Become a Pharmacist

As a pharmacist, you'll use your extensive knowledge of how each of hundreds of medications works to fill prescriptions and advise patients on how various drugs ought to be taken.

Pharmacist Job Description

As a pharmacist, your typical duties will likely include the following:

• Dispensing drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners
• Educating and informing consumers and patients about the use and possible effects of medication
• Advising physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and effects of medications
• Maintaining confidential records of patients' medications to ensure their safety and monitor their progress
• Providing specialized disease management services for patients with conditions such as diabetes or asthma
• Preparing drug therapies in areas such as oncology and intravenous nutrition support

In addition you might own or manage a pharmacy, adding hiring and supervising personnel to your responsibilities.

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Pharmacist Salary

According to Salary.com, the middle 50 percent of pharmacists earn between $95,384 and $105,719 per year. The top 10 percent earn an annual salary of at least $113,018.

Pharmacist Work Environment

As a pharmacist, you might work in any of the following settings:

• Hospitals
• Drug stores, grocery stores, or department stores
• Pharmaceutical manufacturers
• Health insurance companies
• Government agencies
• Public health care agencies
• Colleges and universities (in teaching and research positions, or in on-campus pharmacies)

Most full-time pharmacists work 40 hours per week. You should plan on being available to work some evenings and weekends, as many pharmacies are open during these hours.

Pharmacist Education & Training

To become a pharmacist, you need to graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited college of pharmacy, serve an internship under a licensed pharmacist and pass a State examination (NAPLEX)—all of which enables you to obtain a license to practice.

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Applying to Pharmacy School

In order to apply to pharmacy school, you'll need to complete the following steps:

• Complete pre-pharmacy courses
• Take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), if required by the school
• Complete the application form and gather supplementary materials, which may include an essay, letters of recommendation, transcripts and test scores
• Sit for an interview, if required, by the school

Pharmacy School Prerequisites

Pharmacy schools require at least two years of specific pre-pharmacy college coursework in order to enter a PharmD program. However, the majority of students have three years of college experience or a bachelor's degree upon entering pharmacy school.

Pharmacy Degree Options

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

This four-year professional degree trains students to practice pharmacy after licensure. Acceptance to a program requires completion of two years of undergraduate pre-pharmacy coursework thus equaling a minimum of six years post-secondary education. The PharmD degree can also lead to graduate studies in the areas of pharmaceutical care, pharmaceutical sciences, and pharmaceutical health policy and management.

Non-Traditional PharmD (PharmD)

This degree is designed for practicing pharmacists with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from an accredited pharmacy school who are interested in practicing at an advanced level. Most often these programs are offered with a very flexible schedule and through online learning, to accommodate the needs of working pharmacists. They also take less time to complete compared to a traditional PharmD.

Pharmacy School Accreditation

Accreditation is a system of evaluating and ensuring the quality of educational institutions and professional programs according to standards set by a national accrediting association. For pharmacy schools, that organization is the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.

Pharmacist Licensing

A license to practice pharmacy is required in all 50 states. To obtain a license, you must successfully complete an accredited PharmD program and pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX).

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