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Where do you want to work?
Deal with People
Unpleasant/Angry People
Repetitive
Stressful
Make Decisions
$108,399
Average Salary
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Pharmacists must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program. They must also be licensed, which requires passing licensure and law exams.
EducationProspective pharmacists are required to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, a postgraduate professional degree. In July 2014, there were 130 Doctor of Pharmacy programs fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Admissions requirements vary by program, however, all Doctor of Pharmacy programs require applicants to take postsecondary courses such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy. Most programs require at least 2 years of undergraduate study, although some require a bachelor’s degree. Most programs also require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT).
Pharm.D. programs usually take 4 years to finish, although some programs offer a 3-year option. Some schools admit high school graduates into a 6-year program. A Pharm.D. program includes courses in chemistry, pharmacology, and medical ethics. Students also complete supervised work experiences, sometimes referred to as internships, in different settings such as hospitals and retail pharmacies.
Some pharmacists who own their own pharmacy may choose to get a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) in addition to their Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Others may get a degree in public health.
TrainingFollowing graduation from a Pharm.D. program, pharmacists seeking an advanced position, such as a clinical pharmacy or research job, may need to complete a 1- to 2-year residency. Pharmacists who choose to complete the 2-year residency option receive additional training in a specialty area such as internal medicine or geriatric care.
Licenses, Certifications, and RegistrationsAll states license pharmacists. After they finish the Pharm.D. program, prospective pharmacists must pass two exams to get a license. The North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) tests pharmacy skills and knowledge. The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a state-specific test on pharmacy law is also required. Applicants also must complete a number of hours as an intern, which varies by state.
Pharmacists who administer vaccinations and immunizations need to be certified in most states. States typically use the American Pharmacists Association’s Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery program as a qualification for certification.
Pharmacists also may choose to earn a certification to show their advanced level of knowledge in a certain area. For instance, a pharmacist may become a Certified Diabetes Educator, a qualification offered by the National Certification Board for Diabetes Educators, or earn certification in a specialty area, such as nutrition or oncology, from the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. Certifications from both organizations require varying degrees of work experience, as well as passing an exam and paying a fee.
Important QualitiesAnalytical skills. Pharmacists must provide safe medications efficiently. To do this, they must be able to evaluate a patient’s needs and the prescriber’s orders, and have extensive knowledge of the effects and appropriate circumstances for giving out a specific medication.
Communication skills. Pharmacists frequently offer advice to patients. They might need to explain how to take a medicine, for example, and what its side effects are. They also need to offer clear direction to pharmacy technicians and interns.
Computer skills. Pharmacists need computer skills to use any electronic health record (EHR) systems that their organization has adopted.
Detail oriented. Pharmacists are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the prescriptions they fill. They must be able to find the information that they need to make decisions about what medications are appropriate for each patient, because improper use of medication can pose serious health risks.
Managerial skills. Pharmacists—particularly those who run a retail pharmacy—must have good managerial skills, including the ability to manage inventory and oversee a staff.
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Average Length of Employment
Top Careers Before Staff Pharmacist, Hospital
Top Careers After Staff Pharmacist, Hospital
Gender
Female
54.3%Male
44.4%Unknown
1.4%Ethnicity
White
75.6%Asian
10.6%Hispanic or Latino
10.5%Unknown
2.6%Black or African American
0.7%Languages Spoken
Spanish
35.7%Mandarin
14.3%Chinese
7.1%Somali
7.1%Urdu
7.1%Persian
7.1%Russian
7.1%Korean
7.1%Cantonese
7.1%Staff Pharmacist, Hospital
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
Schools
Temple University
9.5%Purdue University
9.5%University of Florida
7.1%Washington State University
4.8%Central New Mexico Community College
4.8%San Juan College
4.8%University of Nebraska - Lincoln
4.8%University of Kentucky
4.8%State University of New York Albany
4.8%University of Central Florida
4.8%Georgetown University
4.8%University of Phoenix
4.8%Columbia University
4.8%University of Utah
4.8%Northwestern University
4.8%Winona State University
4.8%Southern New Hampshire University
4.8%Central Washington University
2.4%Wayne State College
2.4%University of Connecticut
2.4%Majors
Degrees
Other
30.3%Bachelors
30.3%Doctorate
11.8%Masters
10.9%Associate
10.0%Certificate
5.4%License
0.9%Diploma
0.5%Staff Pharmacist, Hospital
Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.
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Dairy Queen
Clinical
Washington State University Athletics - Gray W Legends Lounge
Pharmacy Alliance, Geriatric Care Academy Conference, Phoenix
University of Minnesota Medical Center
Advanced Medical Transport/EMT Basic
CPS Comprehensive Pharmacy Services
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