Pharmacists play a critical role in the healthcare industry, ensuring that patients receive the right medications and dosage for their illnesses. If you are interested in becoming a pharmacist, there are specific educational and professional requirements you need to fulfill. In this article, we will discuss the steps to becoming a pharmacist.
How To Become A Pharmacist
Step 1: Understand the Job of a Pharmacist
Before pursuing a career in pharmacy, it's essential to understand the role of a pharmacist. Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medications, ensuring that they are safe and effective, and providing guidance on their use. They also advise patients and healthcare professionals on the selection, dosing, and administration of drugs.
Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, retail pharmacies, and other healthcare facilities. Some pharmacists may also specialize in areas such as oncology, psychiatric pharmacy, and geriatric pharmacy.
Step 2: Complete Pre-Requisite Coursework
To become a pharmacist, you need to complete a specific set of pre-requisite coursework. These courses typically include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and social sciences.
You can complete these pre-requisite courses at any accredited college or university. Most pharmacy schools require that you have completed these courses with a minimum grade of C or higher. Some pharmacy schools may also require you to complete additional coursework, such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and statistics.
Step 3: Obtain a Bachelor's Degree
While it's not a requirement to have a bachelor's degree to become a pharmacist, it's highly recommended. A bachelor's degree in a related field can give you an advantage over other applicants and make you a more competitive candidate for pharmacy school.
If you decide to pursue a bachelor's degree, it's essential to choose a major that aligns with your career goals. Some common majors for aspiring pharmacists include biology, chemistry, and biochemistry.
Step 4: Take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) is a standardized test that measures your academic abilities and scientific knowledge. Most pharmacy schools require that you take the PCAT as part of the application process.
The PCAT consists of five sections, including verbal ability, biology, chemistry, reading comprehension, and quantitative ability. You can take the PCAT multiple times, and most pharmacy schools will consider your highest score.
Step 5: Complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Program
After completing your pre-requisite coursework and obtaining a bachelor's degree (if desired), the next step is to enroll in a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. Pharm.D. programs typically take four years to complete and include both classroom and clinical coursework.
During the first two years of the program, you will take courses in subjects such as pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacy law. During the final two years, you will complete clinical rotations, where you will work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists in various healthcare settings.
Step 6: Obtain a State License
After completing a Pharm.D. program, you need to obtain a state license to practice as a pharmacist. The requirements for licensure vary by state, but most states require that you pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE).
The NAPLEX is a comprehensive exam that measures your knowledge of pharmacy practice, while the MPJE tests your knowledge of pharmacy law and regulations. Some states may also require that you pass a state-specific exam.
Step 7: Consider Advanced Specializations or Certifications
After obtaining your state license, you may consider pursuing advanced specializations or certifications to enhance your career prospects. Some common areas of specialization for pharmacists include.
