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What do you need to get into Pharmacy?

I asked this question because I want to get into this field.

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Haley’s Answer

Pharmacy school requires pre-requisite classes from a university and to take the PCAT (pharmacy college admissions test). Outside of those requirements it is good to have experience with the field - I would look into becoming a pharmacy tech and working on the weekends during undergrad if you can. It is good experience and will let you know if you even like the field of pharmacy! Here is a good resource with all the requirements.

https://www.aacp.org/resource/pharmacy-school-admission-requirements
Thank you comment icon Haley is very accurate. 4 year undergrad usually, 4 year PharmD, and I highly recommend residency. Nick D’Angelo, PharmD, CSP, MSCS
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Niko’s Answer

Hi MayanN! I am actually a pharmacy technician and currently on my way into medical school (weird combination, I know). Working with my pharmacists a lot and asking questions, I can tell you that the process of becoming a pharmacist is quite similar to becoming a medical doctor (pharmacists in the US are doctors of pharmacology). You have prerequisites that you need to get into a pharmacy school, same as medical schools. So grades and studying are an important factor. I agree mostly with Melanie Baker. Finding a pharmacist that is willing to teach you things is always a good first step. Becoming a technician is a very good way to prepare for pharmacy school because it will give you the chance to familiarize yourself with drugs, what they do, their interactions, and a lot of laws regarding pharmacy practice. Many pharmacists have attested to this. Additionally, if you want a head start in learning as a technician, many state require or favor a nation certification, which will give you a quite bit of knowledge that will be helpful in school (you will learn the top 200 dispensed drugs, what they do, their common drug interactions, along with some laws regarding pharmacy). Also while you are in pharmacy school, many states allow for you to have an intern license, where you can basically work as a pharmacist under limitations while in school. One pharmacist that I have worked with for a long time recently graduated and was an intern at first. I hope this information helps!
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Melanie’s Answer

GRADES - like people (no matter how they act) - understand medication - work well under stress - find a pharmacist where you live - usually not the CVS type - as CVS won't let you come and shadow them - find an INDEPENDENT pharmacist and ask if you can spend time in the pharmacy. I worked as a tech for 12 yrs. I went to pre pharmacy - (in my day a degree was not required) - and did the four years at USC for my doctorate while I worked two jobs with two kids. I don't recommend doing a family while doing pharmacy. I didn't have a choice. My daughter is a pharmacist (ten years now). best wishes!
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Kalkidan’s Answer

To start Pharmacy school it has pre-requisite for and from the university which is different fro. Country to other. Outside of requirements it would be great to have experience with the field - You will need to have good grades as well.
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Dinah’s Answer

I would start by applying to become a pharmacy technician first and if you like it, then start doing your pre-reqs for the school you plan applying to for pharmacy school. What is important to pharmacy schools is being a well rounded student. They look at grades, extracurricular activities, volunteering, if your working in pharmacy, good letters of recommendations, etc. They also look at the reasoning why you want to go to pharmacy school, so a story of some sort. You can also shadow a pharmacist, but many corporate pharmacys will not allow you to do that due to safety concerns.
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