Key Takeaways:
- Becoming a pharmacist typically requires six to eight years of education, culminating in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
- Pharmacists earn over $100,000 annually, depending on location and workplace setting, making it a lucrative career.
- Accreditation is crucial for pharmacy schools, as it ensures the quality of education and eligibility for licensure and employment.
What is a Pharmacist? How do you become a pharmacist? We answer these questions. Think of your pharmacist as a medicine expert. They don’t just fill your medicine bottles. Their job is to help you take your medicine safely and ensure it works as intended. They are highly knowledgeable about medicine, help answer questions, and ensure that your various medications don’t cause adverse interactions when taken together.
Becoming a pharmacist requires extensive education and practical experience. But if you love science, helping people, and working in healthcare, it could be the perfect job for you!
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What Does a Pharmacist Do?
They fill the medicine your doctor orders, but they do so much more! They carefully check to ensure you’re getting the right amount of medicine and that it won’t interact poorly with other medications you may be taking.
Your pharmacist wants you to understand how to use your medicine! They’ll take time to explain things, tell you about possible side effects (those little problems the medicine might cause), and answer any questions.
They might even give you tricks for remembering when to take it and what to do if you feel a little weird after taking it. Sometimes pharmacists do even more than fill prescriptions, like:
- Giving Shots: Examples include flu shots or those required before traveling.
- Checking Your Health: They may check your blood pressure or other vital signs.
- Big Medicine Checkup: Helping older adults or those taking multiple medications ensure they’re all working together safely.
- Hospital Aid: Pharmacists in hospitals collaborate with doctors and nurses to ensure patients receive the exact medication they need.
Ultimately, pharmacists are there to ensure you have the knowledge and support to maximize the benefits of your medications safely.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Pharmacist?
The number of years it takes to become a pharmacist can vary slightly, but not significantly. It usually takes six to eight years of specialized education after high school to become a pharmacist. Becoming a pharmacist requires dedication and several years of specialized education. While the path is demanding, it provides the skills and knowledge to make a real difference in people’s lives. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps along the way:
High School Prep
While not strictly mandatory, a strong foundation in science and math can give you an edge later on. Taking Advanced Placement (AP) courses in chemistry, biology, calculus, and statistics demonstrates your ability to handle rigorous coursework and signals your interest in the field.
Participating in science-related extracurriculars or volunteering at a healthcare facility can further solidify your commitment.
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
There’s no one specific major you must choose to become a pharmacist. However, it’s best to study subjects such as chemistry, biology, or any other science-related field. These will provide a strong foundation for the challenging classes in your pharmacy degree. While you don’t necessarily have to major in pharmacy, there are undergraduate pharmacy degrees. These bachelor’s degree programs in pharmacy can set you up well for the PCAT, which we discuss later in the article. Pharmacy is one of the highest paying degrees you will find.
Some people also major in fields like public health, but be sure to take the required science classes that pharmacy schools require. Good grades matter a lot because getting into a good pharmacy degree program can be tough!
Gain Healthcare Experience
Working even a little bit in a pharmacy or hospital shows you care and helps you learn if this is the right job for you. Some places offer internships that allow you to learn the basics. If you can’t get one of those, try shadowing a pharmacist (following them around) for a while.
Or, you could become a pharmacy technician, which is like an assistant to the pharmacist. Any of these experiences will look great when you apply to a pharmacy degree program and might even help pay for it!
Take the PCAT
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is a standardized exam required for most PharmD applications. It covers biology, chemistry, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
Many students find that taking a prep course or utilizing study guides helps to boost their scores, giving them a better chance of admission into their top-choice pharmacy degree programs.
Earn Your PharmD
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is the degree you need to become a pharmacist. It typically takes four years to complete after graduating from college. In this program, you’ll learn all about medicine. Some of the things you’ll study include:
- Pharmacology: This is the science of how medicines work in the body.
- How Medicines Work: You’ll learn how different medicines are used to treat diseases.
- Pharmacy Law: Understanding the rules and regulations about medicines.
You’ll also spend time training in real-world settings like hospitals, drug stores, and other healthcare settings. Some programs even allow you to specialize in a specific area of pharmacy, such as working with older adults or individuals with mental health issues.
Optional Residency
You don’t absolutely have to do a residency to become a pharmacist, but it’s a big plus! It’s like extra training for 1-2 years, where you learn even more about a specific area of pharmacy.
This makes you stand out when applying for jobs, helps you become an expert, and can even lead to a higher salary.
The downside is that it takes more time, and you don’t earn as much as a full pharmacist during this period. You apply during your last year of pharmacy school.
Get Licensed
Before you can start working, all pharmacists must take a comprehensive test called the NAPLEX. You may also need to pass additional tests, depending on the state in which you live. Even after becoming licensed, pharmacists must continue learning by taking specialized classes throughout their careers.
Important Things to Know
Before you embark on the path to becoming a pharmacist, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
Accreditation Matters
Make sure the pharmacy school you choose is accredited by a reputable organization. This ensures the program meets quality standards and will be recognized by future employers and for licensing.
The Cost of School
Becoming a pharmacist requires attending school for a considerable amount of time, which can be expensive. You need a regular college degree first, and then you can pursue pharmacy school on top of that. But don’t worry too much—pharmacists make good money, so it’s worth it for most people.
Look for scholarships, special loans for students, and see if there are programs that might help pay off your loans later.
How Much Will You Earn When You Become a Pharmacist?
Pharmacists make a good living! Most make way more than $100,000 a year. Where you live, how long you’ve been working, and whether you work in a hospital or a regular drug store can change how much you’ll make.
Is It Worth It?
Becoming a pharmacist requires a significant amount of time and dedication. However, if you love science, helping others, and want a fulfilling career, it’s a great choice! Pharmacists play a crucial role in maintaining people’s health and ensuring they understand their medications. You’ll be making a real difference in your community!