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Steps to Become a Pharmacist
How Much Do Pharmacists Make?
If you're ready to invest 6-8 years of education for a high-paying healthcare career that makes a real difference in patient health, becoming a pharmacist could be the perfect choice.
This guide covers everything you need to know about how to become a pharmacist, including salary, majors, and years of education required. Read on to learn more!
Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who prepare, dispense, and guide the proper use of medications. They work with doctors and nurses to make sure medications are safe and effective — which includes advising on drug interactions, dosages, and side effects.
Pharmacists also provide health advice, administer vaccines, and help patients manage their medications to improve health outcomes.
Although most pharmacists work in pharmacies and drug stores, you can choose from several different career paths if you earn a pharmacy degree:
To become a pharmacist, you need to meet the following requirements:
To become a pharmacist, you’ll need to take courses that prepare you for a PharmD, like organic chemistry, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Common undergraduate majors include:
Some schools offer a two- or three-year associate degree that meets PharmD requirements.
A PharmD program typically takes 3 to 4 years, though some dual-degree programs let you earn an MBA or Ph.D. at the same time. Make sure the program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education so your degree is recognized by future employers.
Most pharmacy schools use PharmCAS for admissions. To apply, you’ll submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. An interview may also be required.
PharmD courses cover topics like pharmacy law, pharmacology, and infectious diseases. You'll also gain hands-on experience through rotations that expose you to different aspects of the pharmacy field.
After earning your PharmD, you’ll need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). The six-hour, 225-question exam covers treatment plans, calculations, delivery systems, and safety and quality. The exam costs $620, on top of any state board fees. This exam tests your knowledge of pharmacy practice, medication management, and patient care. Study diligently and prepare with practice tests!
You’ll also need to pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or your state’s version of the test. This exam covers pharmacy laws and regulations. The exam lasts two and a half hours and costs $270, plus a one-time $100 application fee.
You must pass the law exam relevant to the state in which you wish to be licensed, so look into the requirements for your state.
Doing a residency is not required — many pharmacy school graduates don’t complete one. But if you’re aiming for a specialized role, like a clinical pharmacist, you may consider doing a residency after pharmacy school.
If you do choose to do a residency, you’ll start applying during your fourth year of pharmacy school. Residencies can be very competitive, so start planning well in advance for your application.
During the residency, you’ll work under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist for around two years before you get licensed. Residencies are typically paid positions, although the salary is much lower than that of a licensed pharmacist — around $50,000 per year.
Talk with mentors, counselors, and fellow students to decide if a residency is the right choice for your career.
Once you’ve passed the NAPLEX and the required law exam (either the MPJE or a state-specific exam), the final step is applying for licensure in the state where you want to practice.
Licensure is handled by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Each state has its own licensing board and specific requirements, which may include background checks or additional paperwork. Keep in mind that most states require a certain number of internship or experiential hours. You can typically meet this requirement through a combination of pharmacy school rotations and supervised work in a pharmacy setting.
After receiving your license, you have officially become a pharmacist in that state! You may need to fulfill continuing education requirements to maintain your license over time.
Becoming a pharmacist typically takes about 6 to 8 years, but the timeline can vary depending on the program and career path.
Pharmacy Program Type | Description | Total Number of Years Required |
---|---|---|
Traditional Path | Most students complete a 4-year bachelor's degree (often in a related field like biology or chemistry), followed by a 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, totaling around 8 years. | 8 |
Accelerated PharmD Program | Some schools offer accelerated PharmD programs that allow students to earn their degree in 6 years, skipping the traditional 4-year bachelor’s degree. | 6 |
Dual Degree Program | Some students pursue dual degrees, such as a PharmD combined with an MBA or Ph.D., which can add an extra 1-2 years. | 7-9 |
Residency | For pharmacists pursuing clinical or specialized roles, a 1-2 year residency may be required after completing the PharmD program, extending the total time to 9-10 years. | 9-10 |
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for pharmacists was $136,030 in 2023.
The top-paying states for pharmacists are California, Alaska, Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota. The median annual salary in the highest-paying state, California, is $157,280 as of 2023.
The total cost to become a pharmacist can range from $100,000 to over $300,000, depending on the path you take and the duration of your schooling.
Here’s a breakdown of potential costs:
Consider financial aid options, scholarships, and grants to help offset these costs.
Becoming a pharmacist is a rewarding journey that typically takes 6-8 years of education and offers excellent career prospects. After earning a bachelor's degree, completing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, passing exams like the NAPLEX and MPJE, getting licensed, and possibly pursuing a residency, you’ll be ready for a role that directly impacts patient health outcomes.
Pharmacists provide essential services like medication management, health advice, and vaccinations. With various career paths to choose from — including community, clinical, consultant, and industrial pharmacists — you can tailor your career to fit your interests.
While becoming a pharmacist requires an investment of time and money up front, the rewards are substantial. Median salaries for pharmacists surpass $136,000 annually.
If you're ready to take the first step towards becoming a pharmacist, Crimson can guide you toward the best universities to study the prerequisites for pharmacy school and beyond. Contact us today for a free consultation to get personalized support on your journey to a top university!