The term “apothecary” refers to a person who prepares and sells medications in the past. It’s also the name of a furniture style with a lot of small drawers, like what you’d find in an apothecary to store medicinal compounds. A pharmacist is a professional who prepares and sells medications in modern times. You’ll need extensive higher education to become an apothecary, or pharmacist, which includes earning a doctor of pharmacy, or PharmD, degree. To work as an apothecary, you must pass licensing exams and obtain a license.
You must complete specific pre-pharmacy college coursework, which typically takes two to three years, to be eligible for admission to a pharmacy program. The PharmD program does not require that coursework be completed at the same institution as the PharmD program. Coursework requirements vary program, so inquire about specific requirements with the programs you’re interested in applying to. Basic sciences such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy are typically covered in pre-pharmacy coursework. Pre-pharmacy courses typically include humanities, English composition, and social and behavioral science classes.
Admissions tests, in addition to pre-pharmacy coursework, are usually required for entry into pharmacy programs. Pre-pharmacy clubs are available at some undergraduate schools to help students prepare for admission to pharmacy programs. If the school where you plan to complete your undergraduate coursework has one, joining it can help you achieve your goal of becoming an apothecary.
Pharmacy programs are typically designed to produce well-rounded pharmacists with strong drug therapy expertise, as well as good communication and business management skills. Typically, a PharmD program takes four years to complete. It includes both classroom instruction and hands-on experience with licensed pharmacists. Graduates must pass licensing exams in pharmaceutical knowledge, pharmacy law, and other areas after completing the degree. Depending on where you live, criminal background checks may be required prior to licensing.
To gain experience working in clinical settings or as researchers, some pharmacy graduates complete residencies or fellowships. Prospective pharmaceutical researchers may pursue PhD degrees to improve their research qualifications. Graduates of pharmacy schools who want to open their own pharmacies can pursue advanced degrees in business administration or related fields.
Pharmacists must maintain their skills through continuing education. Each year, they must take courses to keep up to date on new drugs, drug therapies, and drug interactions in order to renew their licenses. A highly ethical personality, a detail orientation, and strong people skills are some of the characteristics that are important if you want to become an apothecary, in addition to educational requirements.