Pharmacist Years Study Classes Complete Pharmacy Earn Degree

In the United States, it takes many years of study to become a pharmacist. While still in high school, "aspiring" (wanting to have or do something) pharmacists need to take a lot of classes in the sciences, including biology and chemistry. Then they need to go to college and complete a four-year pharmacy program and then earn a "PharmD," or a doctorate of pharmacy degree. People who know "early on" (early in their life) that they want to become pharmacists can "earn" (do the work required to receive) a PharmD in as little as six years, but many people actually need to go to school for eight years before they can take all the "requisite" (required; necessary) classes and earn their degree.

After receiving a PharmD, aspiring pharmacists need to become "licensed" (having received official documentation and permission) to "practice" (work as a pharmacist) in the state(s) where they wish to work. Each state has its own licensing requirements. These requirements are a combination of one or more exams and "practical" (hands-on, like an internship) experience. Individuals need to complete an "internship" (an on-the-job learning experience) under the "supervision" (oversight; monitoring) of a licensed pharmacist before they can work by themselves.

Once a pharmacist is hired, he or she must continue to study and "stay on top of" (be aware of and familiar with) new developments in the pharmaceutical industry. Each state "licensing board," the organization that establishes and "enforces" (makes sure something happens) licensing requirements, has "continuing education" requirements for pharmacists to attend special courses and/or pass additional exams.