Can a pharmacy technician become a pharmacist?

Question

Kate Swindlehurst · Accepted Answer

Yes, a pharmacy technician can become a pharmacist. In fact, this can be a great transition as pharmacy technicians already have a strong background in the field and therefore can have a higher chance of succeeding as pharmacists.

There are not currently any programs that take you from a pharmacy technician to a pharmacist, so you do have to go the traditional route of graduating from pharmacy school and completing a doctorate As many pharmacy technicians only hold a high school diploma, you first need to complete a bachelor's program before applying for pharmacy school.

Once you have finished school, you need to pass the licensing exams and then you can begin practicing as a pharmacist. While there is no direct link between being a nurse and becoming a pharmacist, the foundation that being a pharmacy technician gives you can be extremely beneficial while working as a pharmacist.