How to Become a Pharmacist

The field of pharmacy science is broad, challenging and potentially quite lucrative, which has resulted in more competition for jobs in both clinical and community settings. Still, there is ample opportunity in this respected profession for those with talent and commitment.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Career Books
• Career Counseling

1. Study life sciences, health and mathematics in high school.

2. Complete one to two years of pre-pharmacy college-level coursework. Most pharmacy schools require this, and a growing number also look for high scores on the Pharmacy College Admissions Test.

3. Obtain a B.S. in Pharmacy (which takes five years) or a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (which can take six or more years) from one of the 80 U.S. colleges offering programs accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education.

4. Pass your state's licensing examination; all 50 states require pharmacists to be licensed.

5. Participate in an internship under the direction of a licensed pharmacist to become qualified to practice pharmacy.

6. Continue your professional education through periodic refresher courses as required by your state's licensing board.

Tips & Warnings

• Most states don't require re-examination for pharmacists already licensed in another state; in fact, many pharmacists are licensed in more than one state.

[juliachun]

on 6/30/2009 For STEP 2: about the Precollege courses.. does that mean as a senior in high school who hasn't taken anything like that, it's too late for me?

[fabianlagarcia]

on 3/4/2009 Great initial article to get people interested in the profession. My article has some additional information regarding becoming a pharmacist. http://www.ehow.com/how_4745810_become-a-pharmacist.html