How to Become a Pharmacist: Essential and Easy Guide

Becoming a pharmacist is a rewarding career path that combines science, patient care, and professional expertise. If you’re interested in how to become a pharmacist, you’re looking at a structured journey that typically takes 6-8 years of education and training. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step required to enter this vital healthcare profession, from high school preparation through licensure and beyond.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

• High school diploma or GED
• College transcripts for prerequisite courses
• PCAT or NAPLEX study materials
• Pharmacy school application (PharmCAS)
• Professional references and recommendation letters
• Valid identification for exams and licensure
• State pharmacy board application materials
• Continuing education resources for license maintenance

Start with High School Preparation

Your journey to how to become a pharmacist begins in high school. Strong academic performance, particularly in science and mathematics, sets the foundation for success in pharmacy education. Focus on taking advanced placement (AP) or honors courses in chemistry, biology, and calculus to demonstrate your commitment and capability.

During high school, consider gaining exposure to the pharmacy profession through volunteer work at local pharmacies or healthcare facilities. This experience helps you understand whether pharmacy is truly your calling and provides valuable content for future pharmacy school applications. Many pharmacies offer volunteer or pharmacy technician positions that give you firsthand insight into daily pharmacy operations.

Maintain a competitive GPA—most pharmacy schools look for a 3.5 or higher. While not absolutely required, a strong high school foundation makes prerequisite coursework significantly more manageable and positions you for success when you apply to pharmacy programs.

Complete Prerequisite Coursework

Before applying to pharmacy school, you’ll need to complete specific prerequisite courses at the college level. These typically include organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, mathematics (calculus and statistics), and humanities courses. Becoming a pharmacist requires demonstrating mastery of these foundational sciences, which is why pharmacy schools carefully evaluate your performance in these classes.

Most students complete prerequisites during their first two years of undergraduate study, though some take longer. According to WikiHow’s comprehensive guides, many successful pharmacy applicants attend community college for prerequisite courses before transferring to four-year universities. This approach can be cost-effective and allows you to establish a strong GPA before more rigorous pharmacy-specific coursework.

Your GPA in prerequisite courses is crucial—pharmacy schools typically calculate a separate science GPA (sGPA) that heavily influences admission decisions. Aim for at least a 3.5 in these courses, though competitive applicants often have 3.7 or higher. If you struggle with any prerequisite, retaking the course can improve your application profile significantly.

During this phase, also consider shadowing pharmacists, volunteering in healthcare settings, and maintaining involvement in academic or professional organizations. These experiences strengthen your pharmacy school application and confirm your commitment to the profession.

Apply to Pharmacy School

The pharmacy school application process is competitive and requires careful planning. Begin by taking the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) or using alternative standardized tests that some programs accept. Your PCAT score, combined with your GPA, forms the academic foundation of your application to how to become a pharmacist through formal education.

Use PharmCAS (Pharmacy College Application Service) to submit applications to multiple pharmacy schools simultaneously. Most applicants apply to 8-12 schools to increase their chances of acceptance. Pharmacy schools typically begin reviewing applications in the summer and continue through fall, with rolling admissions meaning earlier applications receive priority consideration.

Your application should include:

• Official transcripts from all colleges attended
• PCAT scores or alternative test results
• Personal statement explaining your motivation for pharmacy
• Three to four letters of recommendation from professors or pharmacists
• CV highlighting relevant experience and achievements
• Information about pharmacy work experience or volunteer hours

Craft a compelling personal statement that demonstrates your understanding of pharmacy practice, your commitment to patient care, and specific experiences that shaped your career choice. Lifehacker’s career guides emphasize the importance of authentic storytelling in professional applications. Pharmacists who mentor you or supervise your volunteer work often provide the strongest recommendation letters, so cultivate these relationships early.

Earn Your Doctor of Pharmacy Degree

Pharmacy school itself is typically a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program that combines classroom instruction with experiential learning. The curriculum covers pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacy practice management. How to become a pharmacist fundamentally requires mastering these complex subjects and developing clinical competency.

The first two years focus primarily on didactic coursework—lectures and lab work covering the scientific foundation of pharmacy. You’ll learn how drugs work in the body, how to formulate medications, and how to manage drug interactions. The curriculum is intensive, with most students spending 30-40 hours per week in class, labs, and studying.

Years three and four emphasize experiential education through internships and rotations in various pharmacy settings. You’ll complete rotations in community pharmacies, hospital settings, clinical specialties, and possibly research or industry environments. These rotations provide hands-on experience managing patients, counseling on medications, and collaborating with healthcare teams.

Throughout pharmacy school, you’ll be evaluated through exams, projects, case studies, and experiential performance. Maintaining good academic standing is essential, as failing grades or disciplinary issues can jeopardize your ability to obtain licensure later. Many pharmacy schools require a minimum GPA (often 2.0 or higher) to progress through the program.

Networking during pharmacy school is valuable for career development. Build relationships with faculty, preceptors, and fellow students who can provide mentorship, job opportunities, and professional support throughout your career.

Pass Licensing Exams

After completing your PharmD degree, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) to practice as a pharmacist. The NAPLEX is a computer-based exam administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) that tests your ability to apply pharmaceutical knowledge to patient care scenarios. This exam is a critical milestone in how to become a pharmacist legally and professionally.

You’ll also need to pass your state’s pharmacy law exam (MPJE—Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam), which tests knowledge of pharmacy regulations and ethics. Some states have additional state-specific law exams. Consumer Reports’ educational resources note that thorough exam preparation significantly improves first-attempt pass rates.

Most pharmacy schools provide NAPLEX and MPJE preparation resources, including review courses and practice exams. Begin studying at least 4-6 weeks before your exam date. Create a study schedule that covers all content domains and allows time for practice questions and review.

The NAPLEX covers nine major competency areas including assessment of pharmacotherapy, monitoring and evaluation, and professional communication. Success requires understanding not just drug information, but how to apply that knowledge to real patient situations. Practice exams are essential for identifying weak areas and building test-taking confidence.

Complete Internship Requirements

Most states require a minimum number of pharmacy internship hours before licensure—typically 1,500 to 2,000 hours depending on your state. These hours must be completed under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist and documented through your state’s pharmacy board. Many students complete significant internship hours during pharmacy school through their experiential rotations and part-time work.

Internship experience provides practical training in medication dispensing, patient counseling, insurance processing, inventory management, and pharmacy operations. This hands-on experience bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge from pharmacy school and real-world practice. How to become a pharmacist includes demonstrating competency in these practical skills through supervised experience.

If you haven’t completed all required internship hours by graduation, you’ll need to work as a pharmacy intern under supervision until you meet your state’s requirements. Some states allow this to occur after NAPLEX passage but before full licensure. Check your specific state’s requirements early in pharmacy school so you can plan accordingly.

Document all internship hours carefully and ensure your supervising pharmacist signs off on your experience. States conduct audits of internship records, so accurate documentation is essential for smooth licensure processing.

Obtain State Licensure

Once you’ve passed NAPLEX and MPJE, completed internship hours, and submitted all required documentation, you can apply for state pharmacy licensure through your state’s pharmacy board. Each state has its own application process and requirements, so contact your state board early to understand their specific procedures.

Your state pharmacy board will verify your exam scores, internship hours, pharmacy school graduation, and background information. Most states conduct background checks and may require fingerprinting. Any criminal history or disciplinary issues could affect licensure, so maintain professional and legal conduct throughout your education.

After your application is approved and processed—typically 2-8 weeks depending on the state—you’ll receive your pharmacy license. This license allows you to practice as a pharmacist independently and take on positions with increased responsibility. Some pharmacists choose to practice in multiple states, requiring licensure in each state where they work.

Keep your license current by paying renewal fees (typically annual or biennial) and completing continuing education requirements. Most states require 15-30 hours of continuing education per renewal period to maintain licensure.

Consider Specialization Options

After becoming a licensed pharmacist, many professionals pursue specialization through additional education and certification. Specialty areas include clinical pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, psychiatric pharmacy, pediatric pharmacy, and many others. The Spruce’s professional development guides emphasize that specialization can enhance career satisfaction and earning potential.

Specialization typically requires completing a residency program (1-2 years of intensive training) and passing a specialty board certification exam. Residencies are competitive and usually require strong academic performance and relevant experience. While not required for pharmacy practice, specialization demonstrates advanced expertise and opens doors to specialized positions in hospitals, clinics, and research settings.

Some pharmacists pursue additional degrees like an MBA, MS in healthcare administration, or PhD in pharmaceutical sciences. These advanced degrees prepare pharmacists for leadership roles, research positions, or academic careers. Consider your long-term career goals when deciding whether additional education aligns with your aspirations.

Throughout your career, maintain professional development through continuing education, professional organization membership, and networking. The pharmacy profession evolves constantly with new drugs, technologies, and practice models, so lifelong learning is essential for staying current and advancing your career.

FAQ

How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
The typical timeline is 6-8 years: 2-4 years for prerequisite coursework, 4 years for pharmacy school (PharmD), and additional time for internship hours and licensing. Some students complete the process faster by taking prerequisites during high school or attending accelerated programs.

What is the average cost of becoming a pharmacist?
Total costs vary widely but typically range from $100,000 to $300,000+ depending on whether you attend public or private schools and in-state or out-of-state programs. Many pharmacy graduates have significant student loan debt that they repay over 10-20 years.

Do I need a specific undergraduate degree to become a pharmacist?
No, you don’t need a specific degree, but you must complete prerequisite science courses. Many students major in chemistry, biology, or biochemistry, while others major in completely different fields and take prerequisites as electives.

What is the job outlook for pharmacists?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacist employment is expected to remain stable with modest growth. Demand varies by location and specialty, with clinical pharmacy and specialized settings showing stronger growth than traditional retail pharmacy.

Can I become a pharmacist with a criminal record?
Criminal history doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but serious offenses—particularly drug-related crimes—may prevent licensure. Each state’s pharmacy board evaluates criminal history individually. Consult your state board early if you have concerns.

What skills are most important for pharmacists?
Essential skills include attention to detail, strong communication abilities, critical thinking, time management, and compassion for patients. Pharmacists must work effectively with physicians, nurses, patients, and pharmacy technicians in fast-paced environments.

Are there alternative paths to becoming a pharmacist?
All pharmacists must complete a PharmD degree and pass licensing exams—there are no shortcuts to licensure. However, you can become a pharmacy technician with a high school diploma and certification, which is a valuable stepping stone to pharmacy school.

What is pharmacy residency and should I pursue one?
A residency is 1-2 years of specialized training after pharmacy school. While not required for practice, residencies prepare you for clinical, specialized, or academic roles. Community pharmacists typically don’t need residencies, while hospital and clinical pharmacists often benefit from them.

Understanding how to become a pharmacist requires commitment to rigorous education, demonstrated compassion for patient care, and dedication to professional excellence. The journey is challenging but deeply rewarding for those passionate about healthcare and medication therapy. By following these steps and maintaining focus on your goals, you can successfully enter this vital healthcare profession and make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives. Family Handyman’s career planning resources and HowStuffWorks’ professional guides offer additional perspectives on healthcare career planning and professional development.