Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare providers who distribute medications to patients in a community, retail, or hospital setting. Pharmacists also advise patients in determining the risks and safety of drugs, preventing or gauging drug interactions, and often assisting in preventative care. Some pharmacists work as drug researchers for companies or universities.

Click here to browse our list of schools offering degrees in pharmacy

Future pharmacists must possess specific personality characteristics In order to be successful in their careers. Pharmacists must be inherently conscientious and detail oriented. Individuals with an innate scientific nature, strong interpersonal and communications skills, and a willingness to help others.

Preparation for a career as a pharmacist may begin while a student is in high school. Taking courses in chemistry, mathematics, English, business, health, and biology assist in readying students for college level studies. Most pharmacists are required to possess a masters degree or higher to be qualified for employment. In addition, most states and facilities require pharmacists also be certified and licensed after completing a degree program.

Undergraduate Associates and Bachelor’s Degrees

College level training to prepare for a career as a pharmacist can begin with a two year associate degree program through a traditional community college or online university. Students build a solid educational background within a pharmacy technician associate degree program. Individuals study core courses in psychology, communications, computer literacy, and chemistry during their first year of study. During a second year, students begin to specialize education in human structure and function, medical terminology, pharmacy inventory management, pharmaceutical calculations, technical communications, human relations, community practice, institutional pharmacy operations, and human resources.

Students who successfully complete a two year associates degree program may gain employment as a pharmacy assistant or advance to a higher degree field after completing organizational and/or state determined certification exams. Many states do not require pharmacy technicians to be certified as most certification is voluntary through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians (ICPT) exams. Applicants who have previously been convicted of felony charges, drug misdemeanor charges, or have had other pharmacy related convictions may not participate in certification exams. Pharmacy technicians are required to continue education in order to re-certify every two years. An individual who successfully completes an associate degree program may further studies to higher degree programs to become pharmacists.

Most bachelor degree programs through traditional colleges and universities have been phased out as educational trends and employment qualifications for pharmacists have changed to a master degree or higher degree level. Students with associate degrees who would like to advance to a higher degree can pursue a master degree program in pharmacy (MSPharm.D) or a doctoral degree program in pharmacy (Pharm.D.). Both the MSPharm.D. and Pharm.D. programs have replaced the former Bachelor of Pharmacy degree.

MSPharm – Master’s Degree in Pharmacy

A masters degree program in pharmacy (MSPharm) prepares individuals for careers as pharmacists. MSPharm programs are available through traditional colleges and online programs. MSPharm degree programs include intensive course studies combined with supervised internships and rigorous seminars. Students study courses in research and design methods, statistics, social and organizational behavior, pharmacoeconomics, management of pharmacy services, outcomes research, product planning and reimbusement, cost-benefit analysis, drug marketing, pharmacy and pharmaceuticals law and regulation, risk assessment, and organization of the health care system. Graduate students must also complete certification or licensing requirements as determined by state or facility regulations. Certification requirements and are determined by state regulations and facility of employment.

Graduates from MSPharm programs are generally required to successfully pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX). The NAPLEX exam tests a student’s pharmacy skills, knowledge, and laws learned through formal training programs offered at accredited colleges and universities. Many states and facilities also require that candidates pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). The NAPLEX and MPJE exams are offered by the National Association of boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Additional certification exams specific to jurisdictions include requirements of a specified number of supervised experience. In addition, candidates must meet age requirements and possess a clear criminal background check. Many states also require candidates to complete the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEC) offered through the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC). Candidates also must past the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE) exams. Most pharmacists are required to participate in 20 hours of continuing education in order to recertify as determined by state and facility licensing policies or regulations. Individuals may then pursue careers as pharmacists or continue to doctoral degree programs.

Pharm.D. Doctoral Degrees In Pharmacy

A doctoral degree program in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) consists of courses in: chemistry, biology, physics, humanities, psychology, social services, and natural sciences. Most colleges require at least 3 or more years of study through an accredited program before admittance into a Pharm.D. program. A Pharm.D. program requires a 4 to 6 year time investment. Students learn all aspects of safely providing medication to clients and patients. Pharm.D. programs concentrate on public health concepts, drug therapy, ethics, business management, and an internship under the direct supervision of licensed pharmacists within various facilities. Completing an accredited Pharm.D. program approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, followed by a one to two year long residency or fellowship program, and successfully completing a series of certification examinations, qualifies an individual to work as a pharmacist.

Pharmacy Certification

Pharmacy fellowships are highly specialized programs designed to allow candidates to gain experience working in various settings including clinical practices, research laboratories, or private pharmacies within facilities. Certification requirements vary per state and facility of employment. Most pharmacists are required to successfully pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) to test pharmacy skills, knowledge, and laws learned through formal training programs offered at accredited colleges and universities. Many states also require that candidates pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). The NAPLEX and MPJE exams are offered by the National Association of boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Many states also have additional certification exams specific to jurisdictions including requirements of a specified number of supervised experience, often during Pharm.D. programs, as well as age requirements and possess a clear criminal background check. Many states also require candidates to complete the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEC) offered through the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC). Candidates also must past the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and Test of Spoken English (TSE) exams. Most pharmacists are required to participate in 20 hours of continuing education in order to re-certify as determined by state and facility licensing policies or regulations. Students who complete a Pharm.D program may work as the experts within their career field, researchers at top universities, or as instructors.