How can I become a pharmacist?

Pharmacists are medical professionals who specialize in medications. Work as a pharmacist can be quite varied, ranging from dispensing prescriptions in a community drug store to performing research for a pharmaceutical company. As is the case with many medical professions, the requirements for becoming a pharmacist are quite extensive, to ensure that pharmacists are well qualified for their jobs. If you are interested in a career in pharmacy, you may want to think about whether it is a job that you will enjoy. As a pharmacist, you will be able to dispense drugs and educate patients about them. In addition, doctors and nurses may consult you about pharmaceutical products, as your extensive training can help them decide which drug is right for a patient, and whether a patient risks an adverse reaction with a particular drug. You will not, however, be able to prescribe medication. If you are not working with the public, you may be teaching pharmacy programs at medical schools, or ...  more

To become a pharmacist, you need to attend pharmacy school and receive a Doctor of Pharmacy. This degree usually takes 4 years to acquire. Schools of pharmacy require 2 to 4 years of undergraduate college course work to be eligible for enrollment. Some schools may also require that applicants take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). After that, you can apply to your state board of pharmacy and apply for a license. To receive the license you would have to pass two exams. These are the North American Pharmacists Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the pharmacy law exam for your state.  more