“The PharmD degree prepares pharmacists to be population health professionals working to prevent disease as much as we work to treat it. We understand the ins and outs of the medication use process.”
Vicki Ellingrod, PharmD, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Michigan
Medication and prescriptions are often essential to a patient’s recovery and well-being. A record-breaking 6.3 billion prescriptions were dispensed in 2020 in the United States. However, according to the Kaiser Foundation, nearly 30 percent of older adult patients do not adhere to their prescriptions. Pharmacists are often the last person a patient interacts with before taking medication. They can improve patient outcomes by building relationships and being an accessible part of the healthcare system.
Pharmacists have extensive knowledge about medicines, how medications interact within the body, and state and federal regulations. They also must be skilled communicators who can assess a patient’s medication knowledge and convey enthusiasm and trust for a prescribed course of treatment. In addition to direct work with medication and patients, pharmacists often help file insurance forms, manage staff within pharmacies, and administer vaccines.
Education requirements for pharmacy licensure include completing a PharmD degree. These programs generally take four years to complete and don’t require an undergraduate degree for admission. A career in pharmacy can be quite lucrative, as the median wage is $136,030 per year. The number of pharmacist positions is projected to grow 5 percent between 2023 and 2033 (BLS 2024).
The following guide gives an overview of the pharmacist profession. It includes the steps to becoming a pharmacist, profiles of top pharmacy schools, typical job duties, and licensure requirements.
Meet the Expert: Vicki L. Ellingrod, PharmD, FCCP, FACNP
Dr. Vicki Ellingrod is the dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Michigan and the John Gideon Searle Professor of Translational Pharmacy. She is also a professor of psychiatry at the Medical School, the associate director of the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research (MICHR), and principal investigator for the K12 program, which provides training and mentoring in translational research for health professionals and junior faculty. She is also the co-PI for MICHR’s pre and post-doctoral T32 and R25 training grants funded by the National Center for the Advancement of Translational Science (NCATS).
Dr. Ellingrod obtained her bachelor’s and PharmD from the University of Minnesota. Then, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship in psychopharmacology and pharmacogenetics at the University of Iowa and joined the faculty there as an assistant professor. Her research has focused on the identification of pharmacogenetic markers related to drug response in mental illness and has been funded by NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health), the FDA, and the industry.
Throughout her career, she has garnered over $90M in research support from the NIH through her various efforts. Before joining the University of Michigan faculty, Dr. Ellingrod was a practicing clinical pharmacist working on the medical psychiatry unit at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
Currently, her research efforts focus on working with clinicians within the University of Michigan Health Systems to implement pharmacogenomic testing in practice to improve patient outcomes and reduce health disparities. Dr. Ellingrod is a founding member of the College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists and a fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP). In addition, she is a fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) and is one of three pharmacist members in the organization’s over 50-year history. She also serves as a scientific editor for Pharmacotherapy and the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science and is an editor of the textbook DiPiro’s Pharmacotherapy: a Pathophysiologic Approach.
HealthcareDegree.com: What do you wish the public understood about pharmacists?
Dr. Ellingrod: Pharmacists are medication experts, and with a PharmD degree, your career options are endless. Many individuals looking at pharmacy school have likely only seen one aspect of pharmacy: community pharmacy. Community pharmacy is so important because, as the most accessible healthcare professionals, we keep communities healthy, but we do so beyond dispensing medications.
The PharmD degree prepares pharmacists to be population health professionals working to prevent disease as much as we work to treat it. We understand the ins and outs of the medication use process way more than any other healthcare professionals, including physicians. Thus, when a prescription is called into the pharmacy, we are working behind that counter to ensure that the product we dispense is the best for you, given all other health issues or medications you may be receiving. We also consider what healthcare you have not received, such as vaccines and other preventative tests.
But this is just one aspect of pharmacy. We have alumni working for the government (FDA, CDC, NIH, etc). At the FDA, our alumni are the ones reviewing all of the safety information coming in related to yet-to-be-approved medications. With their expertise, they are making recommendations to the scientific review panels.
At the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy, the majority of our students go on to complete a residency, which enables their ability to work as part of a healthcare team in the hospital, directly taking care of patients or in ambulatory care, providing care management for chronic health conditions. In fact, the CDC has chosen our pharmacy practice model as a best practice to improve healthcare outcomes for chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
Another area that is growing for pharmacists is the pharmaceutical industry. We have alumni who run clinical trials, provide critical medication information to other healthcare professionals, and serve in a regulatory role, working to ensure that the new therapies they are working on get FDA approval (in addition to approvals in other countries). Our graduates also have expertise in pharmaceutical outcomes because once a medication is approved, the companies must continue studying the outcomes associated with the new medications. We also have alumni who serve as CEOs of different pharmaceutical companies or have now become venture capitalists working to support other companies. I often tell students if there is something they want to do with a pharmacy degree, they can do it. The possibilities are endless!
HealthcareDegree.com: What advice would you give to aspiring pharmacy students?
Dr. Ellingrod: The best advice is to learn as much as possible about pharmacy. Become a technician and know that community pharmacy is just one aspect of pharmacy. Understand what it is about the profession of pharmacy you find exciting. There are a lot of health occupations and a lot of overlap between them. You are going to have to like chemistry because it is part of the core of our profession, but the practice of pharmacy is much bigger and broader, so don’t be discouraged if you like chemistry but don’t love chemistry.
Work on your communication skills (both written and oral) because pharmacists give out a lot of information. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people in pharmacy and see if they will talk to you. We love encouraging the next generation to learn what we love about pharmacy.
Also, consider research. The PharmD is a professional degree, but many schools have dual degree (PharmD/PhD) programs. Our graduates are highly sought after by the pharmaceutical industry, biotech, the government, and academia. If you want to be on the cutting edge of science while also keeping the care of patients in mind, then a dual degree might be for you. But again, ask questions and be open to everything that pharmacy has to offer.
Pharmacist Specializations & Degree Types
Pharmacists must complete a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree, usually completed in a four-year program at a pharmacy school.
Numerous specializations can be pursued either through studies or after completing a PharmD degree, including critical care, compounding, nuclear, oncology, pediatrics, infectious disease, and academic pharmacy. Many schools also offer dual degrees, so students can complete a PharmD degree alongside an MBA, MPH, or even a PhD.
Admissions Requirements for Pharmacist Programs
Most PharmD programs require students to complete extensive prerequisite coursework before applying for admission. These courses include biology, microbiology, physics, math, statistics, and chemistry. While it is not necessary to have completed an undergraduate degree, most pharmacy schools are looking for at least two or three years of completed undergraduate coursework. Many pharmacy schools also require prospective students to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and submit their test scores.
Pharmacist Program Accreditation
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) is the leading body for accrediting pharmacy schools. It has accredited over 120 programs across the US and guarantees that those schools meet the highest standards in pharmacy education.
On-Campus Pharmacist Degree Programs
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Eshelman School of Pharmacy
The Eshelman School of Pharmacy has been ranked the number one pharmacy school in the nation by US News & World Report (2020). This highly competitive and outstanding program features a rigorous curriculum emphasizing hands-on experiences instead of long lectures. Early in their education, students are part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team that works directly in patient care.
Students in this program also receive a well-rounded education that not only trains them with discipline-specific knowledge but also cultivates critical thinking, strong communication skills, and team players.
Admissions requirements include at least 72 undergraduate credits, extensive prerequisite courses, mostly in science and math, submission of PCAT scores, and proof of immunizations. Interviews are also a required part of the admissions process and must be attended in person.
- Location: Chapel Hill, NC
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
University of Michigan – College of Pharmacy
The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy is an excellent program with competitive tuition prices, high student satisfaction, and excellent graduation rates. Tied for second among the pharmacy programs in the US by US News & World Report, this program trains well-rounded pharmacists. Experiential learning is at the core of this program, and students complete over 1,900 hours of hands-on learning during their four years of study.
Prospective students must submit their application materials, including transcripts, PCAT scores, and references, through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). A supplemental questionnaire is also required and available through PharmsCAS. All students applying to the program must attend an on-site interview.
- Location: Ann Arbor, MI
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
Oregon State University – College of Pharmacy
At Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, students can complete their PharmD degree in four years. This program emphasizes anatomy, pathophysiology, and physiology to understand the mechanism of drug delivery, potential side effects, and how to spot potential drug interactions. Taught in conjunction with Oregon Health & Science University, graduates of this program are eligible for licensure in any state.
OSU offers admissions workshops to help students apply for admission. At these workshops, students will get individual help with their applications, including how to prepare personal statements, what should be included in a letter of recommendation, and how to apply for the program. Program ambassadors are also available to help applicants navigate the admissions process.
- Location: Corvallis, OR
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy
The PharmD curriculum at the University of California, San Francisco School of Pharmacy is patient-centric and grounded in scientific thinking. Because pharmacy is ever-evolving, students in this program are trained in progressive learning, where they develop the skills to learn instead of simply memorizing information. Faculty at this school are experts in their field with extensive professional and academic experience.
Outstanding on-campus clubs, activities, and organizations allow PharmD students to pursue extracurricular interests and have ample networking opportunities. Some student organizations focus on providing care in the community through health fairs, which can also be an excellent way to gain additional hands-on experience.
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
University of Kentucky – College of Pharmacy
For over 100 years, the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy has provided top-tier pharmacy education. US News & World Report ranks their PharmD program sixth in the country. Critical thinking and community involvement are core tenets of this program. Graduates are well prepared to enter work in a pharmacy or continue their education and training with a residency or additional schooling.
Over 29 percent of the UK’s PharmD students completed some of their studies abroad. Overseas sites include the United Kingdom, Japan, and Western Europe. Studying abroad allows students to learn how pharmacies run in other countries and return those practices to the US.
- Location: Lexington, KY
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
Online or Hybrid Pharmacist Degree Programs
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine – School of Pharmacy
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine offers one of the country’s few online PharmD degree programs. As a pharmacy school part of the osteopathic program, there is an increased emphasis on holistic patient care. This program combines classroom learning with hands-on experience to train students to provide patient-centered care for the best outcome possible. Students participate in six Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE), six-week rotations in communities and clinics.
The four-year distance learning program allows students to pursue their PharmD degree without having to move to campus. The program is full-time and students are expected to dedicate a significant amount of time to their studies. Each summer, students must travel to the Bradenton, FL campus to complete lab work, casework, and presentations. While this program does not require the PCAT there are extensive course prerequisite requirements and the completion of at least 54 credits from a regionally accredited US college or university.
- Location: Bradenton, FL
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
Creighton University – School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
Graduates of Creighton University’s School of Pharmacy and Health Professions PharmD online degree program are well poised for employment in a variety of healthcare settings, including government agencies, hospitals, and clinics. With an up-to-date curriculum in pharmacy practices, this program trains students in pharmaceutical care, disease prevention, patient wellness, and disease management.
Creighton also offers its PharmD students the option to pursue a dual degree in either an MBA or a master’s of science in pharmaceutical sciences. This program is completely online allowing students the flexibility to pursue their education wherever they may live. Students are required to complete at least 63 semester-credits (or 95 quarter-credits) prior to applying for admission. Many of those courses must fulfill the prerequisite course requirements. The PCAT test is not required for admission.
- Location: Omaha, NE
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
St. John Fisher College – Wegmans School of Pharmacy
The St. John Fisher College Wegmans School of Pharmacy online PharmD program prepares graduates to be highly professional and competent pharmacists. Over 30 percent of the curriculum for this degree is experiential. Also called rotations, the experiential learning exposes students to a wide variety of pharmaceutical settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and retail. Students can complete their rotations at pharmacies in their community, but will be required to travel to campus for six immersion courses.
Applicants only need two years of college education or the equivalent number of credits. A bachelor’s degree is not required. Other admission requirements include letters of recommendation and official transcripts. The PCAT is optional at this time but may be required in the future.
- Location: Rochester, NY
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
D’Youville College – School of Pharmacy
The online PharmD degree at D’Youville College School of Pharmacy can be completed in just three years of full-time study. This accelerated program also offers a five-year option for students who only have a high school diploma and have not completed any college coursework. Classes are offered in trimesters that are 14 weeks long. By condensing the required courses, students complete the same classes as the on-campus students at a quicker pace.
Graduates of the PharmD program have an outstanding 95 percent employment rate. Online students are well supported in their job search to ensure they find work as quickly as possible post-graduation. The faculty and staff in the online school are the same ones who teach the in-person classes, so students receive the same high-quality education even through remote learning.
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- Duration: Three years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
Duquesne University – School of Pharmacy
With six concentrations and over 25 electives, students in the online PharmD program at Duquesne University School of Pharmacy have the opportunity to truly tailor their education. Concentrations include entrepreneurship, health economics, community practice, ambulatory care, geriatrics, and acute care. The first three years of this distance learning program do require on-campus visits, while the fourth year consists of in-person clinical experiences near the student’s home.
Students must have at least two years of college or the equivalent number of completed credits to be eligible for this program. Students must ensure that the classes they take meet the prerequisite coursework requirements. PCAT scores are also required.
- Location: Pittsburg, PA
- Duration: Four years
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
How Long Does it Take to Become a Pharmacist?
Students who know they want to pursue a career in pharmacy can complete their degree and obtain licensure in as little as six years after graduating from high school. However, some states require internship hours prior to licensure, which can extend this timeline.
How To Become a Pharmacist – Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Complete a Ged (Four Years)
The first step to pursuing a career in pharmacy is completing high school. Students with aspirations to become pharmacists should take chemistry, anatomy, physics, and math courses in preparation for undergraduate studies. Many undergraduate institutions and pharmacy schools accept IB or AP test scores for credit, so taking advanced classes and sitting for the tests can save students money and time in the long run.
Step 2: Complete Some Undergraduate Coursework (Two to Three Years)
Graduating from an undergraduate institution is not required for most pharmacy programs, but they all require two to three years of prerequisite courses.
Students should carefully examine the requirements for the program they wish to attend to ensure they take the correct courses. Most schools require courses in chemistry, anatomy, biology, math, statistics, and microbiology. Students should also ensure they are attending a regionally accredited institution, as most pharmacy schools will not accept credits from unaccredited schools.
Step 3: Take the PCAT Test (Based on State, Timeline Varies)
Many pharmacy schools require students to take the PCAT test to be considered for admission. Students should take the test at least six months before they plan on starting pharmacy school.
Step 4: Travel to a Campus For an Interview (Based on College, Timeline Varies)
Interviews are a common component of the admissions process for pharmacy schools. Most schools require an in-person interview before admission. Students typically attend interviews while still completing their prerequisite courses.
Step 5: Attend Pharmacy School (Three to Four Years)
Pharmacy school takes four academic years to complete, but there are accelerated tracks that condense it to three calendar years by scheduling summer courses. Students learn about patient care, how drugs work and interact in the body, and how medicine is made.
Step 6: Apply for Eligibility to Take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) (Timeline varies)
Before taking the NAPLEX and the MPJE, students must prove to their state board that they have met the eligibility requirements. For some states, this is done through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or directly through the local board. Requirements vary by state, and students should contact their state’s board to ensure they meet the requirements.
Step 7: Take the NAPLEX Exam (Timeline Varies)
Once a student’s eligibility has been verified, they can schedule and take the NAPLEX test. This exam measures a student’s knowledge of pharmacy.
Step 8: Take the MPJE (Based on Jurisdiction, Timeline Varies)
All but five jurisdictions require students also to take the MPJE test. This test evaluates a student’s knowledge of federal and state-specific laws regarding pharmacy.
Step 9: Complete State Internship Hours (Based on State, Timeline Varies)
Step 10: Apply for State Licensure (Timeline Varies)
Once a student has met all of the state licensing requirements and passed the required tests with high enough scores, they can apply for a pharmacy license from their state licensing board.
What Do Pharmacists Do?
While most pharmacists work in pharmacies, many work in other healthcare settings, such as hospitals and long-term care facilities. Some pharmacists even work for corporations or public or government agencies. Typical duties for pharmacists include:
- Dispensing medication according to a physician’s instructions
- Verifying that the medication being dispensed won’t interact with other medications the patient is already taking
- Counseling patients on how to take their medications and ensure they understand the physician’s instructions
- Warning patients about side effects and adverse reactions
- Administering vaccinations
- Advising patients on general health issues such as stress or diet
- Recommending over-the-counter medications for basic health issues such as a cold, headache, or allergies
- Maintaining patient health records
- Filing insurance claims
- Overseeing other pharmacy staff, such as pharmacy technicians and interns
Pharmacist Certifications & Licensure
All pharmacists in the United States are required to have a PharmD degree. Licensure is done individually by state pharmacy boards, and requirements vary. Typical requirements for licensure include:
- A PharmD degree from an ACPE-accredited school.
- A number of experience hours as determined by the state
- Successful completion of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX)
- Passing the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE)
- Completing a background check
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties offers 13 additional certifications that board-licensed pharmacists can pursue. Specializations range from ambulatory care to geriatric to transplant pharmacy and more.
How Much Do Pharmacists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS May 2023) pharmacists earn $134,790 per year on average with the following percentiles:
- 10th percentile: $89,980
- 25th percentile: $125,860
- 50th percentile (median):$136,030
- 75th percentile: $155,550
- 90th percentile: $168,650
Pharmacist Career Alternatives
Here are some alternatives to a career as a pharmacist.
Become a Physician Assistant
Physician assistants are considered physician extenders. They can provide many of the same services a physician can but must work under supervision. In most states, physician assistants can prescribe medications, assist with surgery, and make diagnoses, among many other duties.
- Typical Education: Master’s of physician assistant studies (MPAS), a master’s of health services (MHS), or a master’s of medical science (MMSc)
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
Become a Pathologists’ Assistant
In many morgues and pathology laboratories, pathologists’ assistants perform the bulk of the work. They can collect samples, analyze tissue, perform postmortem exams, and write detailed reports. However, all work is under the supervision of a pathologist.
- Typical Education: Master’s of science in pathologists’ assistant (PathA)
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP)
Become a Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed additional schooling to provide more advanced medical care. In many states, nurse practitioners can prescribe medications and care for patients independently, while in others, they must work under the supervision of a physician. Nurse practitioners provide various care, including primary care, midwifery, anesthesia, and even surgery.
- Typical Education: Master’s of science in nursing (MSN) or doctor of nursing practice (DNP)
- Licensing or Certifying Organization: American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) or American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt HealthcareDegree.com, Kimmy Gustafson has delivered in-depth and insightful articles since 2019, aiding prospective students to navigate the complexities of choosing the right healthcare degree. Her recent work includes topics such as the ethics of gene editing and physician assistant’s fight for autonomy.
Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.