Pharmacist Career Pathway

Becoming a pharmacist can be a rewarding career with ample employment opportunities and a good earnings potential. The career can be an especially good fit for students who are interested in science and medicine. Here's a typical pathway toward becoming a pharmacist.

Finish High School

To work as a pharmacist, you will need to go to college -- and a completed high school diploma or general equivalency diploma (GED) is always a requirement for acceptance to college. Try to take as many advanced level science courses as possible if you are still in high school, as this can save you time later.

Preparatory College Courses

Typically it takes about two years of preparatory coursework in a junior college or in a university before you can become eligible to apply to a pharmacist training program. Plan to take courses such as chemistry, organic chemistry, cell biology, physics and microbiology--as well as advanced math or calculus.

Completion of Pharm.D. Program

The entry level degree to work as a pharmacist is the doctorate of pharmacy. Admission may be competitive, and the degree takes four years to complete, not counting the time spent completing the prerequisite courses.

State Licensing

All states in the United States require pharmacists to be licensed by their state of employment. This may include submitting evidence of clinical hours and passing certification exams.

Find a Job

Most pharmacists work in dispensing or compounding pharmacies, but pharmacists may also find jobs in hospitals or within the pharmaceutical industry.