How to Become a Pharmacist

In pharmacist careers, your responsibilities are likely to 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

With your pharmacy degree under your belt, 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)

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2012-13 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median national annual salary for pharmacists is $111,570. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.

To get into a PharmD program at the pharmacy school of your choice, you'll need at least two years of specific pre-pharmacy college coursework. However, the majority of students have three years of college experience or a bachelor's degree upon entering 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

When researching pharmacy schools make sure the institution you choose has been accredited. 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.

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

This 4-year professional degree prepares students to obtain their professional license and begin their pharmacy practice. Acceptance to a program requires completion of two years of undergraduate pre-pharmacy coursework, which means that you must finish 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 specifically designed for practicing pharmacists who hold a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from an accredited pharmacy school to prepare them to practice 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.

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).