Becoming a pharmacist is a rewarding career to pursue; especially since the profession is considered the most leading profession in the United States. There are; however, other things to consider when a student considers studying for a career in pharmacy. One of the most asked questions by students interested in this career path is, “How long does it take to become a pharmacist?” A full-time student should expect to finish their pharmacist studies in eight to nine years. In this time frame schooling is broken down and exams will need to be completed before continuing on to each step required to become a fully licensed pharmacist.
Undergraduate Education
The first step in becoming a pharmacist involves obtaining a bachelor’s degree. The typical student can expect to earn this degree in four years on a full-time attendance with no breaks or time off. After obtaining the bachelor’s degree in science a student needs to join a college of pharmacy and work to obtain a PharmD degree.
Pharmacy School
In order to obtain a PharmD degree a student will attend three to four more years of graduate education on a full-time attendance with no breaks. To enter a pharmacy school students will need to pass an admissions test, which is required for all students who wish to enter pharmacy school.
Even after eight years of schooling and acquiring the credentials to practice as a pharmacist, pharmacists-to-be will need to pass the state licensure exam. Students are not considered a “true” pharmacist until this exam is taken and passed. After passing the licensure exam and many years of school a student is then awarded a degree in a rewarding degree that pays well – a huge plus for attending so many years of college.
Pros and Cons of Becoming a Pharmacist
While the cost of schooling will be 50,000 dollars or more, the average salary for a practicing pharmacist is more than 100,000 dollars a year, putting pharmacists in the top 10 percent of high earners in America. Pharmacists are high in demand and often have recruiters contacting them for a job instead of having to apply for jobs themselves. The downside of being a pharmacist, if employed as a retail pharmacist, is the fact that sometimes the high pay is based on production. You will need to have so many prescriptions coming in and going out in order to earn the high salary, which can lead to mistakes if a pharmacist is not paying close attention to detail in filling medication or is neglecting prudent business management.
Becoming a pharmacist may take time, but the benefits of schooling outweigh any negative aspects of the career. As a pharmacist you will earn good money and help others in the community by controlling disorders, diseases and sicknesses they presently have; developing a relationship with the community members you help along the way. If you study and work hard, your dream of becoming a pharmacist is not as far off as you might think.