How to become a pharmacist?

       Becoming a pharmacist requires years of education and training to obtain the necessary knowledge, skills and certifications. Traditionally, a Bachelor of Pharmacy was considered the first-professional degree for pharmacy practice, however now all aspiring pharmacists are required to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) through a doctoral program accredited by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). Aspiring pharmacists can spend anywhere between six years (fast-track) to thirteen years completing pre-requisites, Pharm.D coursework, clinical rotations and national exams.

       It is required to have a license to practice pharmacy in the United States. You will need to pass the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) to gain licensure, and take the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) for most states. Check with your state to determine how often pharmacy licenses must be renewed, and be sure to keep your license current.

       Pharmacists can work as licensed practitioners in pharmacies, companies that manufacture medicines and drugs and also in research centers where new and more effective medicines are worked on. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a pharmacist can expect to earn an annual salary in the range of $82,000 to $138,000, along with a number of incentives.