3 answers
Michael
Student
Georgetown, South Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
346 views
What to do to be a pharmacist?
What can i do to become a pharmacist. My brother is a biochemist and doings extremely well. I want to be a scientist like him but don't want to do what he did. Help out
Login to comment
3 answers
Michael Trocchia
Supply Chain Director
68
Answers
Mine Hill Township, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Study hard. You need to be very good in math and science. You then need to get accepted into a pharmacy program at a college/University. It is a 6/7 year program. Best of luck to you.
Thank you, this is really helpful.
Michael
Sujin Weinstein
Pharmacist
7
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Sujin’s Answer
Hi Michael!
If you are able to, you can try to shadow a pharmacist or get work in a pharmacy to observe first hand if you can picture yourself as a pharmacist in the future. Most pharmacists have a strong science background as it is important to understand how the body and medications work. Other key characteristics of most pharmacists are a desire to help people, attention to detail, team player and strong communications skills.
At the minimum, you would need to complete 2 years of pre-requisites, while applying to pharmacy schools, which are 3 or 4 year programs. You will also have to pass a test after graduation to ensure you know enough about medications to practice as a pharmacist. Then, many pharmacists complete 1-2 years of post graduate training in specialized areas. For example, I work mainly in psychiatric pharmacy. But you can specialize in almost any area! There are also many different areas to work, not just hospitals or the community (like CVS or Walgreens) - you can work for the government, for drug companies, in health professional schools (e.g. I now work for a school of nursing teaching pharmacology), doctors' offices, the military, etc.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
Sujin
If you are able to, you can try to shadow a pharmacist or get work in a pharmacy to observe first hand if you can picture yourself as a pharmacist in the future. Most pharmacists have a strong science background as it is important to understand how the body and medications work. Other key characteristics of most pharmacists are a desire to help people, attention to detail, team player and strong communications skills.
At the minimum, you would need to complete 2 years of pre-requisites, while applying to pharmacy schools, which are 3 or 4 year programs. You will also have to pass a test after graduation to ensure you know enough about medications to practice as a pharmacist. Then, many pharmacists complete 1-2 years of post graduate training in specialized areas. For example, I work mainly in psychiatric pharmacy. But you can specialize in almost any area! There are also many different areas to work, not just hospitals or the community (like CVS or Walgreens) - you can work for the government, for drug companies, in health professional schools (e.g. I now work for a school of nursing teaching pharmacology), doctors' offices, the military, etc.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have more questions!
Sujin
Logan Graves, PharmD
Pharmacy Student
2
Answers
Charlottesville, Virginia
Updated
Logan’s Answer
Michael,
Consider immersing yourself in various sectors of pharmacy like retail, hospital, and industry. This will give you a clear picture of what aspects you enjoy and those you don't, aiding in your decision-making process. I embarked on my journey as a technician during my undergraduate years to acquire some hands-on experience before entering pharmacy school. It's worth noting that these programs appreciate candidates with some prior pharmacy exposure.
You're not restricted to biology or chemistry majors to qualify for pharmacy school. I pursued Communications, ensuring I met the prerequisites for pharmacy school. Each institution has its unique requirements, so it's advisable to research these prerequisites beforehand.
Upon entering school, I had to take a PCAT, a standardized test focusing on English, math, chemistry, and biology. This examination allows schools to gauge your proficiency in these areas, so it's crucial to prepare thoroughly and take numerous practice tests.
During your time in pharmacy school, I strongly urge you to secure an internship. This will be invaluable if you decide to apply for residency programs or fellowships post-graduation. Make the most of your time in school and explore every opportunity! My journey led me to a one-year post-doc residency at UVA Health, and I currently work as a surgical pharmacist there.
I hope you find this advice helpful!
Best,
Logan
Consider immersing yourself in various sectors of pharmacy like retail, hospital, and industry. This will give you a clear picture of what aspects you enjoy and those you don't, aiding in your decision-making process. I embarked on my journey as a technician during my undergraduate years to acquire some hands-on experience before entering pharmacy school. It's worth noting that these programs appreciate candidates with some prior pharmacy exposure.
You're not restricted to biology or chemistry majors to qualify for pharmacy school. I pursued Communications, ensuring I met the prerequisites for pharmacy school. Each institution has its unique requirements, so it's advisable to research these prerequisites beforehand.
Upon entering school, I had to take a PCAT, a standardized test focusing on English, math, chemistry, and biology. This examination allows schools to gauge your proficiency in these areas, so it's crucial to prepare thoroughly and take numerous practice tests.
During your time in pharmacy school, I strongly urge you to secure an internship. This will be invaluable if you decide to apply for residency programs or fellowships post-graduation. Make the most of your time in school and explore every opportunity! My journey led me to a one-year post-doc residency at UVA Health, and I currently work as a surgical pharmacist there.
I hope you find this advice helpful!
Best,
Logan