Becoming a pharmacist involves a combination of education and training. Here is a general outline of the steps you can take to become a pharmacist:
- Get a high school diploma or equivalent. Most pharmacy schools require applicants to have a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a General Educational Development (GED) certificate.
- Complete pre-pharmacy coursework. Most pharmacy schools require applicants to complete a certain number of college-level courses in science and math before being considered for admission. These courses may include biology, chemistry, physics, calculus, and statistics.
- Take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). The PCAT is a standardized test that assesses an applicant’s knowledge of various academic subjects, including biology, chemistry, and verbal and quantitative reasoning. Most pharmacy schools require applicants to take the PCAT as part of the admissions process.
- Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. A PharmD degree is a professional degree that typically takes four years to complete. PharmD programs include coursework in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, and clinical pharmacy practice, as well as hands-on training in a pharmacy setting.
- Pass the licensure examination. After completing a PharmD program, aspiring pharmacists must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) in order to become licensed to practice pharmacy in the United States.
- Meet any additional state requirements. Some states have additional requirements for pharmacists, such as continuing education or specialized training in a particular area of pharmacy practice.
- Find a job as a pharmacist. Once you have completed all the necessary education and training, you can start looking for a job as a pharmacist. Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics.
- Consider obtaining additional certifications. Some pharmacists choose to pursue additional certifications in specialized areas of pharmacy practice, such as geriatric or oncology pharmacy. These certifications can help pharmacists advance their careers and may lead to higher salaries.
Overall, becoming a pharmacist requires a significant time and financial investment, but the rewards of this career can be well worth the effort. Pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system by helping to ensure that patients receive the appropriate medications and advice on their use.