How to Become a Pharmacist: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step into the world of pharmacy with this insightful guide that unpacks the journey to becoming a pharmacist and showcases how MCPHS’s programs pave the way for your success.

If you’re exploring in-demand health careers, becoming a pharmacist might be the perfect fit. Pharmacists are vital members of the healthcare system, helping patients manage medications, improve health outcomes, and access preventive care services. With growing demand and expanding career opportunities, a pharmacy degree offers a promising path for high school graduates, college students, and working professionals looking to transition into the health sciences.

So, how do you become a pharmacist? The journey includes specific educational steps—such as completing prerequisite coursework, earning an undergraduate degree when required, completing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, passing licensing exams, and potentially pursuing postgraduate training. Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers flexible, career-oriented programs to help you enter or advance in this essential field.

Here’s everything you need to know if you’re an aspiring pharmacist.

What Does a Pharmacist Do?

Pharmacists do much more than dispense medications. They are trusted healthcare providers who educate patients about prescriptions, monitor drug interactions, manage chronic conditions, and even administer vaccines. In fact, the scope of pharmacy practice has expanded significantly in recent years. Now, a pharmacy technician plays a direct role in preventive care by providing immunizations, conducting health screenings, and supporting patients with chronic disease management. This shift means pharmacists are more involved than ever in improving outcomes and reducing hospitalizations through medication therapy management and patient education.

Your responsibilities as a pharmacist might include:

• Filling prescriptions and ensuring correct dosages
• Providing medication counseling to patients
• Offering immunizations and health screenings
• Helping patients manage chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and asthma
• Collaborating with physicians to optimize treatment plans
• Ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations

Pharmacists work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Community pharmacies: A community pharmacist works in the most visible and accessible settings, providing prescriptions, counseling, and preventive care services central to community pharmacy practice.
• Hospitals and clinics: Working in a hospital pharmacy allows pharmacists to work alongside doctors and nurses in a clinical role, supporting inpatient care in a clinical pharmacist role.
• Long-term care facilities: In these settings, geriatric pharmacists support elderly patients and help manage chronic therapies over the long term.
• Pharmaceutical companies: Pharmacists working in this setting usually conduct research, develop new medications, or work in regulatory affairs related to pharmaceutical science.
• Government agencies and academia: Through teaching and research, pharmacists working in this area contribute to public health policy or help train the next generation of pharmacy students.

One of the greatest strengths of the pharmacy profession is its versatility. If you’re interested in changing careers or advancing in your current career path, pharmacy offers opportunities to align your education and skills with a variety of opportunities. You might choose to work in a retail pharmacy or independent pharmacy, or focus instead on direct patient care, transition into leadership roles within healthcare organizations, or leverage your expertise in the pharmaceutical industry or public health.

Whether you're seeking a clinical position, an industry-focused career, or a path in healthcare leadership, pharmacy offers flexibility, long-term job security, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

How To Become a Pharmacist: Steps To Follow

To become a pharmacist in the United States, you’ll need to meet both educational and licensing requirements. Below is a breakdown of the key steps.

1. Complete Pre-Pharmacy Coursework

Most pharmacy schools require at least two years of undergraduate coursework before you can apply to a PharmD pharmacy program. These “pre-pharmacy” prerequisites may include the following subjects:

• General and organic chemistry
• Biology and microbiology
• Anatomy and physiology
• Calculus and statistics
• English composition

2. Enroll in a PharmD Program

After completing your prerequisite courses, the next crucial step is earning your PharmD degree from an accredited pharmacy school. Typically, PharmD programs take four years to complete, but MCPHS offers flexible options—including accelerated formats—that can shorten this timeline.

The PharmD curriculum at MCPHS covers essential subjects such as pharmacology, pharmaceutical chemistry, and therapeutics. You’ll also gain practical experience through Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, preparing you for real-world patient care.

While many institutions require seven to eight years to become a licensed pharmacist—including undergraduate studies—MCPHS streamlines the process. You can complete your PharmD in as few as six years through the direct-entry program or in just three years with the accelerated pathway, helping you start your career sooner.

3. Pass the NAPLEX Exam

To practice as a licensed pharmacist, you’ll need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) - a standardized licensure exam used to evaluate the competency of pharmacy graduates for licensure in North America. This exam is administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and is intended to assess your knowledge of:

• Pharmacotherapy and therapeutic outcomes
• Preparing and dispensing medications
• Ensuring safe and effective pharmacological care

The NAPLEX consists of 225 questions and takes about six hours to complete. Many pharmacy programs, including those at MCPHS, offer review sessions and exam preparation tools to help you succeed.

4. Complete the MPJE or State Law Exam

In addition to passing the NAPLEX, many states require pharmacists to successfully complete the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a state-specific pharmacy law exam. The MPJE serves as a critical licensure test designed to uniformly evaluate candidates’ knowledge of pharmacy laws and regulations that vary by state. Its purpose is to ensure pharmacists understand the legal framework necessary to protect public health and safety within their specific jurisdiction.

This test evaluates your understanding of federal and state pharmacy laws, including:

• Drug schedules and controlled substances
• Licensing requirements
• Recordkeeping and pharmacy operations

Each state board of pharmacy sets its own MPJE requirements, so it’s important to research the regulations in the state where you intend to practice.

5. Apply for State Licensure

Once you’ve passed the required exams, the final step is to apply for licensure through your state’s board of pharmacy. Licensure requirements typically include:

• Documentation of education and training
• Proof of NAPLEX and MPJE passage
• Criminal background checks
• Application fees

Timelines can vary depending on the state, but the process usually takes a few weeks to several months. Once licensed, you’re legally authorized to practice as a pharmacist in that state.

Optional Education Requirements: Postgraduate Training

While not required for entry-level roles, additional education and certifications can help you advance into more specialized positions for clinical pharmacists or pursue research-focused opportunities.

Residency Programs

Residencies are typically one to two years long and provide advanced clinical training in areas such as:

• Oncology
• Pediatrics
• Ambulatory care
• Critical care

They’re ideal if you’re planning to work in a hospital or pursue a clinical pharmacist position.

Fellowships

Pharmacy fellowships offer advanced training in pharmaceutical research or industry settings. These programs are excellent options if you’re interested in drug development, regulatory affairs, or academia.

Board Certification

If you want to demonstrate advanced knowledge in a particular area of pharmacy, consider earning a board certification through the Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS). Certification areas include:

• Pharmacotherapy
• Geriatric pharmacy
• Infectious diseases
• Oncology pharmacy

These additional credentials can enhance your career trajectory, increase your earning potential, and help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Take the Next Step Toward Your Pharmacy Career

Becoming a pharmacist is a rigorous yet rewarding journey. From completing pre-pharmacy courses and earning a PharmD to passing licensing exams and exploring advanced training opportunities, each step brings you closer to a fulfilling career where you can make a lasting difference in people’s lives.

Whether you're just starting out or considering a career change, we’re here to support your success. With industry-aligned curriculum, experiential learning, and multiple pharmacy program formats, including direct-entry, accelerated, and non-traditional options. MCPHS helps students at every stage of their journey become trusted healthcare providers. Learn more about MCPHS’s PharmD programs and apply today.