Most patients only encounter a pharmacist when they visit the drugstore to pick up a prescription. While educating customers is part of the profession, a pharmacist's responsibilities extend well beyond the counter.

Whether you enter a pharmacy program right out of high school or begin with an associate or bachelor’s degree, your route can be personalized to what motivates you: developing new medicines, dealing with specific patient groups, testing efficacy, selling medications, and more.

In this article, we explore career pathways open to pharmacists, the unique state license requirements and continuing education hours that you must fulfill.

Navigating the Role of Pharmacists

A pharmacist’s responsibilities vary based on the work context. While these specialists are frequently seen in hospitals and neighborhood drugstores, their experience comes in handy in a number of contexts, including:

  • Pharmaceutical companies.
  • Government organizations.
  • Community pharmacies.
  • Clinical settings.

Pharmacists perform a range of tasks:

  • collecting and filling prescriptions,
  • instructing patients about potential reactions and allergies, 
  • providing advice on over-the-counter products, 
  • conducting health checks, 
  • administering vaccinations such as COVID-19 and influenza shots. 
  • filing insurance claims,
  • generating individualized drugs,
  • managing inventory, 
  • updating patient records.
AD 4nXdaEqsQMYsnIBPgS5B oHU3YZM6R7AUEgVLqeAxdRCJ1zPTHxlx08nUoBC4LTYUWxts6BE0Hkg7y9DyLnXXpito4rddbLmSa1RdVka - Medical Licensing

Pharmacist Educational Requirements

There are several paths you can take if you’re aiming for a career in pharmacy, each requiring a different level of education and commitment.

  • Pharmacy Assistants

A high school diploma or GED is usually sufficient. In some cases, high school students can even start working part-time as pharmacy assistants.

  • Pharmacy Technicians

You’ll generally need a high school diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree. Many employers prefer candidates who have completed formal training through a certificate or associate’s program.

  • Pharmacists

You’ll need to complete an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. This advanced degree is essential for anyone looking to build a professional career in pharmacy.

To work in advanced clinical settings, you’ll need a residency or fellowship. 

AD 4nXdnVWRbk6SPPSkZx4PE2gafCyghv640xNWSCi13olK cWsfNdmnoL99jyVlXMLWMU5U2 - Medical Licensing

High School 

Starting in high school is a chance to build a solid foundation while still an undergrad. A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree requires solid background in math, chemistry, biology, physics. However, you’ll also need to clearly explain complex information to both healthcare providers and patients, making strong communication skills—both written and verbal—equally important.

To improve these abilities, children can participate in extracurricular activities related to STEM, medical care, or communication. Here are some ideas:

  • Working in a nursing home.
  • Science Olympiad.
  • HOSA (Future Health Professionals).
  • Debate team.
  • School newspaper.

Undergraduate Degree Programs

Unlike pre-med, pre-pharmacy is not a distinct major, but rather a collection of necessary courses. Technically, you may major in anything while continuing to be on the pre-pharmacy path, but the high number of compulsory scientific courses frequently drives students to pick science majors.

Prerequisite courses differ every pharmacy school, but in general, you’ll need to finish the following:

  • General chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
  • Organic chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
  • Biochemistry
  • Biology with lab (2 semesters)
  • Microbiology with lab (1-2 semesters)
  • Physics with lab (2 semesters)
  • Human anatomy with lab
  • Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Psychology (1-2 semesters)
  • Statistics
  • Calculus
  • Economics
  • English (2 semesters)

Undergraduate students can be admitted to a four-year pharmacy school after only two years of study.

Dual Degree Programs

A dual degree program in pharmacy enables you to complete your bachelor’s degree and PharmD in a single study period. Often referred to as “0-6” programs, they normally last six years: two years – pre-professional study and four years in a pharmacy school.

If you include the normal practice of doing a 1-2 year residency after receiving your PharmD, the overall time for becoming a fully licensed pharmacist is 9-10 years on the standard path, but just 7-8 years with the expedited dual degree approach.

Early assurance programs, like “0-6” programs, let students apply even while in high school and guarantee admission to a PharmD program after finishing their college prerequisites.

AD 4nXeu58LAefI0f8e8mjBd6Ovqp0WqQ9Yc06dKW9QPfSrsk09JaEejNuVe5TRTZm1vExCIkp 4Xp5z mhzWoYFsrFyM2ybdt4jghankp TI xNC WqRi0OnA 6RcD8oHWGYh8tppzLtIMJg9HmVgigYVzEWAnd?key=Eg0z1l8kUa9UWY6UcliXsw - Medical Licensing

Pharmacy School

Completing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree typically takes three to four years. Requirements vary, and in many cases, work experience is not required but encouraged.

For example, The University of Minnesota lists in their criteria for admission that while “The average amount of paid work experience in pharmacy or health care for students starting the PharmD program is about 15 months, full or part-time”.

The PharmD curriculum covers pharmacy law, pharmacology, compounding, infectious diseases, and over-the-counter medications, with both basic and advanced clinical rotations playing a key role in your education.

For example, the curriculum at UC San Diego’s School of Pharmacy includes:

  • Year 1

Anatomy, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacy informatics, ethics and law in health policy, research design, biostatistics, and an introduction to pharmacy practice.

  • Year 2

Cardiovascular pulmonary, gastrointestinal systems, nutrition, renal systems, immunology, hematology, endocrinology, reproduction, metabolism, and microbiology.

  • Year 3

Therapeutics, pharmacogenomics, contemporary pharmacology, pharmaceutical economics, and advanced clinical practice.

  • Year 4

Dedicated entirely to Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations offered at affiliated medical centers and locations across the country and internationally.

Internship and Residency

Residencies offer hands-on experience in integrating pharmacy services within practice settings. Residents learn to conceptualize and implement pharmacy services. This period normally lasts 12 months or more.

Fellowships are aimed at building research skills. They offer extensive training in conceiving, organizing, carrying out, and reporting research outcomes. Fellows are mentored by an experienced researcher and given a personalized learning experience. Fellowships are primarily offered by pharmacy schools, academic health centers, and specialized healthcare institutes and often last 12 to 24 months or longer.

AD 4nXdz4N4V1ONL5F8APtjC2iq1RnKd88ondcUM q14HSy5XS5WOd57xPspfSGcYSQLr1u9Lx1chPOgmOxay6tRYDJlVRrZ8F3Wu8vc6I hLRGUeipLIb5IjPqL0z8 GYyjf5bbHy0AEy Y14Kzbh5PUUcWYPUI?key=Eg0z1l8kUa9UWY6UcliXsw - Medical Licensing

Pharmacist Licensure Examinations

The next step after wrapping up your pharmacy program is to submit an application to your state’s board of pharmacy. Once your application is processed and approved, the board of pharmacy will give you the go-ahead to take the NAPLEX and MPJE exams through the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).

Нou might also need to take a Disease State Management (DSM) exam. This computer-based test checks your knowledge on managing common diseases like dyslipidemia, diabetes, and asthma according to the latest treatment guidelines.

NAPLEX

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is designed to test general practice knowledge. This six-hour exam features 225 computerized questions. Generally, students got up to five attempts to pass. The fee for the NAPLEX is $575, plus any additional state board fees.

To prepare effectively, make sure to:

MPJE

The Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) is designed to evaluate your understanding of the laws and regulations that apply in various states or jurisdictions. It is necessary not just for recent pharmacy grads, but also for licensed pharmacists who want to practice in different states and for those who are FPGEC certified.

Note, that some might have states their own version of the exam, like California’s CPJE.

The MPJE is a 2.5-hour exam consisting of 120 computer-based questions. The fee is $150, with an additional one-time application fee of $100.

To get ready for the MPJE, consider the following resources:

  • Review the MPJE Competency Statements to get a clear idea of the laws and regulations covered.
  • Download sample questions to get a feel for the exam format.
  • Take the Pre-MPJE®, the official practice exam, to evaluate your preparedness and identify areas for improvement.

FPGEE

The FPGEE tests the knowledge across biomedical, pharmaceutical, behavioral, and clinical sciences. It is built for those who earned pharmacy degrees outside the U.S. To sit for the FPGEE, you must first apply for FPGEC Certification and complete the necessary steps in the application process.

You’ll need a passing score of 75 or higher to continue with your FPGEC Certification application. If you don’t pass on your first try but still have time left in your two-year eligibility period, you can retake the exam by re-registering and paying the retake fee. If your eligibility period has expired, you’ll need to submit a new FPGEC Certification application. You’re allowed a maximum of five attempts to pass the FPGEE.

State-Specific Requirements for Pharmacist Licensure

After passing examinations, you still need to complete your state’s unique requirements to qualify as a fully licensed pharmacist. Although each state has its particular set of criteria for pharmacist licensing, there are three core requirements that are identical across the board:

  1. Graduation from an Accredited Pharmacy School
  2. Passing the NAPLEX and the State’s Law Exam
  3. Accumulating the Required Experience Hours

You’ll also need to provide a passport-quality photo, fingerprints or authorization for a background check, and any details on past disciplinary actions related to your licensing.

If you are relocating to another state or want to expand your practice across state lines, reciprocity can make the process of obtaining additional licenses much easier. Most states allow for reciprocal registration, provided that your original license was issued in a state with comparable licensing standards.

Pharmacist Licensure Experience Hours by State

To navigate these complexities, licensing services are available to assist pharmacists in meeting state-specific requirements, managing documentation, and facilitating the licensure process across multiple states. These services can be invaluable in ensuring compliance with varying state regulations and expediting the licensure process, allowing you to focus more on your professional practice and less on administrative hurdles. Whether you’re applying for your initial license, seeking licensure by reciprocity, or maintaining multiple state licenses, these services can provide expert guidance and support throughout the process.

Specialty Certifications for Pharmacists

Given the vastness of the pharmacy profession, specializing can be a great way to hone your expertise on a particular condition, patient group, or healthcare setting. The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) offers certifications across 14 different areas, with nearly 59,000 certifications issued in categories such as:

  • Ambulatory care
  • Cardiology
  • Compounded sterile preparations
  • Critical care
  • Emergency medicine
  • Geriatric care
  • Infectious diseases
  • Nuclear pharmacy
  • Nutrition support
  • Oncology
  • Pediatric care
  • Pharmacotherapy
  • Psychiatric care
  • Solid organ transplantation

A specialist certification often requires a valid pharmacy license, appropriate practice experience, meeting specific educational requirements, and passing a certification exam. Pharmacists can also get interdisciplinary certificates in fields such as anticoagulant treatment, diabetes management, medical information technology, and toxicology.

For example, you may become an Asthma Educator Specialist with the National Board for Respiratory Care or an HIV Pharmacist with the American Academy of HIV Medicine. The Council on Credentialing in Pharmacy regulates these programs to ensure they satisfy the profession’s high standards.

Pharmacist Continuing Education

Pharmacist licenses are typically renewed on a biannual basis, while certain states demand yearly renewals, and licenses in New York are renewed on a three-yearly basis. To keep your license current, you must submit a renewal application, pay the renewal cost, and complete a set number of continuing education (CE) hours. The specific CE requirements vary by state, but most need at least 30 hours once every two years.

StateTermCE Requirements“Live” Hours
Alabama115 contact hours3
Alaska230 contact hours: 1.5 hours on responsible prescribing; 1 hour on immunizations (if authorized).
Arizona230 contact hours: 3 hours on opioids every two years; 2 hours on immunizations.
Arkansas230 contact hours: 2 hours on administering medications/immunizations; 3 additional hours for Nursing Home Consultant Pharmacists.12
California230 contact hours: 2 hours in law and ethics; 1 hour for smoking cessation, 1 hour for immunizations, 1 hour of naloxone training, and 1 hour of hormonal contraceptives.
Colorado224 contact hours
Connecticut115 contact hours: 1 hour in pharmacy or drug law.5
Delaware230 contact hours: 2 hours in medication safety/errors and controlled substances; 2 hours on injectables for those authorized.
District of Columbia240 contact hours: 22 general, 2 hours each in HIV, medication/dispensing errors, cultural competency (LGBTQ focus); 2 hours on immunizations.10
Florida230 contact hours: 2 hours on controlled substances and opioids, 2 hours on medication errors, 1 hour on HIV/AIDS (one-time), 3 hours on vaccines/epinephrine for authorized pharmacists, and 8 hours on antipsychotic injection (one-time). Additional 24 hours for Consultant and Nuclear Pharmacists in specialized topics.10
Georgia230 contact hours
Hawaii230 contact hours
Idaho115 contact hours
Illinois230 contact hours: 1 hour in implicit bias awareness, 1 hour in sexual harassment prevention, 1-time course in vaccine administration.
Indiana230 contact hours: tobacco cessation counseling required for those who dispense tobacco cessation products.
Iowa230 contact hours: 15 hours in drug therapy, 2 hours in pharmacy law, 2 hours in medication and patient safety; 2 hours in child/dependent adult abuse reporting if applicable.
Kansas230 contact hours
Kentucky115 contact hours: 1 hour in HIV/AIDS CE every 10 years.
Louisiana115 contact hours: 15 hours annually (3 live, or 20 hours if no live presentation); 1 hour in administering medications/vaccines; 3 hours on controlled substances; 1 hour in sterile compounding.3
Maine115 contact hours: 13 general, 2 in drug administration; 5 hours in specific areas for those in a Collaborative Practice Agreement.
Maryland230 contact hours: 27 general, 1 in preventing medication errors; 4 hours on vaccination guidelines.2
Massachusetts220 contact hours: 13 general, 2 in law; 1 hour in immunizations; additional hours for Collaborative Practice Agreement and specific practice areas like pain management and compounding.5
Michigan230 contact hours: 18 general, 1 in pain management, 1 in pharmacy ethics/law; implicit bias training (2 hours live within 5 years for new licenses, 1 hour annually for renewals); human trafficking and controlled substance awareness training (one-time).10
Minnesota230 contact hours
Mississippi115 contact hours: 11 general, 2 in opioid abuse/prevention; 6 additional hours in applicable disease states for those authorized to modify drug therapy under a protocol.2
Missouri230 contact hours: 2 hours on vaccines for those renewing immunization intent; 6 hours in medication therapy management for those with therapeutic plan authority; 4 hours on blood-clotting disorders for those dispensing blood-clotting products.
Montana1Either 5 live hours or 20 general hours.
Nebraska230 contact hours
Nevada230 contact hours: 29 general, 1 in Nevada law; 15 hours in accredited programs; 2 hours on immunizations.
New Hampshire115 contact hours: 10 general; vaccine-specific training.5
New Jersey230 contact hours: 16 general, 3 in pharmacy law, 1 in prescription opioids; 2 hours in immunization training and 10 hours in Collaborative Practice Agreement disease states.10
New Mexico230 contact hours: 14 general, 2 in patient safety, 2 in opioid safety; 2 hours in pharmacy law; additional hours for specific prescriptive authorities like vaccines, emergency contraceptives, tobacco cessation, naloxone, and hormonal contraception.10
New York345 contact hours: 19 general, 3 in medication errors; 5 hours in collaborative drug therapy management.23
North Carolina115 contact hours5
North Dakota115 contact hours: 1 hour in naloxone use, one-time only for those furnishing naloxone.
Ohio340 contact hours: 36 general, 2 in patient safety/medical errors, 2 in pharmacy law.
Oklahoma115 contact hours
Oregon230 contact hours: 26 general, 2 in pharmacy/drug law, 2 in patient safety/medical errors; 1-time, 1 hour in pain management specific to Oregon.
Pennsylvania230 contact hours: 24 general, 2 in child abuse recognition, 2 in patient safety, 2 in pain management; 2 hours on injectables.
Rhode Island115 contact hours: 8 general, 1 in law, 1 in immunizations for those authorized, 5 additional hours in practice area for those in collaborative agreements.5
South Carolina115 contact hours: 5.5 general, 7.5 in drug therapy/patient safety, 1 in controlled substances, 1 in immunizations.
South Dakota112 contact hours: 2 hours on immunizations.
Tennessee230 contact hours15
Texas230 contact hours: 1 in Texas pharmacy rules; 1 hour in human trafficking (one-time); 2 hours in pain management; 2 hours in controlled substances; 1 hour in mental health awareness; 6 hours in drug therapy management for those engaged; 3 hours in immunizations/vaccines; 3 hours in preceptor training.
Utah230 contact hours: 15 in drug therapy, patient safety, or HIV/AIDS therapy; 1 in pharmacy law/ethics; 2 hours on prescription drugs/immunizations, 2 hours on long-acting injectables, 2 hours on self-administered hormonal contraceptives.12
Vermont230 contact hours: 2 hours on immunizations and 2 hours on controlled substances.10
Virginia115 contact hours: 13 general, 2 hours on medications for opioid use disorder.
Washington115 contact hours: one-time 3-hour requirement in suicide screening, referral, and imminent harm via lethal means at first renewal.
West Virginia230 contact hours: 3 hours on drug diversion and best practice prescribing of controlled substances; 3 hours for consultants in consulting practice.
Wisconsin230 contact hours
Wyoming112 contact hours: 1.5 hours on responsible prescribing of controlled substances; 1 hour on immunizations for those who prescribe.

Pharmacist Career Opportunities

After completing your education and obtaining licensure, you’ll have the opportunity to explore various pharmacy career paths, including roles in retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, and non-traditional pharmacy settings. Each path offers different work environments and responsibilities. Pharmacies and drug shops employ the most pharmacists, 62.6%, followed by regular medical as well as surgical hospitals and specialty hospitals (excluding psychiatric and substance addiction), both at 34%. A smaller proportion, 3.33%, work in markets and other food establishments.

In 2022, the pharmacist workforce grew to 346,479 professionals, with women making up 59.6% and men 40.4%. This was a significant increase of 25.5%, from 276,178 in 2014. Graduate degrees were the most prevalent educational attainment among pharmacists, with 241,723 persons holding them, followed by bachelor’s degrees (93,210) and higher education (7,998).

As for the average pay, it was $118,881. California led, paying an average of $138,409, followed by Oregon ($136,169) and Colorado ($132,836).

AD 4nXfmQy4uy4cRVAZJj 8SZn S6csnpcM5MyZNuSPgJi8ZNhkGj7UPfk6ebcfwS74iZHdLd qe9O MOP2jkZ5Fr0WlmQZ8jUXdh3xj3AUacFdVxFmWmJ6uzI RrJHfmt3 ztfv5 - Medical Licensing

Community Pharmacy

If you enjoy interacting with people and want to make a direct impact on patient health, working in a community or retail pharmacy might be your ideal choice. In this setting, you’ll dispense medications, guide patients on how to properly use their prescriptions, and often provide services like vaccinations. Many community pharmacists also help patients monitor their blood sugar and blood pressure, making this role crucial in managing chronic conditions.

In addition to patient care, you might be responsible for managing inventory, processing insurance claims, and collaborating with other healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive the best care possible. Whether you work for a large chain, a small independent pharmacy, or even decide to start your own, community pharmacy offers a dynamic, patient-focused career.

Hospital Pharmacy

For those who prefer a more clinical environment, hospital pharmacy could be the perfect fit. In this role, your primary focus will be on medication management, ensuring that patients receive the correct medications in the right dosages. Hospital pharmacists work closely with healthcare teams, communicate with providers, manage potential drug interactions, and ensure timely delivery of medications to patients.

If you have additional training, such as a residency or fellowship, you might also participate in clinical trials and quality improvement initiatives. This allows you to play a vital role in the care and recovery of hospital patients, making it a rewarding career path for those interested in a more hands-on, clinical approach to pharmacy.

Specialty Pharmacy

Specialty pharmacy offers the opportunity to dive deep into specific areas of care, such as oncology, nuclear pharmacy, or the management of specialty medications. This path allows you to become an expert in a particular field, providing highly specialized care to patients with complex medical needs.

Ambulatory care is another significant area within this field. Pharmacists with advanced training often work in medical clinics, helping to manage patients’ medications, treat side effects, and improve their ability to adhere to their medication regimens. By leveraging your specialized knowledge, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients facing challenging health conditions, contributing to better health outcomes and enhanced patient care.

Resources and Support

FAQs about Becoming a Pharmacist in the USA

  • How do I become a licensed pharmacist in the USA?
    To become a licensed pharmacist in the USA, you need to complete an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, pass the required licensure exams (such as the NAPLEX and MPJE), and meet any state-specific requirements, which often include a certain number of experience hours.
  • How many years does it take to become a pharmacist?
    The road to becoming a pharmacist takes five to eight years, depending on the type of program you choose. While some programs only require two years of pre-pharmacy education, others require a bachelor’s degree for admission. Pharmacy school then takes 3-4 years to complete.
  • How can I become a pharmacist in the USA with foreign degree?
    If you already have a pharmacy degree from a foreign country, you’ll need to obtain FPGEC Certification by passing the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Equivalency Examination (FPGEE) and then proceed with the usual licensure steps, including passing the NAPLEX and MPJE exams.
  • Is becoming a pharmacist hard?
    Becoming a pharmacist requires a significant investment of time, and pharmacy school is highly competitive. Candidates will need to demonstrate expertise in chemistry, biology, physics, and other science and math courses.
  • Do pharmacists go to medical school?
    Pharmacists do not attend medical school. They go to specialized pharmacy schools to earn a doctorate in pharmacy.
  • What is the difference between a registered pharmacist and a PharmD?
    A PharmD is a professional doctorate degree required to become a licensed pharmacist in the U.S., while the term “registered pharmacist” simply refers to a pharmacist who has completed the necessary education, passed the licensure exams, and registered with the state board of pharmacy.
  • How do I get a US pharmacist license?
    To get a U.S. pharmacist license, you must graduate from an accredited pharmacy school, pass the NAPLEX and MPJE (or a state-specific law exam like the CPJE in California), and fulfill your state’s specific requirements, which may include additional exams, background checks, and documentation of clinical experience.
  • How many hours do pharmacists work?
    Most pharmacists work full-time, which is 40 hours a week. Those who own their pharmacies may be required to work many more hours.
Still have questions? Do not hesitate to contact us