How To Become A Pharmacist Apprentice: What It Is and Career Path

What is a pharmacist apprentice and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

2 min read

Quoted expert

Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS

There is more than meets the eye when it comes to being a pharmacist apprentice. For example, did you know that they make an average of $43.13 an hour? That's $89,708 a year! Between 2018 and 2028, the career is expected to grow 2% and produce 7,700 job opportunities across the U.S.

What general advice would you give to a pharmacist apprentice?

Jenna Mills PharmD, BCPS

Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, The University of Findlay

Give yourself patience and grace as you transition from a student pharmacist into a registered pharmacist (RPh). Being a new practitioner comes with many learning curves: responsibility for patient care, working efficiently, and learning site-specific policies and procedures that will be new to you, to name a few. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day – you’re beginning your career and will learn more about the site and yourself as a pharmacist every day. Pharmacy school may be over, but maintain your willingness to learn. Ask questions, take notes during your training for reference later, and remember that every shift comes with opportunities to learn.

ScorePharmacist ApprenticeUS Average

Salary

7.0

Avg. Salary $89,708

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

10.0

Growth rate 2%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

2.9

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.17%

Asian 20.96%

Black or African American 4.41%

Hispanic or Latino 4.71%

Unknown 3.72%

White 66.03%

Gender

female 51.72%

male 48.28%

Age - 40

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 40

Stress level

10.0

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

10.0

Complexity level is advanced

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.7

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a pharmacist apprentice

Explore pharmacist apprentice education requirements

Most common pharmacist apprentice degrees

Associate

30.0 %

Bachelor's

30.0 %

Master's

10.0 %

Complete relevant pharmacist apprentice training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New pharmacist apprentices learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a pharmacist apprentice based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real pharmacist apprentice resumes.

Research pharmacist apprentice duties and responsibilities

Hold concurrent role as PIC for Pleasanton store, managing daily pharmacy operations and staff.
Fill and distribute prescriptions and OTC prescription medication for inpatients and out-patients.
Initiate and operate successful community-base immunization programs.
Perform dosage calculation of various drugs including antibiotics for various age population with consideration of age, renal and hepatic functions.

Apply for pharmacist apprentice jobs

Now it's time to start searching for a pharmacist apprentice job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

Browse job boards for relevant postings
Consult your professional network
Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
Watch out for job scams

What is a pharmacist apprentice and how to become one

What general advice would you give to a pharmacist apprentice?

Key steps to become a pharmacist apprentice

Explore pharmacist apprentice education requirements

Most common pharmacist apprentice degrees

Complete relevant pharmacist apprentice training and internships

Research pharmacist apprentice duties and responsibilities

Apply for pharmacist apprentice jobs

How did you land your first pharmacist apprentice job

Average pharmacist apprentice salary

How do pharmacist apprentices rate their job?