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How To Become a Pharmacist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Pharmaceutical Future

2024-10-22•11 minute read

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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!

What Exactly Does a Pharmacist Do?

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.

Types of Pharmacists

Although most pharmacists work in pharmacies and drug stores, you can choose from several different career paths if you earn a pharmacy degree:

Community pharmacists work in pharmacies. This is who you probably think of when you think of a pharmacist.
Clinical pharmacists work in clinics or hospitals. They work with doctors to administer medication and care for patients directly.
Consultant pharmacists give expert advice to healthcare facilities like nursing homes about managing and optimizing medication regimens.
Industrial/research pharmacists work at pharmaceutical companies or research institutions. They work on the development, testing, and regulation of new drugs.
Nuclear pharmacists prepare and dispense radioactive materials for medical imaging or treatment.
Military pharmacists serve in the armed forces.

Pharmacist Requirements

To become a pharmacist, you need to meet the following requirements:

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): A 4-year professional degree from an accredited pharmacy school.
Pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination): This exam tests your knowledge of pharmacy practice.
Pass a Law Exam: This is either the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) or a state-specific law exam, like the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination for Pharmacists (CPJE) in California.
Internship: You must complete a certain number of supervised practice hours. This varies by state.
Optional Residency or Fellowship: This may be required for advanced practice areas like clinical pharmacy or research.

How To Become a Pharmacist

1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree or Complete a Pre-Pharmacy Program

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:

Chemistry or Biochemistry
Biology or Biological Sciences
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Pre-Pharmacy (only offered at some universities)
Health Sciences

Some schools offer a two- or three-year associate degree that meets PharmD requirements.

2. Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (PharmD)

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.

3. Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE)

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.

4. (Optional) Decide If a Residency Is Best for You

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.

5. Apply for State Licensure

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.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Pharmacist?

Becoming a pharmacist typically takes about 6 to 8 years, but the timeline can vary depending on the program and career path.

Time Required to Become a Therapist

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

How Much Do Pharmacists Make?

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.

How Much Does It Cost to Become a Pharmacist?

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:

Undergraduate Education:
- If you pursue a pre-pharmacy program, this typically costs between $10,000 and $50,000 per year at public and private institutions, respectively.
PharmD Program:
- The average cost of a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program ranges from $20,000 to $60,000 per year for in-state students at public schools and $40,000 to $80,000 per year for out-of-state students and private schools.
- Total costs for a 4-year pharmacy program can range from $80,000 to $240,000.
Additional Fees:
- Application fees, books, supplies, and equipment can add another $1,000 to $5,000 per year.
Licensing Exams:
- The cost to take the NAPLEX is $620, plus an additional application fee of around $100
- The cost to take the MPJE is $270 for the exam and around $100 for the application fee.
- You’ll also need to factor in the cost of any prep courses or materials you decide to use.

Consider financial aid options, scholarships, and grants to help offset these costs.

Final Thoughts

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!