How do you become a pharmacist?
The most common path is to complete prerequisite college coursework, apply to an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program, complete pharmacy school and required practice experiences, then pass the exams and state board requirements needed for pharmacist licensure.
Key facts
Use this table as a quick orientation before diving into the full path. Exact admissions and licensure requirements vary by school and state.
| Degree | Doctor of Pharmacy, commonly called a PharmD |
|---|---|
| Typical path | Prerequisites, PharmD program, IPPE/APPE rotations, graduation, licensure |
| Admissions | Requirements vary by school; many applicants use PharmCAS and should verify PCAT policy program by program |
| Licensure | Most candidates take the NAPLEX and a pharmacy law exam such as the MPJE or a state-specific law exam |
Steps to become a pharmacist
This guide is organized around four main steps, plus a practical “Step 1.5” about gaining experience.
Complete prerequisites and prepare for pharmacy school
Start by mapping prerequisite coursework for the PharmD programs you may apply to. Many schools expect college-level science and math courses such as biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, calculus or statistics, and writing or communication. Some students complete a bachelor's degree first, while others apply after finishing the required pre-professional coursework.
Gain pharmacy or healthcare experience
Pharmacy technician or healthcare experience can be valuable preparation. Work or volunteer experience can help you confirm that you like patient care, medication safety, insurance workflows, and healthcare teamwork before you commit to pharmacy school. It can also give you more specific examples for your application essays and interviews.
Apply to PharmD programs
Compare each school's prerequisites, GPA expectations, application deadlines, recommendation requirements, interview process, format, tuition, accreditation, state eligibility, and PCAT policy. PharmCAS remains a common application pathway, but not every school uses the same requirements or timeline, so verify each program directly before applying.
Complete pharmacy school and practice experiences
A PharmD program combines didactic coursework with practice-based learning. Students typically study pharmacology, therapeutics, medication safety, law, patient counseling, public health, and healthcare systems while completing Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).
Graduate and complete licensure requirements
After earning a PharmD, graduates complete state board requirements before practicing as pharmacists. The licensure path commonly includes the NAPLEX, a pharmacy law exam such as the MPJE or a state-specific alternative, background checks, fees, and any state-specific internship-hour or documentation requirements.
Traditional vs. accelerated PharmD path
The right timeline depends on how much college coursework you already have, whether you want a campus, online, hybrid, or accelerated pathway, and how much structure you need while completing labs and rotations.
| Pathway | Best fit | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional PharmD | Students who want a standard campus-based or structured professional path. | Prerequisites, curriculum, rotations, tuition, accreditation, and licensure outcomes. |
| Accelerated PharmD | Students seeking a faster route who can manage a more compressed schedule. | Program length, workload, experiential requirements, cost, and support services. |
| Online or distance pathway | Students who need remote didactic coursework but can travel for labs or rotations. | Campus visits, state eligibility, technology requirements, IPPE/APPE placement, and licensure restrictions. |
Plan for the NAPLEX, law exam, and state board requirements.
The NAPLEX measures whether a candidate can practice pharmacy safely and effectively. Many candidates also take the MPJE or a state-specific law exam. State boards can set additional requirements, so students should confirm their target state's licensure process before graduation.
- • Confirm whether your state uses the MPJE or a separate state law exam.
- • Review NAPLEX eligibility, scheduling, timing, and score transfer rules early.
- • Keep documentation of intern hours, experiential education, background checks, and application deadlines.
- • Consider residency, fellowship, or board certification only after mapping the base licensure path.
What to verify before you apply
FAQs about becoming a pharmacist
Do you need a bachelor's degree before pharmacy school?
Not always. Some PharmD programs admit students after prerequisite coursework, while others are built for students who already have or plan to complete a bachelor's degree. Check each school's admissions page before assuming one path applies everywhere.
Is the PCAT still required?
PCAT policy varies by program and has changed significantly across pharmacy admissions. Treat it as a school-specific requirement: verify whether each program requires, accepts, recommends, or does not review PCAT scores before applying.
What exams do pharmacists take after graduation?
Most pharmacist candidates take the NAPLEX and a pharmacy law exam such as the MPJE or a state-specific alternative. State boards may also require applications, background checks, fees, and other documentation.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
The timeline depends on how much college coursework you complete before pharmacy school and which PharmD pathway you choose. Many students spend two to four years completing prerequisites or an undergraduate degree, then about three to four years in a PharmD program, followed by licensure steps.
Hong Chen, PharmD
Hong Chen is a PharmD graduate with experience in clinical research and pharmacy practice.
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