7 answers
Zabrayah
Student
Hampton, Virginia
1
Question
Asked
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Just how hard is becoming a pharmacist and what challenges am I likely to face?
I've wanted to be a pharmacy for a while, awhile as in a few years, and I haven't really been looking into it until this year, which is my final year of high school. And because of that I've been searching up lots of different things and I'm not exactly sure just what to believe.
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7 answers
Rebecca Cole
Talent Acquisition
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Any career path can be challenging, but I think you're taking a great first step of looking into it now while you're still in high school. A common challenge in Pharmacy is understanding the licensing requirements and ensuring you're keeping your license/certification active. A common path is starting as a Pharmacy Technician, Pharmacy Technician Trainee, or Pharmacy Intern. The state of Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Pharmacy has a very helpful FAQ page here: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Pharmacy/PractitionerResources/FAQ/
I think the best resource to believe is the Virginia Department of Health Professions: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/ and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): https://ptcb.org/. If you intend to relocate, then it would be that state's Board of Pharmacy (which is sometimes found under names like Department/Division of Professional Registration) along with the PTCB.
Additionally, there are different types of Pharmacies and different types of specialties - Retail (like CVS Health, Walgreens, etc.), Hospital, etc. Helping identify what type of Pharmacy can help on your search as some employers offer helpful development programs designed to act like a pipeline to becoming a Pharmacies. This can also help with finding "A day in the life" resources that are more relevant to what you're looking for.
Review the Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Pharmacy and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board websites
Consider looking for "A day in the life" resources (this can often be found on employer's career page)
I think the best resource to believe is the Virginia Department of Health Professions: https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/ and the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB): https://ptcb.org/. If you intend to relocate, then it would be that state's Board of Pharmacy (which is sometimes found under names like Department/Division of Professional Registration) along with the PTCB.
Additionally, there are different types of Pharmacies and different types of specialties - Retail (like CVS Health, Walgreens, etc.), Hospital, etc. Helping identify what type of Pharmacy can help on your search as some employers offer helpful development programs designed to act like a pipeline to becoming a Pharmacies. This can also help with finding "A day in the life" resources that are more relevant to what you're looking for.
Rebecca recommends the following next steps:
Katelyn Toeniskoetter, PharmD, BCOP
Pharmacist
2
Answers
Boston, Massachusetts
Updated
Katelyn’s Answer
Exciting to hear you are thinking about pharmacy.
Luckily pharmacy is one job you can get a position/experience early on. Get a job as a pharmacy technician either retail (CVS, Walgreens) or hospital. See what it's like and if you'd want to pursue. Also, many pharmacists are willing to have students shadow! This is what I did when I was debating in highschool.
Traditionally you'll complete an undergrad degree in science (bio or chem recommended) and then you can apply to a pharmacy program (3-4 yr).
There are several programs that offer an expedited or joint track (eg. UHSP st. Louis or MCPHS Boston).
The final year of school is clínica practice which is often organized by your school. After graduation you'll sit for boards with include a national clinical exam and local state exam.
I am sorry you've had mixed info - most schools will have this outlined, so I would look at a few college programs websites.
Look at college programs pathways
Reach out to a local pharmacy to see if you can shadow
Reach out to college as many professors practice and will let you shadow.
Enroll in an undergrad science program
Luckily pharmacy is one job you can get a position/experience early on. Get a job as a pharmacy technician either retail (CVS, Walgreens) or hospital. See what it's like and if you'd want to pursue. Also, many pharmacists are willing to have students shadow! This is what I did when I was debating in highschool.
Traditionally you'll complete an undergrad degree in science (bio or chem recommended) and then you can apply to a pharmacy program (3-4 yr).
There are several programs that offer an expedited or joint track (eg. UHSP st. Louis or MCPHS Boston).
The final year of school is clínica practice which is often organized by your school. After graduation you'll sit for boards with include a national clinical exam and local state exam.
I am sorry you've had mixed info - most schools will have this outlined, so I would look at a few college programs websites.
Katelyn recommends the following next steps:
https://www.mcphs.edu/admission-and-aid/blog/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-pharmacist
Katelyn Toeniskoetter, PharmD, BCOP
Christiana A
Pharmacist manager
3
Answers
Onalaska, Wisconsin
Updated
Christiana’s Answer
Just how hard is becoming a pharmacist and what challenges am I likely to face?
How Hard Is It, Really?
Difficulty level: High
Length of schooling: ~6–8 years total (depending on individual pace)
Intensity: Comparable to nursing + management + chemistry combined
****Pharmacy school isn’t just memorization. You’re expected to understand, apply, and safely make decisions that directly affect patients’ lives.The Path to Becoming a Pharmacist (U.S.)
1. Pre-pharmacy coursework (2–4 years): General & organic chemistry, Biology, microbiology, Anatomy & physiology, Calculus, statistics, Physics (sometimes), Heavy lab workload
2. PharmD program (4 years): Extremely fast-paced, Exams almost weekly, Clinical rotations (hospitals, community, ambulatory care), Case-based learning, not just lectures
3. Licensure: NAPLEX (national board exam), MPJE or state law exam, Some states require additional exams
The Biggest Challenges You’re Likely to Face
1. Academic Rigor: Heavy science + clinical reasoning e.g Drugs, mechanisms, interactions, dosing, side effects
2. Time Pressure: Little downtime in pharmacy school, Balancing classes, labs, rotations, and exams
3. Stress & Burnout: High expectations, Competitive environment, Pressure to perform during rotations, Fear of making errors
👉 Tip: Support systems, faith/community, and boundaries are crucial.
4. Financial Cost: Tuition can exceed $100,000–$200,000, Loans are common
👉 Tip: Scholarships, working as a tech, or choosing in-state programs helps
5. Changing Job Market: Retail pharmacy can be stressful (staffing, quotas), Some markets are saturated, Clinical, ambulatory care, informatics, public health, and management roles are growing—but may require extra training
👉 Tip: Flexibility and specialization increase opportunities.
What Makes Pharmacy Easier (or Harder)
Easier if you: Like science AND people, Are detail-oriented, Can handle responsibility, Enjoy problem-solving, Care about community health and education
Harder if you: Hate chemistry or biology, Avoid pressure or accountability, Dislike patient interaction, Struggle with long-term commitments
Final Note: Becoming a pharmacist is not easy, but it is structured, predictable, and doable if you commit fully. The biggest hurdles are endurance, discipline, and adaptability, not intelligence alone.
If i can do it, you can.... Been a pharmacist for 9 years, no regrets..
How Hard Is It, Really?
Difficulty level: High
Length of schooling: ~6–8 years total (depending on individual pace)
Intensity: Comparable to nursing + management + chemistry combined
****Pharmacy school isn’t just memorization. You’re expected to understand, apply, and safely make decisions that directly affect patients’ lives.The Path to Becoming a Pharmacist (U.S.)
1. Pre-pharmacy coursework (2–4 years): General & organic chemistry, Biology, microbiology, Anatomy & physiology, Calculus, statistics, Physics (sometimes), Heavy lab workload
2. PharmD program (4 years): Extremely fast-paced, Exams almost weekly, Clinical rotations (hospitals, community, ambulatory care), Case-based learning, not just lectures
3. Licensure: NAPLEX (national board exam), MPJE or state law exam, Some states require additional exams
The Biggest Challenges You’re Likely to Face
1. Academic Rigor: Heavy science + clinical reasoning e.g Drugs, mechanisms, interactions, dosing, side effects
2. Time Pressure: Little downtime in pharmacy school, Balancing classes, labs, rotations, and exams
3. Stress & Burnout: High expectations, Competitive environment, Pressure to perform during rotations, Fear of making errors
👉 Tip: Support systems, faith/community, and boundaries are crucial.
4. Financial Cost: Tuition can exceed $100,000–$200,000, Loans are common
👉 Tip: Scholarships, working as a tech, or choosing in-state programs helps
5. Changing Job Market: Retail pharmacy can be stressful (staffing, quotas), Some markets are saturated, Clinical, ambulatory care, informatics, public health, and management roles are growing—but may require extra training
👉 Tip: Flexibility and specialization increase opportunities.
What Makes Pharmacy Easier (or Harder)
Easier if you: Like science AND people, Are detail-oriented, Can handle responsibility, Enjoy problem-solving, Care about community health and education
Harder if you: Hate chemistry or biology, Avoid pressure or accountability, Dislike patient interaction, Struggle with long-term commitments
Christiana recommends the following next steps:
Barbara Fernandes
Pharmaceutical development
1
Answer
Governador Valadares, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Becoming a pharmacist is challenging, but possible if you are willing to work hard.
You need to study a lot of science, especially chemistry and biology. Pharmacy school has heavy workloads, many exams, and requires good time management. You also need to be careful and responsible, because pharmacists work with medicines that affect people’s health.
You need to study a lot of science, especially chemistry and biology. Pharmacy school has heavy workloads, many exams, and requires good time management. You also need to be careful and responsible, because pharmacists work with medicines that affect people’s health.
Michael Trocchia
Supply Chain Director
86
Answers
Mine Hill Township, New Jersey
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Pharmacy school is a 6 year program
It is a rigorous course of study in math and science and requires much study and effort
If you are in your senior year of high school and have not yet begun the process of finding a school with a pharmacy program and stared the application process you are late to the game
If you are serious about a pharmacy career you will need excellent grades in high school and high sat scores
I strongly suggest you get moving today
It is a rigorous course of study in math and science and requires much study and effort
If you are in your senior year of high school and have not yet begun the process of finding a school with a pharmacy program and stared the application process you are late to the game
If you are serious about a pharmacy career you will need excellent grades in high school and high sat scores
I strongly suggest you get moving today
Seth Cohen, Pharm.D
I am an informatics pharmacist specializing in hospital information systems
8
Answers
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Updated
Seth’s Answer
My mother is a nurse, and I got into pharmacy because of her guidance. She let me know that health care is not a profession that goes out of style. One of the ways I knew pharmacy might be a good pathway for me was that I did well in college in Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. Your experience may be the same, or different. Keep in mind that a lot of the requirements to get into school are not ones that may matter IN school. I had to take calculus twice to get a decent grade, but rarely had to use it in pharmacy school. My school had you do prerequisites first and then gave 4 years of education to get to the total of six years. For me the first year (year 3 for most) of pharmacy school was hard. I estimated it as about 25% harder than any year of college I'd had so far. The second year was about 25% harder than the first. The third year was not one I could give you an estimate on, because it was too hard. I didn't do well, but I did get to year 4 and graduate.
Like many professions, doing well on the PCAT doesn't predict how well you'll do in Pharmacy School. I was in the 99th percentile on my PCATs, but school was still tough. Doing well in Pharmacy School doesn't necessarily predict how well you'll do on the boards. And doing well on the boards doesn't necessarily tell you how well you'll do professionally afterwards. Getting exposure to options will help guide you for what you want to do with your career.
Like many professions, doing well on the PCAT doesn't predict how well you'll do in Pharmacy School. I was in the 99th percentile on my PCATs, but school was still tough. Doing well in Pharmacy School doesn't necessarily predict how well you'll do on the boards. And doing well on the boards doesn't necessarily tell you how well you'll do professionally afterwards. Getting exposure to options will help guide you for what you want to do with your career.
Yolanda Williams, PharmD, PhD
Pharmacist
29
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Yolanda’s Answer
The field of pharmacy has changed dramatically over the years. I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years, and even though I love what I do, I would not advise the future generation to go into pharmacy. I say that because now you have to do at least 2 residencies to be competitive. Plus there are so many pharmacy schools now, that the market is overly saturated. To get a job you may have to move to the out skirts where no one wants to be. I would seriously reconsider your path. But don't take my word for it. Research the profession. Speak to other pharmacists. I would look into becoming a PA or nurse practitioner. Less time in school, better pay, and they are in demand. If you really want job security, look into the mental health profession. Hope this helps. Wish you the best.