Pharmacologists use their scientific knowledge to develop drugs and conduct research on drugs that may be used to prevent, treat, or cure diseases. Testing potentially harmful chemicals or studying the effects of these chemicals on lab animals could be part of pharmacology work. A college degree, a post-graduate degree, and internship experience in a pharmacology-related setting are typically required to become a pharmacologist.
A college degree in biology, chemistry, or math is beneficial in becoming a pharmacologist. These majors allow you to meet the requirements for graduate pharmacology training. However, keep in mind that getting into graduate school can be competitive, so getting good grades in college is essential.
In general, you should apply to graduate school in pharmacology during your final semester of college. Anyone interested in becoming a pharmacologist should pursue a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in pharmacology. If you want to improve your credentials and be eligible to conduct clinical testing on humans in addition to other pharmacology activities, you should get a doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree.
Typical coursework for a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) in pharmacology includes pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, experimental design, and scientific ethics. Clinical medicine, anatomy, disease mechanisms, histology, and cell structure are typically required courses for a doctor of medicine (M.D.) degree. These classes will provide you with the academic foundation you’ll need to succeed in the field of pharmacology.
Participating in a pharmacology internship during graduate school can be beneficial because it will provide you with specific knowledge of how to function on the job in a pharmacology setting while also enhancing your resume. In most cases, your college’s career services department can assist you in your internship search. Additionally, speaking with your pharmacology graduate school professors and conducting online internship searches may be beneficial to you.
Another thing to keep in mind is that while doing graduate work, gaining experience on professor-supervised research can help you advance your career. Participating in professor-supervised research, for example, can provide you with the experience you need to pursue a teaching career. Although not all pharmacologists aspire to be professors, participating in professor-supervised research can be extremely beneficial if you think you might be interested in teaching college at some point.
You could become a pharmacologist who works as a pharmacology professor in a university setting after completing the necessary academic training. You could also look for a job as a pharmacologist at a pharmaceutical company or a hospital. You could also apply for a position as a government pharmacologist.