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What is a general guideline to becoming a pharmacist?
I am currently a senior in high school and college is around the corner. I want to have a rough plan for college and post-grad so I have better chances to become a pharmacist.
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7 answers
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Joey! It's awesome that you're planning ahead for your future as a pharmacist. There are a lot of paths, and as you’ve seen from the responses here, there are different ways to approach it. Alright sooo...., 🤔
1. The Basics: As Anthony mentioned, you’ll need to complete your undergraduate degree and fulfill the prerequisites for a PharmD program (pharmacy school). Some pharmacy schools don't require a bachelor's degree, but you'll still need to meet specific courses, like chemistry and biology. If you’re super sure about becoming a pharmacist, look into accelerated programs. But, if you’re unsure, try regular college first, and then apply for pharmacy school afterward. It's always good to have options!
2. The PCAT: This is the pharmacy school acceptance test. It's similar to the MCAT (for med school), and while some schools might not require it, many do. It's not just a test—it's a chance to show off your love and knowledge of science, which is essential in this field!
3. Why Pharmacy Tech? Both Anthony and Carrie mention this, and it’s an awesome tip. Working as a pharmacy tech gives you hands-on experience in the pharmacy world. Plus, you'll learn so much more about what the job entails, and it could be a fantastic networking opportunity to meet mentors and other pharmacists who can guide you. Who knows? It might make your journey smoother when you apply!
4. Diving Deeper into the Job Market: Yolanda's warning about the saturation in the pharmacy market is something to consider. While it’s true that the job market isn’t as booming as it once was, it doesn't mean you should dismiss the career if you're passionate about it. The key is passion—if you truly want to become a pharmacist, you’ll find a way. Whether it’s retail, hospital, or specialized fields like nuclear pharmacy, there’s always room for dedicated professionals. The field is evolving, and pharmacists have opportunities beyond traditional settings. You might even work remotely in the future!
5. Residency or Not: Carrie mentioned residencies (PGY1 for general practice, PGY2 for specialized fields). While they’re not required for most pharmacy jobs, they can give you an edge in specific areas like hospital or clinical pharmacy. It’s something to consider as you plan your career path!
6. Looking at Colleges: When you’re picking a pharmacy school, look at pass rates for the NAPLEX (licensing exam) and consider how close the school is to where you want to practice. Pharmacy laws can vary by state, and if you’re set on a particular area, it can be helpful to choose a program aligned with those goals.
7. Have Fun with It! Ultimately, the best advice I can give is to enjoy the journey. You’re going to be helping people, making a real difference in their health and lives—how cool is that? Stay curious, keep exploring, and remember that dedication and passion are key. Whether it’s taking a class or volunteering, each step brings you closer to your goal. And hey, if you ever get stuck, reach out to mentors (like me!), and we’ll help guide you through the confusion.
Good luck, Joey! Stay focused, have fun, and don't forget to enjoy the ride! Good luck!
1. The Basics: As Anthony mentioned, you’ll need to complete your undergraduate degree and fulfill the prerequisites for a PharmD program (pharmacy school). Some pharmacy schools don't require a bachelor's degree, but you'll still need to meet specific courses, like chemistry and biology. If you’re super sure about becoming a pharmacist, look into accelerated programs. But, if you’re unsure, try regular college first, and then apply for pharmacy school afterward. It's always good to have options!
2. The PCAT: This is the pharmacy school acceptance test. It's similar to the MCAT (for med school), and while some schools might not require it, many do. It's not just a test—it's a chance to show off your love and knowledge of science, which is essential in this field!
3. Why Pharmacy Tech? Both Anthony and Carrie mention this, and it’s an awesome tip. Working as a pharmacy tech gives you hands-on experience in the pharmacy world. Plus, you'll learn so much more about what the job entails, and it could be a fantastic networking opportunity to meet mentors and other pharmacists who can guide you. Who knows? It might make your journey smoother when you apply!
4. Diving Deeper into the Job Market: Yolanda's warning about the saturation in the pharmacy market is something to consider. While it’s true that the job market isn’t as booming as it once was, it doesn't mean you should dismiss the career if you're passionate about it. The key is passion—if you truly want to become a pharmacist, you’ll find a way. Whether it’s retail, hospital, or specialized fields like nuclear pharmacy, there’s always room for dedicated professionals. The field is evolving, and pharmacists have opportunities beyond traditional settings. You might even work remotely in the future!
5. Residency or Not: Carrie mentioned residencies (PGY1 for general practice, PGY2 for specialized fields). While they’re not required for most pharmacy jobs, they can give you an edge in specific areas like hospital or clinical pharmacy. It’s something to consider as you plan your career path!
6. Looking at Colleges: When you’re picking a pharmacy school, look at pass rates for the NAPLEX (licensing exam) and consider how close the school is to where you want to practice. Pharmacy laws can vary by state, and if you’re set on a particular area, it can be helpful to choose a program aligned with those goals.
7. Have Fun with It! Ultimately, the best advice I can give is to enjoy the journey. You’re going to be helping people, making a real difference in their health and lives—how cool is that? Stay curious, keep exploring, and remember that dedication and passion are key. Whether it’s taking a class or volunteering, each step brings you closer to your goal. And hey, if you ever get stuck, reach out to mentors (like me!), and we’ll help guide you through the confusion.
Good luck, Joey! Stay focused, have fun, and don't forget to enjoy the ride! Good luck!
Fanna Suzan, appreciation from a mentor like you makes the journey even more meaningful! Keep inspiring!
Dr H
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
Hi Joey. In simplest terms becoming a pharmacist requires going to undergraduate school, completing prequirements for a PharmD program, taking the acceptance test (known as the PCAT), applying to pharmacy school, interviewing, and receiving an offer.
A couple of nuances here. 1) while some pharmacy schools may require a bachelor's many just require a set of prequirements, meaning you don't actually need to graduate with a bachelor's degre (although there are obvious benefits to acquiring one) 2) Some pharmacy schools are expedited 6 year plans meaning you can enter directly after highschool and work directly through undergrad into pharmacy school, these programs usually don't require the PCAT but are more difficult to get into after highschool.
If and only if you are 110% sure you want to be a pharmacist I would look at the expedited programs and speak to your high school counselor about admissions there. If you are not absolutely positive I would look into undergrad schools which have a PharmD grad school. Even if you don't want to go to school there for graduate school it will at least get you in contact with counselors who can prepare you for the pharmacy school process.
Regardless I would also look into working as a pharmacy tech, not only will this prepare you for pharmacy school interviews but will allow you to gain a better understanding of the profession and meet practicing pharmacists to help guide you.
A couple of nuances here. 1) while some pharmacy schools may require a bachelor's many just require a set of prequirements, meaning you don't actually need to graduate with a bachelor's degre (although there are obvious benefits to acquiring one) 2) Some pharmacy schools are expedited 6 year plans meaning you can enter directly after highschool and work directly through undergrad into pharmacy school, these programs usually don't require the PCAT but are more difficult to get into after highschool.
If and only if you are 110% sure you want to be a pharmacist I would look at the expedited programs and speak to your high school counselor about admissions there. If you are not absolutely positive I would look into undergrad schools which have a PharmD grad school. Even if you don't want to go to school there for graduate school it will at least get you in contact with counselors who can prepare you for the pharmacy school process.
Regardless I would also look into working as a pharmacy tech, not only will this prepare you for pharmacy school interviews but will allow you to gain a better understanding of the profession and meet practicing pharmacists to help guide you.
Thank you!
Joey
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
Hi Joey,
I have to be completed honest with you. I would not recommend going into pharmacy at this point. The profession is over saturated and there are not enough jobs for all the pharmacists that are graduating from pharmacy school. You would need to do at least a 2 year residency to be competitive. I would suggest looking into becoming a nurse practioner or a PA because they are in demand. If you have an interest in mental health I would suggest looking into becoming a Mental Health PA because there is a shortage because every is dealing with their mental health after the pandemic. I do love my job as a pharmacist but I am one of the lucky few. I get to work from home and everything. But if I were a student now looking at pharmacy, I would not do it. Do some research and compare these options. Hope this helps. Take Care.
I have to be completed honest with you. I would not recommend going into pharmacy at this point. The profession is over saturated and there are not enough jobs for all the pharmacists that are graduating from pharmacy school. You would need to do at least a 2 year residency to be competitive. I would suggest looking into becoming a nurse practioner or a PA because they are in demand. If you have an interest in mental health I would suggest looking into becoming a Mental Health PA because there is a shortage because every is dealing with their mental health after the pandemic. I do love my job as a pharmacist but I am one of the lucky few. I get to work from home and everything. But if I were a student now looking at pharmacy, I would not do it. Do some research and compare these options. Hope this helps. Take Care.
Thank you, I was unaware of this information. I will research your suggestions.
Joey
Updated
Mr.’s Answer
The best advice? **Make sure you actually want to be a pharmacist** before committing years of your life and a mountain of debt.
1. **Look into accelerated programs** if you're 100% sure. Otherwise, do undergrad first.
2. **Work as a pharmacy tech**—get real experience before diving in.
3. **Check the job market**—pharmacy isn’t as booming as it used to be.
4. **If you want hospital/clinical pharmacy, be ready for residency** (extra training after school).
5. **Pick a pharmacy school with a high NAPLEX pass rate**—that’s your licensing exam.
Bottom line: **Pharmacy can be great if you're passionate, but do your homework before committing.**
1. **Look into accelerated programs** if you're 100% sure. Otherwise, do undergrad first.
2. **Work as a pharmacy tech**—get real experience before diving in.
3. **Check the job market**—pharmacy isn’t as booming as it used to be.
4. **If you want hospital/clinical pharmacy, be ready for residency** (extra training after school).
5. **Pick a pharmacy school with a high NAPLEX pass rate**—that’s your licensing exam.
Bottom line: **Pharmacy can be great if you're passionate, but do your homework before committing.**
Updated
Carrie’s Answer
While the job market isn't perfect, I don't think you should just dismiss the idea if you really want to be a pharmacist. Do some research and think about what draws you to pharmacy. Be ready to leave California if you have a specific vision of the type of job you will have. If you are ok with working in a rural area, you'll have an easier time landing a job, but there are definitely other jobs to be had.
As far as developing a plan for how to get there, I recommend starting with deciding on a couple of colleges of pharmacy that are attractive to you. It would be a good idea to look up their NAPLEX pass rates (this is the pharmacist licensing exam that you will take after completing your degree). You want as close to 100% as you can manage. I personally recommend trying to choose one in the state where you want to be a pharmacist. Laws can be very different state-to-state and your pharmacy program can help you prepare for your law exam, which you have to pass along with the NAPLEX to become licensed.
These schools will have a list of prerequisites that they want prior to admission. Things like chemistry, physics, and calculus. In my case, I was planning to get my pharmacy degree from the same university system where I attended undergrad and their list specified the exact classes they wanted. That helped a lot. The prerequisites usually take two years to complete, and you have the option of just doing those or completing a bachelor's degree. A degree takes longer but gives you more options later if you want to change direction. I decided to get a master's degree later and having a bachelor's already made that easier.
Some colleges have a pre-pharmacy advisor who may be able to help you build a strong application package. Work as a pharmacy tech if you are able to (in my state, you need to be an adult with a high school diploma or equivalent and a clean background check/drug test, but this varies). This can give you an idea of what work in a pharmacy looks like and help you decide if you want to continue in this direction.
Most pharmacy programs are a minimum of 2 years undergrad + 4 years of professional school (but there are variations and accelerated programs).
When you graduate with your PharmD, you can jump right into working as a pharmacist or pursue a residency. Most pharmacists do not pursue a residency. If you want to work in retail pharmacy, you don't need one unless you want to move into a specialized area. Most pharmacists work in retail pharmacy.
If you want to work in a hospital setting, you may need a one year general residency (PGY1) to get your foot in the door or some work experience and luck. Hospital positions have a reputation of making less money than retail but having a better work-life balance. I work in a hospital setting without a residency.
You also have the option of pursuing a specialized PGY2 residency. This opens some of the clinical specialist jobs that may not otherwise be available to you. Most pharmacists do not do this and it is definitely not a requirement unless you want those specific jobs.
Some less traditional pharmacist options include nuclear pharmacy, institutional pharmacy (such as in prisons), long-term care pharmacy (serving nursing homes mostly, a nice hybrid of retail and hospital settings), central fill (mail-order), and specialty pharmacy.
Again, I recommend trying to work in a pharmacy to get a feel for the work. You don't have to know what specific area of pharmacy you want to go into when you start school, but you'll need to decide if you want to pursue a residency before you finish your PharmD. Working from home is not a realistic expectation right out of school, but there is plenty of room in this profession for someone who really wants to be there. Good luck!
As far as developing a plan for how to get there, I recommend starting with deciding on a couple of colleges of pharmacy that are attractive to you. It would be a good idea to look up their NAPLEX pass rates (this is the pharmacist licensing exam that you will take after completing your degree). You want as close to 100% as you can manage. I personally recommend trying to choose one in the state where you want to be a pharmacist. Laws can be very different state-to-state and your pharmacy program can help you prepare for your law exam, which you have to pass along with the NAPLEX to become licensed.
These schools will have a list of prerequisites that they want prior to admission. Things like chemistry, physics, and calculus. In my case, I was planning to get my pharmacy degree from the same university system where I attended undergrad and their list specified the exact classes they wanted. That helped a lot. The prerequisites usually take two years to complete, and you have the option of just doing those or completing a bachelor's degree. A degree takes longer but gives you more options later if you want to change direction. I decided to get a master's degree later and having a bachelor's already made that easier.
Some colleges have a pre-pharmacy advisor who may be able to help you build a strong application package. Work as a pharmacy tech if you are able to (in my state, you need to be an adult with a high school diploma or equivalent and a clean background check/drug test, but this varies). This can give you an idea of what work in a pharmacy looks like and help you decide if you want to continue in this direction.
Most pharmacy programs are a minimum of 2 years undergrad + 4 years of professional school (but there are variations and accelerated programs).
When you graduate with your PharmD, you can jump right into working as a pharmacist or pursue a residency. Most pharmacists do not pursue a residency. If you want to work in retail pharmacy, you don't need one unless you want to move into a specialized area. Most pharmacists work in retail pharmacy.
If you want to work in a hospital setting, you may need a one year general residency (PGY1) to get your foot in the door or some work experience and luck. Hospital positions have a reputation of making less money than retail but having a better work-life balance. I work in a hospital setting without a residency.
You also have the option of pursuing a specialized PGY2 residency. This opens some of the clinical specialist jobs that may not otherwise be available to you. Most pharmacists do not do this and it is definitely not a requirement unless you want those specific jobs.
Some less traditional pharmacist options include nuclear pharmacy, institutional pharmacy (such as in prisons), long-term care pharmacy (serving nursing homes mostly, a nice hybrid of retail and hospital settings), central fill (mail-order), and specialty pharmacy.
Again, I recommend trying to work in a pharmacy to get a feel for the work. You don't have to know what specific area of pharmacy you want to go into when you start school, but you'll need to decide if you want to pursue a residency before you finish your PharmD. Working from home is not a realistic expectation right out of school, but there is plenty of room in this profession for someone who really wants to be there. Good luck!
This was super helpful, thank you!
Joey
Updated
Sara’s Answer
Hello!
As a first-year in pharmacy school, I understand how overwhelming the program looks, but it is the best decision I ever made! Here is what I recommend:
1. Do not waste your time taking the PCAT. It is only to see if you have the competency to work in a retail pharmacy. It is no longer required for the PharmD application so do not waste your time.
2. Reflect on your certainty. There are generally two kinds of pharmacy programs: 2+4 and 0-6. If you are 100% committed to pursuing pharmacy school, then you may want to apply for 0-6 schools. You do not need to interview for pharmacy school after your undergrad years and just roll right in to the PharmD program. The 2+4 is good if you are considering a career in pharmacy, but not too sure. After 2 years, if you decide not to go to pharmacy school those credits can be easily applied to a bachelor's program. However, if you do decide to pursue pharmacy school you may have an admission interview into the pharmacy school despite your enrollment status.
3. Definitely work as a pharmacy technician. This will help you correlate drug names/brands and uses which will greatly help you in pharmacy school. You only need to be 18 and obtain a minimum of a pharmacy technician trainee license in your state.
4. Remember there are soo many career paths in the field of pharmacy! Originally, I wanted to become a neuropharmacologist and develop novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. After working my current job with the Air National Guard, I am looking to pursue a career as a civilian pharmacist in the military. It is normal to change your mind and explore all the different career paths pharmacy has to offer!
As a first-year in pharmacy school, I understand how overwhelming the program looks, but it is the best decision I ever made! Here is what I recommend:
1. Do not waste your time taking the PCAT. It is only to see if you have the competency to work in a retail pharmacy. It is no longer required for the PharmD application so do not waste your time.
2. Reflect on your certainty. There are generally two kinds of pharmacy programs: 2+4 and 0-6. If you are 100% committed to pursuing pharmacy school, then you may want to apply for 0-6 schools. You do not need to interview for pharmacy school after your undergrad years and just roll right in to the PharmD program. The 2+4 is good if you are considering a career in pharmacy, but not too sure. After 2 years, if you decide not to go to pharmacy school those credits can be easily applied to a bachelor's program. However, if you do decide to pursue pharmacy school you may have an admission interview into the pharmacy school despite your enrollment status.
3. Definitely work as a pharmacy technician. This will help you correlate drug names/brands and uses which will greatly help you in pharmacy school. You only need to be 18 and obtain a minimum of a pharmacy technician trainee license in your state.
4. Remember there are soo many career paths in the field of pharmacy! Originally, I wanted to become a neuropharmacologist and develop novel treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. After working my current job with the Air National Guard, I am looking to pursue a career as a civilian pharmacist in the military. It is normal to change your mind and explore all the different career paths pharmacy has to offer!
Updated
Dr. Joy’s Answer
Hi Joey! I believe you have a bright future ahead. Why not try working as a pharmacy technician or cashier first? You could also shadow a pharmacist to see if this path excites you. I spent 15 years as a certified pharmacy technician before going to pharmacy school, and it helped me know for sure that this was my passion. Remember, the journey isn't always easy, but it's definitely rewarding. These days, many schools don't require the PCAT, so focus on finding schools with high NAPLEX/MPJE pass rates. While you don't need a residency to land a great job, it can help if you want to specialize in a specific area. Pharmacy offers so much more than just "counting pills," with plenty of opportunities to explore. Whatever you choose, I'm cheering for you and wish you all the best in your journey!
Joy, PharmD
Joy, PharmD