Chloe
How long do you have to go to school if you want to be a pharmacist?
Hi! I am in the 6th grade and I was wondering how long you had to go to school because I want to be a pharmacist. #people #happy
5 answers
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Duration of Education to Become a Pharmacist:
To become a pharmacist, you typically need to complete the following educational steps:
Undergraduate Degree (4 years): The first step is to complete a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes around four years. While there is no specific major required for pharmacy school, most students pursue degrees in areas such as biology, chemistry, or pre-pharmacy studies.
PharmD Program (4 years): After completing your undergraduate degree, you will need to enroll in a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. This program typically takes four years to complete and includes coursework in pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice, and clinical rotations.
Licensure: Once you have graduated from a PharmD program, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) to become licensed to practice as a pharmacist.
In summary, it takes approximately 8 years of education beyond high school to become a licensed pharmacist.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP): The AACP provides comprehensive information on pharmacy education and accreditation standards for PharmD programs in the United States.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers data on the educational requirements and job outlook for pharmacists, providing valuable insights into the field.
American Pharmacists Association (APhA): The APhA is a leading professional organization that offers resources and guidance on the education and training needed to become a pharmacist.
These sources were instrumental in providing accurate and up-to-date information on the educational path required to pursue a career as a pharmacist.
God Bless You, Richly, JC.
Judy Joseph
Judy’s Answer
You have to at least have completed 2 years of your core requirements (math, science, and English) take the PCAT, and if you are accepted pharmacy school is 4 years. Some students do have a bachelors degree but it isn't always required. Good Luck!
There is more than one way to acceptance to pharmacy school. Some Universities are in desperate need to educate pharmacists in states populations that really need pharmacists and you can enter right after high school. You actually apply while a senior in high school.
JAIME SIRGANY, PHARMACIST
Victoria Agbetor-Fumey PharmD
Victoria’s Answer
I agree with all above but certainly look into volunteering your time in a community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy,clinics etc during your junior year. By the time senior year comes and you are certain that is the way you still want, take most of the core science classes and your first year of college classes should include all your basics sciences with strong grades.
Your chances increases into pharmacy school after a college degree in the sciences, however going directly from high school is doable but has become increasingly challenging because of its competitiveness and demand.
Good luck:-)
Victoria
Allen Graber
Allen’s Answer
Very good question!
Most pharmacists have at least a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry or other science such as physics or biology. The PharmD degree that pharmacists receive upon graduation takes between 3-4 years of study. You will have to get excellent grades throughout high school and college to be considered for admission.
You may want to talk to a pharmacist to find out what she does at work.
I teach a course for pharmacy technicians at a community college, some of whom are planning to go on to pharmacy college.
Best of luck.
Parixit Modi, Pharm.D., MBA
Parixit’s Answer
After high school, you have to study at least 8 years, 4 for undergrads and 4 for the actual program. Even though, many pharmacy schools don't require undergrad degree, it increases your chance of admission. You can also do a residency of 1 to 2 years after pharmacy degree.