How Long Does It Take To Become a Pharmacist?

Learn about the process of becoming a pharmacist, including what educational and licensing steps you must take, and how MCPHS can help you achieve a rewarding career. 

As technology advances and the world around us becomes more and more innovative, a few things will always remain the same: the demand for the pharmacy profession and other highly skilled medical workers isn’t going anywhere. In fact, the job outlook is expected to grow by 5% from 2025 to 2033, highlighting just how vital these healthcare workers are. 

If you’re interested in entering this booming industry, you’re probably curious how much time it will require. Generally, it takes six to eight years to become a pharmacist, including pharmacy school, licensing, and certifications. However, you have lots of paths available to you that can shorten this time frame. 

Want to learn about the process? This guide will provide a step-by-step blueprint for aspiring pharmacists.

Why Become a Pharmacist?

If you have a deep desire to help people get well and a knack for math, science, and health, a pharmacist may be your dream role. These professionals dispense medication, advise patients on best practices, and ensure the safety of the people they serve. On top of that, pharmacists are great communicators and work in a variety of flexible settings, including retail, hospitals, clinics, and research. 

Within this sector, there are countless niche and specialized roles you can pursue:

• Compounding pharmacist: Prepares customized medications tailored to a patient’s specific needs and works with prescribers to adjust dosage forms, flavors, or ingredients for allergies or sensitivities. These pharmacists often serve patients requiring unique formulations not available from mass manufacturers.
• Clinical pharmacy specialist: Focuses on direct patient care within a specific clinical area, such as oncology, cardiology, infectious diseases, or pediatrics. They also collaborate closely with physicians and healthcare teams to optimize medication plans and engage in advanced therapeutic monitoring, patient counseling, and participation in medical rounds.
• Chief Pharmacist or Director of Pharmacy: Oversees the entire pharmacy department’s operations, compliance, and strategic direction and manages staffing, budgets, and policies to ensure adherence to legal and regulatory standards. They also play a leadership role in quality assurance, clinical initiatives, and organizational decision-making.

Outside of advanced role opportunities, there are several advantages to choosing this career path:

High Salary Potential

While your annual pay will depend on your education, experience, and location, most entry-level pharmacists can make a very competitive salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the median annual pay for 2024 was $137,480. This sets workers up for success and enables them to earn a comfortable living wage even after only a few years of experience. 

Job Growth and Stability in Healthcare

Because the job outlook is growing steadily, students graduating from medical school into this field are expected to find jobs in any type of location and healthcare setting they prefer. This also boosts job security, making it extremely likely that people will maintain careers for years to come. 

Flexibility and Career Diversity

Generally, the medical industry is known for offering flexible schedules to employees, and that’s especially true for pharmacists. In this role, you’ll be able to choose the type of work schedule you’d like to take on, whether that be a few 12-hour shifts or a more steady nine-to-five. There is also potential for full-time and part-time work, as well as overnight shifts. 

Upskill Opportunities

Whether you’re becoming a pharmacist right out of college or decide to switch paths mid-career, there are tons of chances for upskilling and upward mobility in this field. With opportunities for on-the-job training and continuing education, this field enables you to get exactly what you want out of it. 

The Educational Journey To Becoming a Pharmacist

The amount of time it takes to earn your degree and become a certified pharmacist will depend on the educational pathway you choose. Most degree programs take about six to eight years to complete, with postgraduate training available as an optional add-on. By studying at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), you can earn a PharmD degree—a Doctor of Pharmacy—in just six years. 

Here’s what you can expect from your educational journey to entering this field:

Step 1: Complete Educational Requirements

At MCPHS, we offer a direct entry program, providing you with the skills and proficiencies necessary to excel in this industry and work directly with patients. On top of our direct entry program, we also have an accelerated PharmD program if you choose to build on previous education from a different accredited pharmacy school. 

With the MCPHS direct entry program, you’ll have two years of preprofessional pharmacy education. This will be your chance to lay a strong foundation in basic sciences, general chemistry, and communications. After that, you’ll enter the four-year professional phase that dives deep into the pharmaceutical sciences field and pharmacy practice. Our professors and staff members will guide you through immersive labs and clinical rotations that will align your knowledge and skills with real-world practice. 

Step 2: Secure Licensing and Certifications

To become a registered pharmacist, you must obtain a state license to practice before you actually get a job. After completing your PharmD degree program, you’ll move into studying the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) review modules. This test is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Some states also require you to take the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which tests your understanding of pharmaceutical laws. It’s important to verify which exam your state requires, depending on your location or where you’d like to practice. 

Every state also mandates a certain number of hours of practical experience before you can apply for a license. This will depend on your state. Students who are interested in joining a pharmacy residency program must apply through the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service, accredited through the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. 

Step 3: Participate in Optional Postgraduate Training

While this step isn’t necessarily required, it can help bolster your job resume and better prepare you for your first pharmaceutical role. Postgraduate training typically takes two years, with the first focusing on general pharmaceutical study and the second providing you a chance to choose among many different specialities. If you’re interested in a niche pharmaceutical subject and want to add more skills to your tool belt, this is a great way to do so. 

Another benefit of completing additional training is job readiness. Yes, your pharmacy degree program will ensure you’re prepared for what’s next, but an extra year or two of learning will give you space to narrow in on career planning and help you determine the best direction for your specific interests. 

MCPHS Can Get You There Faster

Whether you’re a student looking for a flourishing career or a working professional hoping to burst into a new field, MCPHS can help you achieve your goals and advance your knowledge in a way that works for your timeline and lifestyle. With our direct entry or accelerated PharmD programs, you gain access to experienced professors who want to see you succeed, countless networking opportunities in a medical-focused city, and the latest and greatest healthcare tools and technology to ensure you’re caught up on modern practices and ready for your role from day one. 

By choosing MCPHS, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re investing in a future shaped by innovation, support, and opportunity. Our programs are designed to position you at the forefront of the pharmacy field, giving you the skills, confidence, and connections to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients and the healthcare community. Wherever your career path takes you, MCPHS ensures you’re ready to get there faster and stronger.

Is a pharmacy degree in your future? Apply for the program that most suits your needs today. 

Pharmacy Degree Program FAQs

What’s the quickest way to become a pharmacist?

MCPHS offers flexible PharmD options to fit your background and timeline. The direct-entry PharmD is a six-year program that guides you from foundational patient care to advanced knowledge of medications and healthcare laws. If you already have completed prerequisite undergraduate coursework, the Accelerated PharmD program provides an intensive, 34-month curriculum with immersive, hands-on learning at our Worcester or Manchester campuses. Both programs prepare you thoroughly for a successful career in pharmacy, combining rigorous academics with real-world clinical experience to help you thrive in the industry. 

Is it hard to become a pharmacist?

Like any medical degree, securing a PharmD degree comes with challenging coursework, long lab hours, and years of building up practical skills. However, MCPHS staff members walk alongside you each step of the way, ensuring you have what you need to not only complete the coursework but also feel confident in your abilities.