Making a Pharmacist

In order to apply to become a pharmacist, students take prerequisite classes that take two – three years to complete (about 72 credit hours). These include English, general chemistry, organic chemistry, calculus, biology, microbiology, anatomy/physiology, economics, public speaking, statistics and general education credits. Many students already have an undergraduate degree when they apply. There is a minimum GPA requirement and typically a test they must take to be considered into Pharmacy School (such as the PCAT), along with extensive interviews, transcripts submission, application submissions and many associated non-refundable fees.

If accepted, the student must then complete 3-4 years of rigorous coursework and practice experience work hours (depending on the college) with passing grades to graduate. But it doesn’t stop there. These Graduate Pharmacists must then pass state exams where they wish to practice along with a board exam called the NAPLEX. Only after all of this can they become registered pharmacists with a PharmD graduate degree. This Doctorate level degree is required to practice as a pharmacist as of year 2000 which means all graduating pharmacists after 2000 are Doctors (not to be confused with a Physician, MD or Medical Doctor).

Some students continue on to Residencies, Fellowships or obtain more certifications or credentials (such as board certifications).

There are many avenues a pharmacist can take – pharmacists do not just put pills in a bottle. Here is an article describing the diversity in pharmacy: https://www.pharmacytimes.com/contributor/thora-brown-pharmd/2014/12/diversity-in-pharmacy-atypical-jobs-for-pharmacists