How to Become a Pharmacist in USA – 2023 Full Guide

How to become a pharmacist, and how long does it take to become a pharmacist? 

Do you want to become a pharmacy specialist and build a successful long-term career in the pharmaceutical industries ? Not sure where to start? Then this article will reveal to you everythingh you need to know to become a pharmacist.

Who is a Pharmacist ?

A pharmacist is a healthcare professional who is trained and licensed to dispense medication to patients. They are responsible for ensuring that patients receive the correct medications and dosages, as well as providing guidance on how to use the medications safely and effectively. Pharmacists also work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to develop treatment plans for patients and to monitor the effectiveness of medications. They may also be involved in the management of a pharmacy and the supervision of pharmacy technicians and assistants. Pharmacists are an important part of the healthcare team and play a vital role in helping people to manage their health and wellness.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Pharmacist?

Becoming a pharmacist typically takes about 6-8 years of education and training after high school. This includes completing a 4-year bachelor’s degree program in pharmacy, followed by a 1-2 year pharmacy practice residency or fellowship.

To be eligible for a pharmacy degree program, you typically need to have completed high school and completed certain pre-pharmacy coursework in subjects such as biology, chemistry, math, and physics. Many pharmacy schools also require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) as part of the admissions process.

How to Become a Pharmacist

To become a pharmacist, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Complete high school and any required pre-pharmacy coursework. In order to be eligible for a pharmacy degree program, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, and you may need to have completed certain pre-pharmacy courses in subjects such as biology, chemistry, math, and physics.
2. Enroll in a pharmacy degree program. There are several types of pharmacy degree programs available, including Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs and Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy (BSPharm) programs. Most programs take 4 years to complete and include coursework in subjects such as pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and drug delivery systems, as well as clinical rotations in various healthcare settings.
3. Take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). Many pharmacy schools require applicants to take the PCAT as part of the admissions process. The PCAT is a standardized test that measures your knowledge of the subjects that are relevant to pharmacy practice.
4. Complete a pharmacy practice residency or fellowship. After completing your pharmacy degree program, you may choose to complete a 1-2 year pharmacy practice residency or fellowship program. These programs provide advanced training and clinical experience in a specific area of pharmacy practice, such as ambulatory care, community pharmacy, or hospital pharmacy.
5. Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX). In order to practice as a pharmacist, you must pass the NAPLEX, which is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The NAPLEX tests your knowledge of pharmacy practice and pharmacotherapy.
6. Obtain a state pharmacy license. In addition to passing the NAPLEX, you must also obtain a state pharmacy license in order to practice as a pharmacist. Each state has its own requirements for licensure, which may include passing a state-specific pharmacy law exam.

Average Salary of a Pharmacists

The salary of a pharmacist can vary depending on a number of factors, including the pharmacist’s level of education and experience, the type of pharmacy in which they work, and the location of the pharmacy. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for pharmacists in the United States was $128,090 in May 2020. The lowest 10% of pharmacists earned less than $87,390 per year, while the highest 10% earned more than $157,950 per year.

Salaries for pharmacists can also vary depending on the type of pharmacy in which they work. For example, pharmacists working in hospitals tend to earn higher salaries than those working in retail pharmacies. In addition, pharmacists who work in areas with a higher cost of living may earn higher salaries to compensate for the higher cost of living.

It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates and may not reflect the actual salaries of all pharmacists. The actual salary of a pharmacist can depend on a variety of factors, including the individual’s education and experience, the specific job duties and responsibilities, and the location and type of pharmacy in which they work.

Top 10 Pharmacy Schools in USA

According to the U.S. News & World Report 2021 rankings, the top 10 pharmacy schools in the United States are:

1. University of California, San Francisco
2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
4. University of Wisconsin, Madison
5. University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
6. University of California, San Diego
7. Purdue University, West Lafayette
8. University of Kentucky, Lexington
9. University of Iowa, Iowa City
10. University of Pittsburgh

It’s important to note that these rankings can vary from year to year and may be based on different criteria, so it’s always a good idea to research and compare different pharmacy schools to find the one that is the best fit for you.

How many years does it take to become a pharmacist?

Depending on the sort of curriculum you select, the path to become a pharmacist might take anywhere between five and eight years.

Some pharmacy universities and colleges requires two years of undergraduate pre-pharmacy preparation coursework, while others require candidates to have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree. After that, pharmacy school lasts 3–4 years.

Is a pharmacist a doctor?

A pharmacist is not a medical doctor. Nevertheless , they must get a doctorate in pharmacy degree or Pharm.D.

Is it hard to become a pharmacist?

It takes a significant time commitment to become a pharmacist, and admission to pharmacy school is extremely competitive. Candidates must show skill of physics, biology, chemistry, and other science and math courses.

 Is a pharmacist still a good career?

Pharmacists contribute to improving the quality of life for both patients and communities. It is a well-paying, well regarded profession that offers the chance to work in a variety of industry.

Do pharmacists go to medical school?

No medical school is attended by pharmacists. To obtain a Doctorate in pharmacy, they attend specialized pharmacy colleges.

How many hours do pharmacists work?

The majority of pharmacists work 40 hours a week at full time. Those that run their own pharmacy could have to put in a lot more time.

What skills do you need to be a pharmacist?

Pharmacists need to have a solid foundation in physics and math in addition to their comprehensive understanding of medications. Additionally, they must be outstanding communicators, take pleasure in instructing others, and have a lifelong interest in learning about medical advancements and healthcare trends.

Overall, becoming a pharmacist is a long and intensive process that requires a significant investment of time and effort. However, the rewards of this career can be substantial, as pharmacists play a vital role in healthcare and can enjoy good salaries and job prospects.

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