[hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Aspiring pharmacists need a Ph.D. in pharmacy or Pharm.D. from an accredited program and a state license; this requires completing prerequisite coursework and passing relevant licensure exams, such as the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Practicing pharmacists must regularly renew their licenses and update their training and skills by completing 15-45 continuing education credits every 1-3 years, depending on the state.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To advance further in their careers, pharmacists can pursue post-licensure certifications, such as those offered by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties or the Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re interested in becoming a pharmacist, explore this comprehensive guide. You can find information about pharmacist degree options, educational and licensure requirements, concentration areas, career opportunities, and an interview with a clinical pharmacist.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Steps to Become a Pharmacist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Becoming a pharmacist requires a doctoral degree from an accredited program and a state license. Learn about the steps to becoming a licensed pharmacist, including completing the prerequisite coursework, earning a Pharm.D., and passing the licensure exam.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”check”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Complete Prerequisite Coursework[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some pharmacy doctoral programs may require a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, healthcare, or a related field. Other Pharm.D programs accept students without a bachelor’s degree as long as they complete 2-3 years of prerequisite courses and labs. Prerequisite topics include anatomy and physiology, biology, chemistry, calculus, physics, and statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many programs require 2.8 undergraduate GPAs and a C or C- in each prerequisite class.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other admission requirements may include transcripts, exam scores, application essays, criminal background checks, interviews, and recommendation letters.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Earn a Pharm.D. Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharm.D. program enrollees take pharmacology, pharmacy law, and sciences courses, including chemistry, biology, and health sciences. Specialization options span business, clinical, drug safety, public health, and research. Students complete supervised internships at hospitals and pharmacies.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Programs vary, from 3-4 years for bachelor’s degree-holders to six years for high school graduates with completed prerequisites. Pharm.D. programs offer on-campus or online coursework and in-person internships. Learners can ensure academic quality by attending programs accredited by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acpe-accredit.org/pharmd-program-accreditation/” target=”_blank”]Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education[/hen-ui-link] (ACPE).[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After completing their pharmacist degree, graduates register for the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/naplex/” target=”_blank”]North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination[/hen-ui-link]® (NAPLEX), administered by the National Association of Board of Pharmacy (NABP). Applicants set up an NABP e-Profile, where they apply and pay exam fees, which vary by state.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NAPLEX comprises 225 computerized questions and allows six hours for completion. Topics include data and patient information, drug characteristics, treatment plans, calculations, delivery systems, and safety and quality. Examinees receive a pass or fail score and can take the exam up to five times.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The NABP also administers the [hen-ui-link href=”https://nabp.pharmacy/programs/examinations/mpje/” target=”_blank”]Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination[/hen-ui-link]® (MPJE), which tests knowledge of state pharmacy laws and regulations. Test-takers apply through the NABP e-Profile and pay the exam fee according to their state. First-timers order their official transcripts for submission from their school of pharmacy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The MPJE allows 2.5 hours to complete 120 computer-based questions. Examinees pass or fail and can take the exam five times. Questions cover licensure/personnel, pharmacy practice, dispensing requirements, and pharmacy operations.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Earn State Licensure[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Candidates apply for licensure with their [hen-ui-link href=”https://nabp.pharmacy/about/boards-of-pharmacy/” target=”_blank”]state board of pharmacy[/hen-ui-link]. Licensure requirements vary by state, but eligibility generally requires a Pharm.D. from an ACPE-accredited program and passing scores on the NAPLEX and MPJE. Some states may require additional exams, specialty credentials, or post-doctoral training hours.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]License renewal requirements vary by state but typically include earning [hen-ui-link href=”https://nabp.pharmacy/news-resources/resources/educational-programs/” target=”_blank”]continuing education credits[/hen-ui-link] during each renewal cycle.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”xxs”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″ class=”text-4xl”]Find Employment[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”xs”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]More than 40% of pharmacists worked at pharmacies and drug retailers in 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Hospitals were the second largest employer at 27%. Pharmacists fill prescriptions, check patient records for allergies and adverse reactions to drugs, instruct patients on medication use and side effects, and collaborate with other healthcare providers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Resources like the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pharmacist.com/Career/Career-Pathways” target=”_blank”]American Pharmacists Association[/hen-ui-link] and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.ashp.org/professional-development/careerpharm?loginreturnUrl=SSOCheckOnly” target=”_blank”]CareerPharm[/hen-ui-link] offer job boards, virtual career fairs, and networking opportunities. The BLS lists a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm” target=”_blank”]median annual salary of $136,030[/hen-ui-link] for pharmacists.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-flex][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Doctor of Pharmacy Degree[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can pursue two types of doctoral degrees in pharmacy: the research-focused Ph.D. and the Pharm.D, which is the professional doctoral degree for pharmacists. The Pharm.D. typically comprises training in fundamentals, pharmacology, pharmaceutical treatments, and pharmacy systems, while a Ph.D. focuses more on research. Both programs have a practical learning component and a required pharmacy residency.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The Pharm.D., which typically takes 3-4 years, builds on prerequisites from high school and undergraduate study, including physics, chemistry, and biology. For entry into a Pharm.D. program, most schools require a minimum of two years of undergraduate study. Some schools may require a bachelor’s degree and scores from the Pharmacy College Admissions Test.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After obtaining licensure, learners can pursue careers as pharmacists, biochemists, or consultants in related industries. Degree-seekers can strengthen or expand their career options with degree concentrations, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, or food and beverage specializations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Pharmacy Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two types of accreditation are important for students pursuing their pharmacist degrees: institutional and programmatic. The college or university should hold regional accreditation from an accrediting organization recognized by the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.chea.org/regional-accrediting-organizations” target=”_blank”]Council for Higher Education Accreditation[/hen-ui-link]. The school of pharmacy and program should be [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acpe-accredit.org/pharmd-program-accreditation/” target=”_blank”]accredited by APEC[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accreditation ensures that schools and programs receive regular evaluations of their academic quality and adherence to educational standards. Students who attend non-accredited schools and programs risk losing financial aid, program admission, licensing, and employment opportunities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Licensing and Certification[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]After graduation, prospective pharmacists must acquire the appropriate licensure to practice professionally. Most Pharm.D. graduates need to complete two examinations: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination®, which covers general practice knowledge, and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination®, which covers laws and regulations.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://nabp.pharmacy/about/boards-of-pharmacy/” target=”_blank”]Licensure requirements[/hen-ui-link] vary by state, so some graduates may need to complete an additional examination. Some states also require pharmacists with immunization and vaccine responsibilities to complete [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.pharmacist.com/” target=”_blank”]Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery[/hen-ui-link] programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Once licensed, pharmacists must regularly update their training and skills through continuing education courses. Every state has its requirements, but most professionals need to complete 15-45 credits every 1-3 years to renew their licenses. Some states require training in specific fields, such as emergency disaster preparedness or drug therapy.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacists can also pursue post-licensure certifications to bolster their knowledge and credentials in a specific area. For example, the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bpsweb.org/” target=”_blank”]Board of Pharmacy Specialties[/hen-ui-link] offers certifications in cardiology, ambulatory care, and critical care pharmacy. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cbdce.org/” target=”_blank”]Certification Board for Diabetes Care and Education[/hen-ui-link] offers the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist credential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do with a Pharmacy or Pharmaceutical Sciences Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While the pharmaceutical industry offers the most obvious employment route for Pharm.D graduates, these graduates can also leverage their medical knowledge to access jobs in the medical science industry. Additionally, their chemistry and biology training equips them for positions in the life sciences.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Other career options include education or regulatory affairs, where pharmacy graduates can train the next generation of pharmacists or set research and safety policies for the industry.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Can I Earn with a Pharmacy Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacists make median annual salaries of $136,030, according to [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm” target=”_blank”]2023 BLS data[/hen-ui-link], which projects a 3% employment growth rate for the profession during 2022-2032. The top-paying employers for pharmacists in May 2023 were ambulatory healthcare services, with a $150,110 median annual wage, hospitals at $144,460, and retailers at $131,290-$141,880.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The BLS projects the demand for pharmacists to increase in hospitals and clinics, as these professionals are increasingly integrated into healthcare teams.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Average Annual Salaries for Pharmacists in Common Work Settings[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Work Setting[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Average Annual Salary [/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Employment [/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Work Setting”]Health and Personal Care Retailers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$122,790[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]139,030[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Work Setting”]General Medical and Surgical Hospitals[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$138,670[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]89,970[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Work Setting”]Food and Beverage Retailers [/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$119,340[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]23,600[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Work Setting”]General Merchandise Retailers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$135,420[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]19,950[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Work Setting”]Outpatient Care Centers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$155,770[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]7,570[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Work Setting”]All Work Settings[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Average Annual Salary”]$129,410[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Employment”]325,480[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Ask An Expert[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-expert-bio name=”Dr. Aaron Emmel” img-src=”https://res.cloudinary.com/highereducation/image/upload/f_auto,fl_lossy,q_auto:eco/c_fill,h_1000,w_1000/v1607647236/experts/Aaron_Emmel.jpg” img-alt=”Dr. Aaron Emmel” layout=”horizontal” background=”none” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ slot=”contentRight”]Dr. Emmel has a Pharm.D. from the University of Florida and a master’s from the University of North Florida, plus 10 years of experience as a clinical pharmacist. He is also program director for an online learning program for aspiring pharmacy technicians and was an associate clinical professor for UF’s college of pharmacy.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-flex] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”mt-8″]Why Become a Pharmacist?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacy is a great career that allows you to play an important role in patient care. These professionals work in many different roles and settings in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What are some challenges and high points in this role?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The highest point, in my opinion, is playing a direct role in patient care. The most fulfilling part of my career to date was getting to work alongside an incredible critical care team and witness the impact of our work on a daily basis. Being the medication expert is a great spot to be in when medication therapy plays such an important role in health outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also, you have the opportunity to work in an environment that is best for you. With so many settings and roles available to pharmacists, almost anyone can find the opportunity that works best for them.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]As with any career, there are challenges. One major challenge is the breadth of information, critical thinking, and communication skills that are required to be an effective pharmacist. This comes through didactic education in pharmacy school, post-school training, and on-the-job experience. Another major challenge is being an effective part of the healthcare team; you have to be skilled enough to influence decision making without prescriptive authority.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What type of person does well in this role?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Someone who loves science and has a sense of altruism, meaning that you are genuinely interested in and are gratified by helping others. You also have to be a good communicator and be willing to accept the significant responsibility that comes with the profession. Importantly, you need to be a lifelong learner. Drastic changes in scientific literature occur all the time, and you need to be dedicated enough to stay on top of current science in your particular area of work.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who does this role help? How does this role impact others?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This role helps nearly everyone. Most individuals will need some sort of medication therapy at some point, and as the medication expert, a pharmacist plays an integral role in ensuring that patients receive optimal treatment.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Also, this role helps other healthcare providers, depending on the setting you work in. I got a lot of gratification out of collaborating with the nurses, physicians, dietitians, and other healthcare providers in my years as a critical care pharmacist. It feels good when other members of the healthcare team approach you for your expertise and guidance.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”mt-8″]How to Get Hired[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it usually take graduates with a Pharm.D. degree to get hired?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This really depends on what type of employment you are seeking and whether or not you have pursued postgraduate training. The job market is continually evolving. We are in a period of time where it is very competitive for newly graduating pharmacists. That being said, there are great opportunities out there for those who excel.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What skills do employers look for?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Especially for fresh graduates, one of the most important traits is a desire to learn and grow. As I noted, this is a career where being a lifelong learner is a must. Employers want to see that trait. Also, teamwork is essential when working in healthcare.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Employers will be looking for someone who can communicate well and fit in with the culture of the team. Another important trait is a genuine desire to make an impact on patients and the team. At the end of the day, that is the goal of any healthcare provider.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can students do to make themselves look better to employees?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]One major consideration is the pursuit of postgraduate training. This is especially important if you want to pursue a career in a clinical role, the pharmaceutical industry, or if you want to accelerate your career into more specialized or higher-level, administrative-type roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Two years of residency is becoming standard for clinical specialists, with the first year of residency being a general residency and the second year being in a specific clinical or administrative specialty. Pharmaceutical companies have fellowships that can help launch a career in the pharmaceutical industry. Also, the pursuit of an additional graduate degree can help those interested in administrator-type roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When job-seeking, you have to really understand the organization and the specifics of the job you are applying to. Being well prepared to discuss the company, the role, and how you are a good fit for both the organization and position are important if you land an interview.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”mt-8″]Day in the Life[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What tasks do you typically work on?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This varies substantially from position to position. I’ll describe my clinical career, since that was the most standard. A normal day for me would be arriving to the ICU and beginning working up my patient list of around 25 critically ill patients.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]I was responsible for ensuring that they were receiving the appropriate medications at the appropriate doses for all of their acute and chronic issues. Some things I had the authority to change on my own — mainly drug dosing. I would complete those tasks and then bring my other recommendations to the attending physician during our daily multidisciplinary rounds.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]My afternoon then consisted of documenting all of my assessments and recommendations. When I had time during the week, I’d work on quality improvement activities and protocol development. The days went by really fast.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who do you communicate with?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Nurses, physicians, my pharmacist colleagues, dietitians, respiratory therapists, occupational and physical therapists, social workers, administrators, pharmacy technicians, patients and their families, and I’m sure I’m missing others. There are so many different members of the team who you interact with in some fashion.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What kind of hours do you keep?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Again, this is highly varied across the industry. In my clinical role, I worked 6 a.m.-3 p.m., Monday through Friday, with some weekends and holidays as needed. Most pharmacists work various shifts, though.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Who are your coworkers?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacists typically work closely with pharmacy technicians and other pharmacists. Depending on the setting, they may work closely with other professionals as well, just like I noted in my experience as a critical care pharmacist.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What knowledge do you utilize?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]First and foremost: all things medications. You have to understand how they work, and how the body handles them. It takes a very thorough understanding of pharmacology and pharmacotherapy to know which medication is best at which dose, frequency, and duration for a given patient.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This also depends on other medications the patient may take, their other health conditions, and their demographics. To be a great pharmacist, you need to be knowledgeable about anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology. You also need to understand how scientific research is performed and written so you can evaluate studies. Additionally, you need to know laws and regulations. There is a lot![/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Pharmacist[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to become a pharmacist?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The time frame for becoming a pharmacist can span 3-8 years, depending on where you are in your education journey and whether you pursue a four-year bachelor’s degree, followed by a four-year Pharm.D. program or another route. Students with enough prerequisite credits can start Pharm.D. study sooner. Ph.D. in pharmacy programs can take longer. Clinical pharmacists may also need to complete a two-year residency.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What degree does a pharmacist need?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacists need either a Pharm.D. or a Ph.D. Pharmacy students interested in a professional degree leading to clinical or retail pharmacist careers usually pursue a Pharm.D. Those aspiring to become drug developers, professors, and researchers typically earn a Ph.D.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is pharmacy a good career path?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacy degrees can lead to well-paying careers with average job growth prospects. Pharmacists can pursue numerous positions, including clinical pharmacists working with patients, retail pharmacists filling prescriptions and administering vaccines, researchers and drug developers, and pharmaceutical salespeople and marketers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is a pharmacist degree called?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pharmacist degree titles range from foundational associate and bachelor’s in pharmacy, advanced master’s degrees in pharmaceutical sciences, professional doctors of pharmacy, and Ph.D.s in pharmaceutical sciences or pharmacology.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is Pharm.D. vs. pharmacist?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A Pharm.D. is a doctor of pharmacy degree that prepares graduates for careers as pharmacists. Pharmacists work in drugstores and retail pharmacies, at hospitals and clinics, and for pharmaceutical and insurance companies.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]