Key takeaways
Becoming a pharmacist requires a significant commitment of time and effort, typically spanning 6 to 8 years of education and training. This journey includes obtaining a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, completing clinical rotations, and passing licensure exams. Understanding the steps involved can help aspiring pharmacists navigate their path effectively.
- The standard route to becoming a pharmacist includes 2-4 years of pre-pharmacy coursework followed by a 4-year PharmD program (source: article).
- Strong foundations in chemistry, biology, and math are essential for success in pharmacy school and beyond.
- Most states require pharmacists to complete 15-30 hours of continuing education every 1-2 years to maintain their licenses (source: article).
- Early shadowing of pharmacists and exploring combined programs can enhance your application and streamline your path to becoming a pharmacist.
Contents
Becoming a pharmacist isn’t a quick career jump—it’s a long-term academic commitment. So how many years are we talking? And what does the journey actually look like? Let’s break down every step.
What Does It Take to Become a Pharmacist?
“The standard route to becoming a pharmacist is a six‑year program at an accredited pharmacy school after which you’re awarded a Pharm.D. (doctor of pharmacy) degree. Then there’s typically an internship followed by passing the board for a pharmacy license in your state”
At its core, the job of a pharmacist is about more than dispensing pills. It’s about advising patients, ensuring drug safety, collaborating with healthcare teams, and sometimes even doing clinical research. To get there, you’ll need:
- Strong foundations in chemistry, biology, and math
- A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree
- Clinical experience through rotations and (optionally) residency
- Successful licensure via national and state exams
How Long Does It Take to Complete Pharmacy School?
Pharmacy school itself usually takes 4 years—but that’s not the full story.
Here’s the typical timeline:
| Stage | Time Required |
| Pre-Pharmacy Coursework | 2-4 years (undergrad) |
| PharmD Program | 4 years |
| Optional Residency/Fellowship | 1-2 years (optional) |
| Licensing Process | A few months (post-grad) |
What Are the Steps to Earn a PharmD Degree?
The standard steps and timeline looks like this:
| Stage | Action | Typical Duration |
| Pre-Pharmacy Coursework | Complete at least 60-90 credit hours of undergraduate prerequisites | 2-4 years |
| Optional PCAT | Prepare for and take the Pharmacy College Admission Test if required by the program | 3-6 months (if needed) |
| Application via PharmCAS | Submit transcripts, personal statement, and letters of recommendation | Final undergrad year |
| Interviews | Attend interviews at selected pharmacy schools | 1-2 months |
| PharmD Program | Enroll in a 4-year Doctor of Pharmacy program | 4 years |
| Clinical Rotations | Participate in Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences | Typically years 3-4 |
| Licensure Exams | Pass the NAPLEX and possibly the MPJE (depending on state requirements) | After graduation |
| Optional Residency/Fellowship | Apply for PGY1 or PGY2 programs for hospital or specialized practice | 1-2 years (optional) |
Application Process for Pharmacy College
The application process typically goes through the PharmCAS platform (Pharmacy College Application Service), which streamlines applications to most accredited PharmD programs in the United States. Here’s a clear overview of the process:
- Use PharmCAS School Directory to compare schools
- Go to pharmcas.org and set up your account
- Enter all college courses manually; order official transcripts to be sent to PharmCAS
- Prepare personal statement
- Request letters of recommendation
- Upload experience and activities
- Submit supplemental applications (if required)
- Pay application fees
- Watch for updates, transcript confirmation, and interview invitations
- Prepare for Interviews
Coursework and Curriculum Overview
The PharmD coursework and curriculum is designed to build a strong foundation in biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical practice. While exact courses vary by institution, the curriculum generally follows this structure:
| Year | Focus Areas | Typical Courses |
| 1 | Basic biomedical sciences and pharmacy foundations | Anatomy & Physiology, Biochemistry, Foundations of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Calculations |
| 2 | Pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy law, and patient communication | Pathophysiology, Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacy Law & Ethics, Health Systems, Patient Counseling |
| 3 | Advanced pharmacotherapy and introduction to clinical practice settings | Therapeutics I–III, Drug Information, Evidence-Based Practice, Introductory Pharmacy Practice |
| 4 | Full-time clinical rotations and specialization | Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) in hospitals, ambulatory care, community, electives |
Many schools integrate interprofessional education (IPE) early on, meaning pharmacy students work alongside medical and dental students to learn collaborative care models.
Elective courses may allow students to explore areas like:
- Oncology pharmacy
- Pediatric or geriatric pharmacotherapy
- Health informatics
- Public health or policy
- Entrepreneurship in pharmacy practice
Residency Options After Completing Pharmacy School
Not all pharmacists do a residency, but if you want to specialize—like in oncology or clinical research—you’ll need one.
- PGY-1 (Postgraduate Year 1): General clinical training (1 year)
- PGY-2: Specialized area of focus (1 year)
Residencies make you more competitive for hospital and academic positions.
What Are the Licensure Requirements for Pharmacists in the US?
Here’s a breakdown of the national requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
| PharmD Degree | Must be earned from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) |
| NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) | Tests knowledge of pharmacotherapy, safe medication use, and outcomes-based care; administered by NABP |
| MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination) | Tests knowledge of federal and state-specific pharmacy law (not required in all states) |
| State Licensure Application | Each state has its own board of pharmacy; applicants must submit proof of education and exam scores |
| Criminal Background Check | Required in most states; includes fingerprinting and legal history review |
| Intern Hours | Completion of a required number of internship or experiential hours (usually 1,500–2,000) |
Important notes:
- The NAPLEX costs $475 and is valid in all 50 states.
- The MPJE costs $150 per state and must be taken separately for each jurisdiction that requires it.
- Some states (e.g., California) have their own law exams instead of the MPJE.
- States like Florida or Texas may also require additional documents such as immunization certification or live CE courses in controlled substances.
Applicants must register for exams through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and meet any state-specific procedures outlined on the state board’s website.
State-Specific Licensure and Board of Pharmacy Regulations
Here are examples of how requirements differ by state:
| State | Unique Requirements |
| California | Does not use the MPJE. Requires the California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Exam for Pharmacists (CPJE) instead. |
| Florida | Requires completion of a 2-hour board-approved course on medication errors before licensure. |
| New York | Mandates infection control coursework and child abuse identification training. |
| Texas | Requires a fingerprint-based background check, and a Texas-specific law exam through the MPJE. |
| Nevada | Applicants must pass a Nevada law exam and submit to an interview with the Board, depending on their application path. |
| Illinois | Requires at least 400 internship hours in addition to academic training, even if completed during rotations. |
In all states, pharmacists must:
- Register with the state’s Board of Pharmacy
- Submit official transcripts and proof of passing scores on NAPLEX/MPJE (or equivalent)
- Complete any internship hour verification forms or affidavits
- Pass any state-mandated jurisprudence or ethics coursework
- Undergo a criminal background check, often with live fingerprinting
Continuing Education Requirements for Pharmacists
“In my state, 15 hours CE credit are required for pharmacists. I plan to get 15 this year 2023 and more (to hopefully make up for it) but I would appreciate advice from anyone who’s ever dealt with this before or known someone who has”
Even after you’re licensed, staying current is part of the job. Most states require pharmacists to complete 15-30 hours of continuing education every 1-2 years to renew their licenses. CE topics can include:
- New drugs and clinical guidelines
- Controlled substance laws
- Ethics and patient safety
- Immunization training
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Pharmacist
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about becoming a pharmacist:
Q: How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
A: Most students complete 2-4 years of undergraduate prerequisites followed by a 4-year PharmD program. In total, it usually takes between 6 and 8 years.
Q: Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply to pharmacy school?
A: Not always. Some pharmacy schools accept students after completing specific prerequisite courses without requiring a full bachelor’s degree. However, a degree may strengthen your application.
Q: What’s the average GPA for accepted PharmD students?
A: The average GPA tends to range between 3.2 and 3.5, but competitive schools and accelerated programs may expect higher. Some programs also look closely at science-specific GPAs.
Q: Is the PCAT still required?
A: Many schools have phased out the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test), but a few still require or recommend it. Always check the current policy of the specific school.
Q: Can I work while in pharmacy school?
A: It’s possible but challenging. The curriculum is demanding, so students often opt for part-time work during breaks or summer internships. Some schools offer paid research or on-campus roles.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Maya Robinson, AP Program Advisor at Legacy Online School
Sources: AACP, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, NABP, Reddit
