Read this comprehensive guide if you want to know how to become a pharmacist.
Choosing a career is a big decision. Not only do you need to understand the type of work that is required in your chosen career, but you also need to know where to get the education that your career requires. If you want to become a pharmacist, this means you'll have to earn a doctor of pharmacy degree from an accredited university and pass two separate licensing tests.
Earning a pharmacy degree requires at least two years of undergraduate coursework before entering a doctor of pharmacy program. Although some pharmacy schools require a full bachelor's degree before admittance.
You must also pass the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) before you can enroll in most pharmacy programs. Once enrolled in a pharmacy degree program, you can expect completion to take at least three to four years, depending on the program.
If you hope to work for a clinical pharmacy or research firm, an additional one to two years of residency work is typically required to ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed for the more demanding work environment.
You may also require additional education if you want to own your own pharmacy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many pharmacy owners seek out an additional degree in public health or earn a master's degree in business administration (MBA) to supplement the knowledge they gained while earning a pharmacy degree.
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There are other options available if you are interested in pharmacy work, but aren't sure you want to dedicate that much time to a degree program just yet. You can become a pharmacy technician without a specialized degree as long as you have a high school diploma and can pass a criminal background check. Some states require pharmacy technicians to become certified or take a specialized training course, while others allow you to gain knowledge through on-the-job training.
Even if a training course is required for being a pharmacy technician, it's typically only a one or two year course at a community college or technical school. It often includes an internship to provide you with real-world training. Some pharmacies may cover some or all of the cost of your training course as part of an employment agreement.
If you're interested in a pharmacy career, but don't have easy access to a school with a pharmacy degree program, some accredited universities offer online doctor of pharmacy programs that let you earn your degree without having to physically attend classes.
It's important to evaluate online pharmacy schools to make sure that they are properly accredited, since unaccredited schools that offer you quick a degree will do little more than take your money. An increasing number of well-known colleges and universities offer online programs, so there are several legitimate programs to choose from.
You can build a rewarding career if you become a pharmacist, though the job also comes with a high degree of responsibility. Pharmacists must ensure that customers get the right medicines in the correct doses. The work is often gratifying, however, since you'll fill a vital role in the medical field that directly helps those you interact with.
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Photo credit: pharmacist by safoocat via Compfight CC.
Second photo credit: prescription medication by incurable_hippie via Compfight CC.