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You may be wondering what education is needed to become a pharmacist. The answer may surprise you – it’s not as much as you think! In most cases, you will need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school.
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The Basics
To become a pharmacist, you will need at least a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program. You will also need to pass two exams, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). In some states, you may also need to complete a pharmacy internship.
The role of a pharmacist
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who is trained to dispense medications and offer advice on their proper use. In the United States, pharmacists must complete an accredited pharmacy program and pass a licensing exam before they canPractice pharmacy.
The role of a pharmacist has changed significantly over the years. In the past, pharmacists dispensed medications as prescribed by a physician and provided little information about the drugs they sold. Today, pharmacists are often termed “medication experts” because of the depth of knowledge they have about the medications they dispense. They play a key role in ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and appropriate medication therapy.
In addition to dispensing medications, pharmacists often provide patient education services such as health screenings, immunizations, and management of chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension. Many pharmacists also work in other areas of healthcare such as hospital pharmacies, long-term care facilities, managed care organizations, home healthcare agencies, and pharmaceutical companies.
Education requirements
In order to become a pharmacist, you will need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program. Pharmacy programs typically take four years to complete, although some accelerated programs may allow you to finish in three years.
In order to be admitted into a Pharm.D. program, you will need to have completed at least two years of undergraduate coursework, although most students enter pharmacy school with a bachelor’s degree. During your undergraduate years, you will take classes in chemistry, biology, physics, and math. Many pharmacy schools also require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).
Once you are enrolled in a Pharm.D. program, you will take classes in medical ethics, anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and toxicology. You will also complete clinical rotations in different settings, such as hospitals and community pharmacies. Upon graduation from pharmacy school and completion of all licensure requirements, you will be able to apply for a job as a pharmacist.
The Curriculum
Pharmacists are responsible for Dispensing medications to patients and offering expert advice on the side effects, risks, and proper usage of the medication. They also collaborate with doctors and other health care professionals to optimize the patients’ medication therapy. Becoming a pharmacist requires completing an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
Pre-pharmacy coursework
Pre-pharmacy coursework usually takes two to three years to complete and can be done at either a community college or a four-year university. Students should take classes in biology, chemistry, physics, math and English, and should also consider taking classes in computer science and public speaking.
After completing pre-pharmacy coursework, students must then apply to pharmacy school. Admission requirements vary from school to school but generally include courses in the above subjects as well as the Pharmacy College Admission Test.
Pharmacy school
In order to become a licensed pharmacist, you must first complete a Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) program at an accredited school of pharmacy. In order to be admitted into most Pharm.D. programs, you will need to have completed at least 2 years of college coursework, although some programs may require 3 years. Coursework for a Pharm.D. program typically includes classes in chemistry, biology, physics, and math, as well as other health-related sciences. Upon completion of a Pharm.D. program, you will need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) in order to become a licensed pharmacist.
Residency and fellowship programs
After earning a Pharm.D., pharmacists seeking advanced positions or involvement in clinical pharmacy, research, or teaching may choose to complete a 1- to 2-year residency or fellowship program. Although programs vary, residents typically take courses focusing on a particular area of pharmacy practice, such as primary care or disease state management, and must complete a research project or thesis. Many residencies and fellowships offer salaries higher than those of entry-level pharmacists.
The Future
A Pharmacist is a healthcare professional who dispenses medication and provides advice on their proper use. A pharmacist is also responsible for ensuring that the drugs are safe and effective. In order to become a pharmacist, you will need to complete an accredited pharmacy program.
Job outlook
The job outlook for pharmacists is good. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of pharmacists will grow by 3% from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.1
As the population grows older, there will be an increased demand for prescription medications. In addition, more people will have access to health insurance and be able to afford the expensive medications needed to treat serious conditions such as cancer. Pharmacists will be needed to dispense these medications and advise patients about their use.
The median annual salary for pharmacists was $128,090 in May 2019.2 The lowest 10% earned less than $87,790, and the highest 10% earned more than $172,470.2 Most pharmacists worked full time in 2019.2
About 1 in 3 pharmacists worked in drugstores or pharmacies in 2019.2 Others worked in hospitals, grocery stores, doctors’ offices, or the federal government. Some pharmacists also work for pharmaceutical companies or teach at colleges and universities
Salary expectations
In order to become a pharmacist, you will need to complete an accredited pharmacy program. These programs typically take four years to complete, and the first two years are generally focused on completing prerequisite coursework. Upon completion of an accredited pharmacy program, you will be eligible to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Once you have passed the PCAT, you will then be eligible to apply to pharmacy schools.
Once you have been accepted into a pharmacy school, you will then complete four additional years of study. Upon completion of pharmacy school, you will then be eligible to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). Once you have passed the NAPLEX, you will then be licensed to practice pharmacy in your state.
The salary expectations for pharmacists vary depending on a variety of factors, such as geographic location, employer type, and years of experience. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacists in the United States was $128,090 in May 2019.
