Kayla Missman specializes in making complicated topics more approachable. She has eight years of experience in journalism, editing and marketing, allowing her to dive into interesting topics and industries. She primarily researches and writes about h.
Kayla Missman Education WriterKayla Missman specializes in making complicated topics more approachable. She has eight years of experience in journalism, editing and marketing, allowing her to dive into interesting topics and industries. She primarily researches and writes about h.
Written By Kayla Missman Education WriterKayla Missman specializes in making complicated topics more approachable. She has eight years of experience in journalism, editing and marketing, allowing her to dive into interesting topics and industries. She primarily researches and writes about h.
Kayla Missman Education WriterKayla Missman specializes in making complicated topics more approachable. She has eight years of experience in journalism, editing and marketing, allowing her to dive into interesting topics and industries. She primarily researches and writes about h.
Education Writer Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Updated: Nov 27, 2023, 9:47am
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Most people interact with a pharmacist only when they pick up a prescription. And while part of a pharmacist’s job entails these quick, educational interactions, these professionals often fulfill a much more extensive role behind the scenes.
It takes many years of education and clinical training to become a pharmacist. You could enroll in a pharmacy program right out of high school or opt for a competitive associate or bachelor’s degree.
Whichever path you choose, you can customize your career to match your interests, whether you want to develop new treatments, help a particular group or even market medication. Completing internships, residencies and professional certifications will help you get there.
Keep reading to discover what a career in pharmacy might look like and how you can become a pharmacist.
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Pharmacists dispense medication and educate patients and providers about safe and effective use. They may interact with patients face to face in hospitals or retail pharmacies, explaining the correct dosage, potential side effects and proper storage. There’s little room for error; pharmacists must be aware of and communicate any possible harmful interactions medications may have with patients’ conditions, allergies or other drugs.
Pharmacists generally fulfill prescriptions based on doctors’ orders and pharmaceutical companies’ guidance. In some cases, though, they mix ingredients to produce customized medications. This process is known as compounding.
Pharmacists administer vaccinations—like flu shots—and perform basic screenings. They also perform administrative duties, including managing inventory, updating patient and pharmacy records and handling billing issues with insurance companies. Finally, they use protective equipment and employ safety measures to avoid exposure to hazardous materials.
Pharmacists typically work in pharmacies and drug retailers, but pharmacy degree graduates can choose from several career paths. The most prominent types of pharmacists are listed below.
It takes about six years of rigorous schooling to become a pharmacist, but perseverance can pay off in the form of a high-earning, impactful career.
You can start training for a pharmacy career as early as high school. Enroll in courses focused on math, science and communication. Then, consider your options for college programs. To become a pharmacist, you will ultimately need a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree, and each program sets its own admissions requirements.
Some PharmD applicants complete a related bachelor’s degree in a major such as pharmaceutical studies, biology or chemistry. Others earn a two- or three-year associate degree to meet PharmD prerequisites. Your university may even offer an integrated program that covers undergraduate requirements with guaranteed PharmD admission.
Pre-pharmacy coursework includes statistics, physiology and anatomy, chemistry, biology, physics, math and general education courses like English and communications.
Depending on your course load and level of education, a PharmD program may take three to four years. Some dual-degree programs allow you to earn an MBA or a Ph.D. simultaneously.
Before applying, make sure your prospective program carries accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Accredited programs adhere to high standards, so you can rest assured that future employers and certifying agencies will recognize your degree.
Most pharmacy schools use PharmCAS, a centralized application service, for admissions. Use the PharmCAS comparison tool to explore programs and their admission requirements. In general, you must submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation and a personal statement. You may meet faculty for an interview, too.
PharmD curricula cover a broad variety of relevant topics and skills, including pharmacy law, science, pharmacology, compounding, infectious diseases, cell biology and nonprescription therapies.
In a PharmD program, you’ll participate in hands-on learning opportunities along with classroom education. PharmD programs incorporate introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences. These out-of-classroom rotations allow you to experience different aspects of the industry.
If you want to start your pharmacy career right after graduating, research direct-to-industry roles. You can pursue opportunities at research organizations, consulting firms and market access agencies.
However, if you want to pursue an advanced clinical role, consider completing a residency or fellowship. These paid positions typically include benefits, last one or two years, and provide more training and research opportunities related to a specialty, such as pediatrics or cardiology. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists accredits residency training programs.
Every state requires licensure for pharmacists, but requirements vary. Graduates must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX®) from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The six-hour, 225-question exam covers treatment plans, calculations, delivery systems, and safety and quality. The exam costs $575, on top of any state board fees.
Pharmacists must also pass NABP’s Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE®) or an equivalent state law exam. Each jurisdiction has its own version of the test. The exam lasts two and a half hours and costs $150, plus a one-time $100 application fee.
After receiving state board approval, pharmacists can pursue certifications to demonstrate their expertise. Most states require certification to administer vaccines through the American Pharmacists Association (APhA).
Pharmacists often pursue specialty certifications focused on particular conditions or skills. For example, they might focus on diabetes care or oncology.
Pharmacists earned a median annual wage of $132,750 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)—significantly more than the $46,310 median wage for all occupations nationwide.
The BLS expects the field to grow at an average rate (about 3%) from 2022 to 2032. Demand for retail pharmacists may decrease as more people order their subscriptions online or via mail. However, the BLS projects more robust demand for pharmacists in hospitals and clinics, where these professionals tend to take on more expansive roles.
Like all healthcare employees, pharmacists must stay on top of new developments, regulations and best practices. In such a broad field, pursuing a specialization can narrow your professional focus to a particular condition, group or environment. The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) recognizes nearly 59,000 certifications across the following 14 categories:
To earn a specialty certification, applicants generally need to hold an active pharmacist license, demonstrate relevant practice experience, meet education requirements and pass an exam.
In addition to pharmacy-specific specializations available through BPS, you can pursue a multidisciplinary certification in areas such as anticoagulation care, diabetes management, health information technology or toxicology. These distinctions are open to other healthcare professionals and certify your knowledge of a health issue.
For example, you could become an Asthma Educator Specialist through the National Board for Respiratory Care or an HIV Pharmacist through the American Academy of HIV Medicine. The Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy approves and oversees certification programs in the field.
As pharmaceutical companies constantly test and release new drugs, it’s crucial to stay on top of laws, regulations and developments. Joining a professional organization helps you stay current on changes in the field while expanding your network and providing educational opportunities.
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy opens membership to students for $15 per year. Members gain access to mentors, task forces and discussion meetings. Graduates can join to participate in webinars, special interest groups and professional development opportunities.
As the largest collection of professional pharmacists, APhA provides daily newsletters, certification training, board prep, advocacy opportunities and practice resources. APhA hosts an extensive library to help members complete their continuing pharmacy education credits.
If you choose to specialize your practice, consider joining a related professional organization. Start by consulting the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, which lists groups such as the American Heart Association and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.
