Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 4/4/24
Interested in becoming a pharmacist? We’ve created a handy guide to walk you through the entire process.
Pharmacists are known for being reliable and trustworthy. It’s a great career path with many benefits. People depend on pharmacists for their medicinal needs, whether it’s a prescription for Adderall or antibiotics to overcome an infection. Whatever the ailment, you’ll rely on a pharmacist at some point in your life.
Consider a career in pharmacy if you want a career that helps others. While it’s not the easiest path, it’s an incredibly worthwhile endeavor. This guide will discuss how to become a pharmacist, along with some of the best programs and the job outlook.
A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the proper use, storage, preservation, and distribution of medications. They work closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the correct drugs and understand how to use them safely and effectively.
Medicine heals, but it can also cause harm. Part of a pharmacist’s job is to prevent harm. For example, some addictive medications can’t be refilled until your doctor approves them. Pharmacists ensure you don’t receive refills of this medication unless a doctor prescribes it to you.
Becoming a pharmacist typically takes between six and eight years of education and training. The total length of time for pharmacy school may vary depending on the specific requirements of the pharmacy school and the individual's academic background.
A bachelor’s degree isn’t necessarily a requirement for being a pharmacist. If you don’t want a bachelor’s degree, you can take a two-year pre-pharmacy program to get a pharmacy degree. A pre-pharmacy program prepares you in a shorter amount of time. However, be advised that some programs require a bachelor’s degree.
The basic qualifications pharmacists need are studying physics, chemistry, biology, and math in 10+2. After finishing the 10+2, aspiring pharmacists can aim for either a diploma or bachelor’s degree or pursue a Doctor in Pharmacy.
For many students, a career in pharmacy usually involves one – two years as an undergraduate (taking some science courses), followed by a four-year professional degree pharmacy program. Here are the full steps you’ll need to take including pharmacist school requirements:
An advanced degree is the first stage of the pharmacist education path. Pharmacy schools want students to succeed, and earning a bachelor’s degree or completing a pre-pharmacy program shows you can handle the demands of a pharmacy degree.
Before applying to pharmacy school, you’ll need to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). This exam analyzes your abilities to perform well in a pharmacy program. This exam consists of:
Achieving a high PCAT score can help elevate your candidacy by making your application more competitive.
Once you’ve fulfilled the prerequisites, you’ll move on to a pharmacy program. These programs take an average of four years to complete.
Once you’ve completed the pharmacy program, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) to practice pharmacy in the U.S.
Once you’re licensed, you can receive additional training through a residency program. These programs allow you to hone your skills as a pharmacist and gain more experience.
To give yourself the best chance of acceptance into a pharmacy program, you should earn a bachelor’s degree. You’ll prove to these schools that you can handle the program’s demands. You can get into a pharmacy program with any bachelor’s degree.
Due to lifestyle and budget constraints, some people can’t afford to dedicate four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. There’s still hope! You can pursue a pre-pharmacy program instead of a bachelor’s degree.
This program takes an average of two years to complete, cutting the total school time for pharmacists to six years. Ensure you apply to schools that allow a pre-pharmacy program in place of a bachelor’s degree.
Though you don’t need a bachelor’s degree in biology or chemistry, you should be knowledgeable in these areas since they’re crucial to a pharmacist’s job. Ensure you pursue biology and chemistry in college for a strong foundation in your career as a pharmacist.
A residency program after pharmacy school gives you extra training and monitored experience before moving on to the next stages. A residency program isn’t required for licensed pharmacists, but it does give you more experience. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists provides information on residency programs.
You’ll need to meet the application requirements if you’re interested in pursuing a residency program after pharmacy school. Requirements may vary from school to school, so you’ll need to research the residency programs you want to apply to.
To practice pharmacy, you must obtain a license. Similar to medical licenses, pharmacy licenses vary by state, and you must have a license in the state you wish to practice. You can find a list of the state licensing requirements for pharmacists here. You’ll also need to pass the NAPLEX to begin your career as a pharmacist.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook of pharmacists will experience a 3% growth rate in the upcoming years. This rate is about as fast as average.
Pharmacists make an average of $136,798 per year. If you’re interested in the medical field but don’t want the stress of medical school, you should consider becoming a pharmacist.
Once you’ve obtained your degree and passed the PCAT, you can apply to pharmacy programs. Below you’ll find the country’s top five pharmacy programs based on U.S. News’ ranking.
Established in 1897, the University of North Carolina -- Chapel Hill stands as one of the oldest pharmacy schools in the United States.
If you have a bachelor’s degree, you must take:
Approximately 80-90% of enrolling students in past years apply with a bachelor’s degree.
If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree:
The PCAT is optional for admittance to the UNC Chapel Hill pharmacy program. Students must provide two letters of recommendation to apply.
Annual tuition can vary depending on what semesters you attend UNC. Fall and spring tuition and fees for North Carolina residents are $8,998 per semester, while the summer session costs $3,238.
For non-residents, the fall and spring semesters cost $39,338, and the summer session costs $7,323.
The University of California – San Francisco receives more research funding than any other pharmacy school in the United States.
UCSF applicants must complete 88 total quarter units and fulfill these course requirements:
The PCAT is optional for this program.
Annual tuition for California residents is $57,808 and tuition for non-residents is $70,053.
If you’re interested in attending a small college with plenty of research opportunities, the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is the school for you.
Prerequisite courses to apply to Ann Arbor’s pharmacy program include:
Though the PCAT is optional for admission into the pharmacy program, students need letters of recommendation to apply.
Michigan residents pay $53,149 annually in tuition and fees, whereas non-residents pay $62,423.
Established in 1892, the University of Minnesota has fostered nearly 7,500 pharmacists in the state. Within six months after graduation, 91% of students find work or pursue a residency.
Course requirements are as follows:
The PCAT is currently optional for students. You must provide two letters of recommendation for evaluation.
Annual tuition for Minnesota residents is $27,864. Non-residents pay $32,000.
Though this university is ranked #5 in the top pharmacy schools in the United States, the University of Florida ranks #1 in residency placements.
You must take the following courses to apply to the University of Florida:
The PCAT is optional for this program, and you must provide two letters of recommendation to apply.
Annual tuition for Florida residents is $23,860, plus different fees each year. Tuition and fees for out-of-state students cost $36,000 annually.
If you still have questions about a career as a pharmacist, these frequently asked questions can provide you with answers.
A bachelor's degree is not always required for a career as a pharmacist. You can either complete a pre-pharmacy program or take the prerequisite courses required by your chosen pharmacy school.
No, you do not need to attend medical school in your pursuit of pharmacy. To qualify for a career as a pharmacist, you need to have either a bachelor's degree or a pre-pharmacy diploma, as well as a degree from an accredited pharmacy school.
The PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) is not mandatory for all pharmacy schools. Many schools have made the PCAT optional for prospective students. It's important to research the specific requirements of the pharmacy schools you are interested in attending to determine if the PCAT is mandatory for admission.
Yes, being a pharmacist is definitely worth it. The average salary for a pharmacist is $136,798 per year, and there are many different pathways you can take with your degree. You can pursue a career in community pharmacy, in-patient or clinical care, long-term care, or even academia.
Yes, the journey to a career in pharmacy requires fulfilling many challenging requirements. The path to becoming a pharmacist typically involves six to eight years of rigorous schooling.
If you’re interested in a career that fulfills your desire to help others, consider a career in pharmacy. It’s a lengthy and challenging process, but it’s worth it. It isn’t easy, but in the end, you’ll have a fulfilling career in a well-respected field.
Now that you know how to become a pharmacist, you’re ready to start your journey. However, if you have more questions or want to strategically position yourself as the best candidate possible, Inspira Advantage can help you stand out and boost your chances of acceptance at any pharmacy school!
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