Ask the Recruiter

There are two major steps toward becoming a pharmacist. First, you have to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, also known as a PharmD. When choosing an educational program for this degree, be sure to select a school that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Prerequisites for admission to such a program may include passing the Pharmacy College Admissions Test, and/or prior coursework in fields such as math and science.

Once you have your Doctor of Pharmacy degree, you will need to obtain a pharmacist's license in your state. To get this license, you will need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), and most states also require that you pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). There may be additional, state-specific requirements as well.

Before embarking on this journey, you may want to look into the job market for pharmacists in your area. You have the advantage of work experience in a pharmacy department, so ask your employer about prospects for getting hired as a pharmacist with their organization once you complete the necessary requirements. Some large firms may have scholarship programs or other methods of funding employee education, so you might even get some help with your tuition costs from your employer. Besides the potential for tuition assistance, maintaining your employment with this organization may give you an inside track toward a pharmacist position once you obtain your degree and state license.