How to Become a Pharmacist | 3 Steps

Pharmacists are medication experts who specialize in the safe and effective use of pharmaceuticals. If your doctor has ever prescribed you a medication, there’s a good chance you met a community pharmacist during pick-up at your hospital or local drugstore. But let’s really dive into how to become a pharmacist.

Pharmacists’ roles have expanded beyond simply counting and dispensing pills. If you want to work as part of a healthcare team, are interested in learning about medications, and enjoy educating others about leading a healthier life, becoming a pharmacist might be an excellent career for you.

This article will cover everything you need to know about becoming a pharmacist, including what they do, how to become one, career outlook, salary information, and everything else you need to get started in an exciting career as a pharmacist!

How to Become a Pharmacist?

To become a pharmacist, you need to complete the following steps:

1. Complete Pre-Pharmacy Coursework or a Bachelor’s Degree

Prior to pharmacy school, aspiring pharmacists must complete at least 2 years of undergraduate study, although the majority of pharmacy schools require a bachelor’s degree. 

Many pharmacy schools require specific prerequisite courses, such as:

• General and Organic Chemistry
• Biology and Microbiology
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Physics
• Statistics

While a bachelor’s degree isn’t strictly required everywhere, some pharmacy schools prefer or require applicants to have completed a full bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. Most pharmacy schools require at least a 3.0 GPA, though competitive programs often expect higher.

Best undergraduate majors for pharmacy

The best undergraduate majors for future pharmacy students include:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Health Sciences
• Microbiology
• Biomedical Sciences

Always check the admissions requirements of your target pharmacy schools, as prerequisites do vary. The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) maintains a database of pharmacy schools and their requirements. 

2. Take the PCAT (optional)

Take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). However, fewer schools now require the PCAT than they did in the past. As of the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, the PCAT has been officially retired, and many programs have dropped it entirely from their requirements, shifting to a more holistic review process for admissions. 

Check directly with your chosen pharmacy schools to confirm if any standardized test is still required. When required, the PCAT assesses verbal ability, chemistry, biology, reading comprehension, quantitative ability, and writing skills.

3. Enroll in a Pharmacy Program

Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, or Pharm.D, from a pharmacy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). These programs usually take four years to complete all the pharmacist education requirements, though some schools offer expedited programs that take three years.

The curriculum of a pharmacy school combines didactic coursework, laboratory instruction, Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs), and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). 

Sample Pharm.D. coursework topics include:

1. Pharmaceuticals
2. Biology
3. Non-Prescription Therapies
4. Compounding and Calculations
5. Metabolism and Cell Biology
6. Chemistry
7. Pharmacy Law
8. Community Practice
9. Pharmacology and Body Systems
10. Hospital and Community Practice
11. Oncology Medications
12. Infectious Diseases

4. Pass Your State Pharmacy Licensure Exam

Once you’ve graduated from an accredited Pharm.D. program, the next step is official licensure. This usually means passing two key exams:

• NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam)
  • Tests your knowledge of medications, patient care, and pharmacy practice
  • Contains 225 questions, takes around 6 hours to complete
  • Most students study for 2-4 months for this exam
• MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam) or a state-specific law exam
  • Tests your knowledge of pharmacy laws and regulations
  • Usually takes 2-3 hours, with 4-6 weeks of study time recommended
  • For example:
    • California requires the CPJE (California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Exam) instead of the MPJE
    • New York uses the MPJE focused on NY laws.

Some states also require a certain number of internship hours (often 1,500 hours) before granting a license. 

Once you’re licensed, you’ll need to renew your license regularly, usually every 1-3 years, depending on your state. 

Most states require you to complete Continuing Education (CE) hours to stay up to date. For example, California requires 30 hours every 2 years, including specific topics like law and ethics. On the other hand, New York requires 45 hours every 3 years. 

If you want to work in specialized roles (like oncology pharmacy or ambulatory care), you can also pursue board certifications that require additional exams and ongoing education. 

What is a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists are highly respected members of the public health community with expertise in preparing, dispensing, storing, and using medications. 

Pharmacists also educate patients on all aspects of their prescriptions, including:

1. Biochemical makeup of medications
2. Drug interactions
3. Drug dosages for safe patient use
4. Potential side effects
5. How to store medicines to maintain efficacy
6. How to properly use medications

How Long Does It Take To Become A Pharmacist?

In general, you will need to obtain your undergraduate degree, which will take two to four years. At this time, you only need to have a two-year degree in order to apply and be accepted to pharmacy school. Then, you'll complete a pharmacist degree, which takes four years.

So, how long does it take to become a pharmacist? It can take anywhere from six to eight years to become a pharmacist.

How to Go From Pharmacy Tech to Pharmacist

If you’re working as a pharmacy technician and want to become a pharmacist, you’re already a step ahead! Here’s how you can transition:

1. Check prerequisites
   • Even as a pharmacy tech, you’ll still need to complete the required college-level science courses to apply for a Pharm.D. program
   • Consider pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree if you don’t already have one
2. Gain relevant experience
   • Your experience as a pharmacy tech can be a huge advantage in pharmacy school applications, showing you’re familiar with pharmacy operations, patient communication, and medication handling.
3. Prepare for admission
   • Meet GPA and prerequisite requirements for your chosen Pharm.D. program
   • Be sure to include your tech experience during your admissions interviews
4. Complete Pharm.D. program
   • Once admitted, complete your 3- or 4-year pharmacy school program, followed by licensure exams. 

Although your pharmacy tech experience doesn’t shorten the time it takes to earn a Pharm.D., it can make you a stronger candidate and help you feel more prepared for the demands of pharmacy school. 

>> Related: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician

How Hard Is It To Become a Pharmacist?

Becoming a pharmacist can be challenging because it involves mastering complex science coursework, completing a rigorous Pharm.D. program, and passing demanding licensure exams. Subjects like chemistry, pharmacology, and physiology can be tough, and pharmacy school often requires long hours of studying, labs, and clinical rotations. 

The admissions process can also be competitive, especially at top pharmacy schools, with many applicants needing high GPAs and strong backgrounds in science. After graduation, candidates must pass exams like the NAPLEX and state law exams, which require months of studying and preparation. 

Despite the difficulty, many find it rewarding. If you’re organized, dedicated, and passionate about healthcare, you can succeed. Plus, pharmacy offers a stable career with diverse job opportunities in hospitals, retail, research, and more.

What Do Pharmacists Do?

Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who ensure the safe and effective use of medications. While they often work closely with pharmacy technicians to fill prescriptions, pharmacists have many critical responsibilities that go beyond simply dispensing drugs. 

Common tasks include:

1. Receiving and verifying prescriptions from physicians and other prescribers
2. Dispensing prescription medications and providing medication therapy management
3. Counseling patients about how to take their medication safely and effectively
4. Checking prescriptions for potential drug interactions, duplications, and allergies
5. Advising patients on over-the-counter medications
6. Conducting health screenings, like blood pressure or cholesterol checks
7. Administering immunizations, such as COVID-19 vaccines, flu shots, or other vaccinations
8. Communicating with physicians and other healthcare professionals
9. Process insurance claims and complete paperwork to ensure payment from insurance providers

Most pharmacists work in hospitals or community pharmacies. But you will also find pharmacists working in a variety of areas that require medication dispensing, including:

1. Outpatient and ambulatory care clinics
2. Drug stores
3. Compounding pharmacies
4. Retail settings
5. Nursing homes
6. Online dispensing pharmacies
7. Pharmaceutical companies
8. Government agencies
9. Academia and research institutions

Pharmacists’ specific duties depend on the type of pharmacy practice they perform and their work environment. For example, hospital pharmacists ensure safe medication distribution for inpatient use, manage intravenous medications, and provide direct patient care by reviewing medication regimens, monitoring drug therapy, and educating patients upon discharge. 

Some pharmacists work in the pharmaceutical industry or for government agencies. In this role, they assist with developing and improving new medications while ensuring safety and effectiveness.

Pharmacist Career Paths

Pharmacy is a versatile field with many different career options. Here are three common paths pharmacists can take, each offering unique responsibilities and work environments: 

 

 

What is the Career Outlook for Pharmacists?

Though pharmacists are essential workers in the healthcare setting, the BLS anticipates a 5% increase in the need for pharmacists over the next decade. 

Several reasons for this include a low number of anticipated pharmacist retirements, an 85% increase in pharmacy graduates, and increases in pharmaceutical automation. 

However, until 2033, there will still be a need for 18,300 pharmacists each year to work in hospitals, ambulatory care centers, government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and other healthcare settings.

Pharmacist Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacists is $137,480, or $66.10 per hour.

Highest Paying States for Pharmacists

The top-paying states for pharmacists are as follows:

Pharmacist Salary by Place of Work

Where a pharmacist works also impacts salary potential. The BLS states that in its latest May 2024 report, the top median wages for pharmacists per workplace were:

Source: BLS

Pharmacist Salary Factors

Many additional factors impact annual income, including years of experience, education level, geographical area, and whether a pharmacist works full-time or part-time. Also, some pharmacists own their own pharmacies and work for themselves, while others work as employees.

Many pharmacists also receive paid time off, sick leave, personal days, health insurance, tuition reimbursement, bonuses, and more.

>> Related - How to Become a Nutritionist

What are the Continuing Education Requirements for Pharmacists? 

Pharmacists must complete Continuing Education (CE) to keep their licenses active and stay current with new developments in medication therapy, laws, and patient care practices. 

Most states require 15-30 hours of CE every 1-2 years, though some states have higher requirements. For example, California requires 30 hours every two years, while New York requires 45 hours every three years. 

Some of the hours must cover specific topics, such as:

• Pharmacy law and ethics
• Medication safety
• Immunizations

CE can be completed online, through live seminars, webinars, or self-study courses. Pharmacists should keep records of their CE in case their state board asks for proof during license renewal.

Where Can I Learn More About Becoming a Pharmacist?

There are professional resources available, including:

• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)
• Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
• American Pharmacists Association (APhA)
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)

Pharmacist FAQs

• How Many Years Does it Take to Become a Pharmacist?

  • The road to becoming a pharmacist takes five to eight years after high school, depending on the type of program you choose. While some programs only require two years of pre-pharmacy education, others require a bachelor's degree for admission. Pharmacy school then takes 3-4 years to complete.

• Is a Pharmacist a Doctor?

  • A pharmacist is not a medical doctor, but they do hold a doctoral degree in pharmacy. 

• Is Becoming a Pharmacist Hard?

  • Becoming a pharmacist requires a significant investment of time and effort, and pharmacy school is highly competitive. Candidates will need to demonstrate expertise in chemistry, biology, physics, and other science and math courses.

• Is a Pharmacist Still a Good Career?

  • Pharmacists help to make a positive impact on the lives of patients and communities. It is a well-compensated, highly respected career that provides the opportunity to work in many different industry types.

• Do Pharmacists go to Medical School?

  • Pharmacists do not attend medical school. They go to specialized pharmacy schools to earn a Doctorate in Pharmacy.

• How Many Hours do Pharmacists Work?

  • Most pharmacists work full-time, which is 40 hours a week. Those who own their pharmacies may be required to work many more hours.

• What Degrees Do You Need to Become a Pharmacist?

  • To become a pharmacist in the US, you’ll need a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school. Before pharmacy school, you must complete at least two years of college-level prerequisites, though many students choose to earn a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field. After earning a Pharm.D., you’ll also need to pass licensing exams to practice professionally.