Pharmacists are medical doctors who specialize in the administration of medications. A pharmacist’s job can range from dispensing prescriptions in a neighborhood drug store to conducting research for a pharmaceutical company. To ensure that pharmacists are well qualified for their jobs, the requirements for becoming a pharmacist are quite extensive, as they are for many medical professions.
If you’re thinking about pursuing a career in pharmacy, you should consider whether you’ll enjoy it. You’ll be able to dispense medications and educate patients about them as a pharmacist. In addition, doctors and nurses may consult you about pharmaceutical products because your extensive training can assist them in determining which drug is best for a patient and whether or not that drug poses a risk of an adverse reaction. However, you will not be able to prescribe medication. You could be teaching pharmacy programs at medical schools or conducting research if you aren’t working with the public.
Laying the foundation for a career as a pharmacist is the first step. Pharmacists must have strong math, chemistry, and physical science skills. Developing a strong understanding of these subjects in high school is a fantastic idea. After graduating from high school, look for a college that offers a diverse range of science and math courses. A pre-pharmacy program is ideal, but chemistry or pre-med are also viable options. You can apply to pharmacy schools if you have completed at least two years of undergraduate education.
Applicants to pharmacy schools must pass an entrance exam to ensure that they are fully qualified. The PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) is widely accepted. You will spend at least three years in classroom education and one year in a field internship where you will be able to practice your pharmacy skills once you have entered pharmacy school. As the awarding of a Bachelor of Science degree to pharmaceutical students has become obsolete, a graduated pharmacist receives a Doctor in Pharmacy degree.
You’ll have to take a licensing exam after graduation, just like doctors and lawyers. Typically, the state in which you wish to practice administers this exam. Individual licensing requirements differ by region, so make sure you understand the requirements in the area where you want to work. You can look for pharmacy jobs after you get your license, or you can take advanced courses to become a researcher or educator in the field of pharmacy.