Requirements to Become...
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What are the Requirements to Become a Pharmacist?

As a pharmacist, you are responsible for distributing medication to patients, advising them on the proper use of any prescription drugs, and coordinating with physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, levels, and side effects of different pharmacological treatments. In some cases, you also mix the actual ingredients of two separate drugs to produce compound medications.

Because every patient's body is different, this professional field requires tremendous attention to detail, meticulous record keeping, and a thorough understanding of how different drugs interact with the human anatomy and with one another. Not surprisingly, the requirements to become a pharmacist are closely regulated to ensure the safety of all patients.

Educational Requirements to Become a Pharmacist

After completing courses in areas like chemistry, biology, math, and physics during at least two years of post-secondary study, you must enroll in an accredited PharmD program to receive your degree in pharmaceutical science. These schools are usually regulated by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and some require that you take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) prior to applying.

While enrolled in the program, you study areas such as:
  • Professional ethics
  • Public health
  • Pharmaceutical chemistry
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy administration
There also exists an increasing push towards computer and IT training. As more hospitals and pharmacies around the country go paperless, employers are likely to require that you demonstrate facility with databases and online Web applications.

Regulatory Requirements to Become a Pharmacist

After completing your pharmacist training, you must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), which tests your skills and knowledge. Most states also require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which tests your understanding of pharmacy law and ethics. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) administers both of these exams.

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