ensuring they are up-to-date with the latest breakthroughs in their specialty.

How long does it take to become a pharmacist?

Most PharmD programs last 4 years. If you complete a bachelor’s degree beforehand, it will take you 8 years of higher education to become a pharmacist; if you get accepted into a PharmD program after your sophomore year of college, you could do it in 6.

Pharmacist requirements

The main qualifications you need to become a pharmacist are:

• high school diploma or equivalent
• bachelor’s degree or pre-pharmacy coursework
• Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Degree
• pharmacy internship or experiential education
• pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
• pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a state-specific alternative
• pharmacy residency (optional)
• board certification (optional)

What do pharmacists do?

Pharmacists may have different responsibilities depending on their employment setting, but the following are among the most common:

Additionally, pharmacists are often called upon to provide health and wellness advice, contribute to public health initiatives, and participate in patient counseling sessions. In essence, their roles extend far beyond filling prescriptions. They are healthcare professionals entrusted with the crucial responsibility of safeguarding public health through the effective and safe use of medications.

There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to a career in pharmacy, as it offers diverse opportunities to suit different skills and interests. Whether you are captivated by clinical practice, community service, research, education, or even management, there’s a unique path for you in this fulfilling profession.

How much do pharmacists make?

To discover whether the pharmacist career path is good choice from an economic perspective, check out the employment data below.

Pharmaceutical careers

Once you are qualified to work as a pharmacist you can pursue various careers. Some of the following examples require further education.