A career as a Pharmacist opens up a wide range of possible job opportunities. Most people think about a pharmacist as the person at the local drug store who fills the prescription from our doctor or answers questions we have about over-the-counter medications. Actually, pharmacists work in many different settings with varying job responsibilities, and the day-to -day tasks will be quite different, depending on the exact area of pharmacy you choose.

Most areas of pharmacy have comparable salary ranges, unless you get into a highly specialized area that is very specific, and you have the skill set to fit that position. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median pay for pharmacists in 2012 as approximately $116,000. However, if you think you want to be pharmacist, let’s make sure you can handle the education requirements; then we will get back to the fun stuff.

Pharmacist Education Requirements

Several years ago, entry-level pharmacist positions were available with only a bachelor’s degree. However, requirements have changed, and now all pharmacists are required to obtain a Pharm.D. or Doctor of Pharmacy. To qualify for pharmacy school, an applicant must have completed at least two years of undergraduate work.

Additionally, if you are planning to apply to pharmacy school after only two years of school, be sure you have taken courses that give you the proper foundation of knowledge in the topics with which you will be dealing, such as biology, chemistry, mathematics and humanities. Required coursework also needs to be completed. There is no need to rush; it is perfectly normal to take three or four years of undergraduate studies before moving on to pharmacy school.

Regardless of applying for pharmacy school after 2 years or 4 years, you will need to take the PCAT exam (Pharmacy College Admission Test). The exam measures your academic abilities, with a heavy concentration on science topics, for obvious reasons.

Most Pharm.D. programs will incorporate some type of field training into their program to give students some practical and hands-on experience in dealing with patients. In total, a Doctor of Pharmacy will take four years to complete. Once your undergraduate studies are complete, you have taken the PCAT, and you have completed a four-year Pharm.D. program, you are one-step away from becoming a pharmacist.

Pharmacist Licensing

The last step before you can practice your profession is to get a license. Each state handles the licensing for pharmacists working within that state. Typically, you will need to pass two exams and pay a licensing/exam fee of around $500; it varies a little from state to state.

What Happens after Pharmacy School Graduation?

You finally made it – congrats! You made it through school and successfully navigated the state test. You obtained your license, and you are now ready to go to work. Well, almost…

You planned for this moment over the last couple of years as you advanced through your education. There are a few choices at this stage, and after careful consideration, you must decide on the direction you want to take.

Pharmacy Residency Programs

If you are seeking employment in an advanced area of work such as clinical pharmacy or a research position, then you will most likely enter a one or two-year residency program to receive extra training. Typically, your pharmacy school will help you with this and arrange the details before you actually graduate.

Certification in an Area of Specialty

Alternatively, the BPS (Board of Pharmacy Specialties) offers certification programs in the specific areas of pharmacy recognized as specialties. If you want to work in one these areas, then you may need to go through the certification process to get a position in your chosen field. A certification is not technically required, but many employers will want to know you have a base of knowledge in the area. The need for a certification can vary a lot and will depend on your specific career path. Below are the areas currently recognized and certified by the BPS.

Specialty Certifications Currently Available:

• Ambulatory Care
• Nuclear
• Nutrition
• Oncology
• Pharmacotherapy
• Psychiatric

New additions for next year to the certification program:

Critical Care and Pediatric Pharmacy

Accept a Pharmacist Position

Of course, you can always accept a position right after graduation and go to work!

We will be posting part two of this article soon, which will discuss the different areas of pharmacy and additional pharmacy career details. Add this page to your favorites and check back often.