How Many Years of Schooling Does a Pharmacist Need?

Pharmacists dispense medications prescribed by physicians and other health care practitioners. They also educate customers about dosages, drug interactions and possible side effects. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows pharmacist employment outlook and income potential as excellent. Opportunities are mainly in retail drugstores and hospitals, in environments from very rural to metropolitan.

Pharm.D.

A person intending to become a pharmacist must complete a doctor of pharmacy, called Pharm.D., from an accredited program at a college or university or other pharmacy school.

Post-Secondary Schooling

Pharmacist schooling involves at least 6 years of education after high school.

Pharm.D. Admission

Some Pharm.D. programs require a bachelor's degree for admission, while others accept a 2-year or 3-year pre-pharmacy major.

Prerequisites

Schools requiring a bachelor's degree usually accept any major as long as specific science and math prerequisites are met.

Pharm.D. Time Frame

The Pharm.D. program is a 4-year degree, with 3 years of classroom and laboratory work and a final year of full-time professional experience.