Rather than working in a standalone pharmacy or a pharmacy that is part of a retail store, a clinical pharmacist works in a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic. Clinical pharmacists are involved in observing and monitoring patients’ recovery in addition to filling prescriptions. Education is the first step toward becoming a clinical pharmacist. Clinical pharmacists must complete additional training in addition to earning degrees and obtaining an education as part of the steps to becoming a clinical pharmacist.
To work as a clinical pharmacist, you must first obtain a bachelor’s degree. Clinical pharmacist candidates obtain the Pharm.D. degree after completing an undergraduate degree. The majority of undergraduate degrees should be related to pharmacy in some way, such as biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics. To get your license and work as a pharmacist in the United States, you’ll need this degree from an accredited pharmacy school.
You can also get some hands-on training after you finish your Pharm.D. degree. This can be accomplished through a fellowship or residency program. The duration of these programs is usually one to two years. These programs usually require you to complete a medical research project in addition to the training.
To become a clinical pharmacist, you must obtain your pharmacy license after completing your education and training requirements. To work as a clinical pharmacist, you must have a license in every state and territory in the United States. However, you must first pass several exams in order to obtain the license.
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy administers the two primary tests required to become a clinical pharmacist (NABP). The North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) is the first test, and it assesses your pharmacy knowledge and skills. Most states, but not all, require you to pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam, which is a test about pharmacy law (MPJE). Even if you live in a state where the MPJE exam is not required, each of these states has its own pharmacy law exam.
You must pass additional tests and meet additional requirements in some states. The best thing to do is contact your state’s medical licensing board to see if there are any additional requirements you must meet, such as a minimum age requirement for license applicants in some states.