What are the Requirements to Become a Pharmacist?
In order to become a pharmacist, a person needs to graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college of pharmacy. She must also complete an internship by working with a licensed pharmacist. After she passes a state exam called the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), she can then obtain a pharmacist license. Most aspiring pharmacists hold a bachelor’s degree or have completed at least three years of college before applying to a pharmacy program. Pharmacy schools are accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education. The majority of pharmacy colleges require that students who apply must have completed two years of pre-pharmacy college courses. Other requirements to enter a program include passing the Pharmacy College Admissions test (PCAT), a completed application form, and an interview conducted by the pharmacy school. A Doctor of Pharmacy degree is a four-year professional degree that permits graduates to become pharmacists after re