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What are the steps to become a Pharmacist?
Currently 16, 10th grade #pharmacists #pharmacist #pharmacy #job #medicine
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9 answers
Updated
Leonora’s Answer
There are 2 types of pharmacy schools in US: 0-6 and professional program that you enter after completing a bachelors degree. 0-6 is a type of program that you start straight after high school. You might complete prerequisites like math, chemistry, physics and so on with other students, or be on a separate campus and take all the classes with your cohort from the beginning. Alternatively, you can complete a bachelors degree and then apply for the graduate professional program that will take another 4 years to complete. Either path you chose, remember to explore all the career options because there are so many paths for a pharmacist to take beyond the typical work in a pharmacy store or a hospital. Good luck!
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Fred’s Answer
In the U.S. there are two paths I'm aware of. The more traditional role is to first go to college/university, and get a bachelors. Generally you would study something like biology or chemistry. I believe you can major in just about anything, but something in the sciences seems more appropriate. Then you'd go to pharmacy school, which is (I believe) another four years. That gets you your PharmD degree, after which you may have to intern first...
Some schools also have a 6 year program. This combines the 4 year undergraduate with the 4 years of pharmacy school into just six year. You graduate sooner, but the risk is that if you change your mind and decide pharmacist is not the role for you, very few (if any) of your courses will transfer to another degree.
Some schools also have a 6 year program. This combines the 4 year undergraduate with the 4 years of pharmacy school into just six year. You graduate sooner, but the risk is that if you change your mind and decide pharmacist is not the role for you, very few (if any) of your courses will transfer to another degree.
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Jackline’s Answer
2 ways:
Traditional- 4 year bachelor's program in mostly any field and then 4 years of doctorate in pharmacy (8 years total)
or the route am taking which can be considered the fastest- 2 years of pre-pharmacy (only completing the courses required to enter pharmacy school and then the 4 years of doctorate in pharmacy (6 years total). Good luck!
Traditional- 4 year bachelor's program in mostly any field and then 4 years of doctorate in pharmacy (8 years total)
or the route am taking which can be considered the fastest- 2 years of pre-pharmacy (only completing the courses required to enter pharmacy school and then the 4 years of doctorate in pharmacy (6 years total). Good luck!
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Reham’s Answer
First, of course you have to complete a pharmacy bachelor degree from a recognized educational faculty:
while you are studying , you have to do the following:
- don't rely only on the academic books for information, but search more for the recent studies on drugs and for the new trends of medicines and be aware of the next coming trend in this field.
- Ask the pharmaceutical companies for Medical representative training , Quality Control Training,Quality Assurance Training , Research , Regulatory affairs training inside their faculties, and also ask for training in hospital and community pharmacies as well so you can be aware enough about all aspects that you can work in after your graduation.
- The previous step is very important, as it will give you the guide to which aspect you have to concentrate on it and build also a huge relation in the actual workplaces which will help you to find a job in the future,
while you are studying , you have to do the following:
- don't rely only on the academic books for information, but search more for the recent studies on drugs and for the new trends of medicines and be aware of the next coming trend in this field.
- Ask the pharmaceutical companies for Medical representative training , Quality Control Training,Quality Assurance Training , Research , Regulatory affairs training inside their faculties, and also ask for training in hospital and community pharmacies as well so you can be aware enough about all aspects that you can work in after your graduation.
- The previous step is very important, as it will give you the guide to which aspect you have to concentrate on it and build also a huge relation in the actual workplaces which will help you to find a job in the future,
Updated
Steven’s Answer
As many of the answers state, pharmacy school is, at a minimum, a 6-year commitment. The curriculum is very science-based, with chemistry-related courses as a core (inorganic, organic, biochem, medicinal chem, etc.)
I don't agree with other statements that pharmacy is heavy in math - there is some math but nothing like you might encounter in an engineering space.
although a 6-year commitment seems like a lot, especially when you're younger, once you get through you will be set for life. almost all pharmacy jobs start in the low 6-figures, and you can have a ton of career choices.
My own journey started as a community pharmacist, filling prescriptions in a retail setting. From there I became a district manager for the chain I was working at, and then I became involved in my organizations managed-care division and eventually would up selling pharmacy benefits for a short time. Then I moved into the insurance industry (think Blue Cross, United, etc.) where I have had a very successful 20-year run.
On the insurance side we hire many pharmacists to do things like review prior authorization requests - we also have pharmacists working in the sales and account areas...so again, lots of places to go if you are inclined!
I don't agree with other statements that pharmacy is heavy in math - there is some math but nothing like you might encounter in an engineering space.
although a 6-year commitment seems like a lot, especially when you're younger, once you get through you will be set for life. almost all pharmacy jobs start in the low 6-figures, and you can have a ton of career choices.
My own journey started as a community pharmacist, filling prescriptions in a retail setting. From there I became a district manager for the chain I was working at, and then I became involved in my organizations managed-care division and eventually would up selling pharmacy benefits for a short time. Then I moved into the insurance industry (think Blue Cross, United, etc.) where I have had a very successful 20-year run.
On the insurance side we hire many pharmacists to do things like review prior authorization requests - we also have pharmacists working in the sales and account areas...so again, lots of places to go if you are inclined!
Updated
Marlena’s Answer
Check the pharmacy school requirements at different colleges you may be interested in. Some may admit you directly to the school of pharmacy while others may require an additional application a year and a half or so after you begin college. If you don’t make it in, you can try again another year, but you’ll likely end up spending at least another year in college and may want to get an undergraduate degree first. I’d recommend chemistry or biology, but general health sciences can be applied to many job opportunities. Good luck!
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Krystyna’s Answer
In addition to the schooling mentioned in the previous answers, it's just good to be aware that you will likely be required to do a lot of practical experience and extracurricular activities in addition to attending classes. Most schools also require some amount of volunteer work. Depending on what type of practice you decide you'd like to pursue, you may even consider residency after graduating.
Prior to being accepted to pharmacy school you'll also have to complete the PCAT as well as interview at pharmacy schools. Once you complete pharmacy school there is also the licensure exam, as well as a state law exam. These are a few of the additional steps beyond schooling that will have to be completed to become a pharmacist.
Prior to being accepted to pharmacy school you'll also have to complete the PCAT as well as interview at pharmacy schools. Once you complete pharmacy school there is also the licensure exam, as well as a state law exam. These are a few of the additional steps beyond schooling that will have to be completed to become a pharmacist.
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Anthony’s Answer
Hi Kristian,
In the United States, becoming a pharmacy requires a doctorate. However, there are multiple ways to achieve this. Generally speaking, this degree requires four years in a pharmacy program (some 3-year institutions where the students attend school through the summer). In addition, before pharmacy school, at least two years in school are required to obtain the prerequisite courses necessary to participate in pharmacy school. However, usually, pharmacy students receive a bachelor's degree before entering pharmacy school.
The most straightforward path to becoming a pharmacist is to attend a 6-year pharmacy school program directly out of high school. These programs essentially lump the first two years of perquisites together with four years of pharmacy school. This program would be St. Johns in New York or Northeastern in Boston.
There are pros and cons to each situation. Earning a bachelor's degree or prerequisite allows you flexibility if you change your mind on your career path. However, there is also built-in instability as you need to apply to pharmacy school separately. The 6-year programs avoid this. However, you are essentially locked into pharmacy as your career from the get-go. Determining what someone wants to do for the rest of their life when they haven't even graduated high school yet is a bit unrealistic and overwhelming. These programs also have a more extensive application process and acceptance criteria for high schoolers.
Regardless, I would highly suggest working in a pharmacy prior to graduating from pharmacy school. If you are too young to begin working in a pharmacy, I recommend volunteering at a pharmacy. For example, when I was young, I volunteered with my local VA. This experience gave me exposure and was an excellent way to build my resume early on.
Anthony
In the United States, becoming a pharmacy requires a doctorate. However, there are multiple ways to achieve this. Generally speaking, this degree requires four years in a pharmacy program (some 3-year institutions where the students attend school through the summer). In addition, before pharmacy school, at least two years in school are required to obtain the prerequisite courses necessary to participate in pharmacy school. However, usually, pharmacy students receive a bachelor's degree before entering pharmacy school.
The most straightforward path to becoming a pharmacist is to attend a 6-year pharmacy school program directly out of high school. These programs essentially lump the first two years of perquisites together with four years of pharmacy school. This program would be St. Johns in New York or Northeastern in Boston.
There are pros and cons to each situation. Earning a bachelor's degree or prerequisite allows you flexibility if you change your mind on your career path. However, there is also built-in instability as you need to apply to pharmacy school separately. The 6-year programs avoid this. However, you are essentially locked into pharmacy as your career from the get-go. Determining what someone wants to do for the rest of their life when they haven't even graduated high school yet is a bit unrealistic and overwhelming. These programs also have a more extensive application process and acceptance criteria for high schoolers.
Regardless, I would highly suggest working in a pharmacy prior to graduating from pharmacy school. If you are too young to begin working in a pharmacy, I recommend volunteering at a pharmacy. For example, when I was young, I volunteered with my local VA. This experience gave me exposure and was an excellent way to build my resume early on.
Anthony
Updated
Dinah’s Answer
There are two paths in the United States a student can take. One pathway is going the traditional route and going to a 4 year college and graduate with a bachelors. You would normally graduate with a chemistry, biology, or natural science degree. Then you can apply to a pharmacy school and see what the school is requiring from you. This pathway will take you 8 years to finish. Another pathway is to do two years of prerequisites and then apply to a pharmacy school, which is 6 years. To also get experience, trying find a job as a pharmacy technician and then when it comes time to getting into a pharmacy school, you can become an intern. Hope this helps.