Different steps to becoming a pharmacist

Question

Could someone please elaborate on the different routes to becoming a pharmacist? To my understanding, you really can major in anything as an undergrad, but you should keep in mind the admission requirements of the Pharmacy schools you're thinking of applying to.

But, I've also heard that many students just go to Pharmacy school after taking classes at a university and without earning a bachelor's degree. How does that work? Could someone please explain?

Answer 1

Alright, here's how it goes:

To become a pharmacist, you must complete the 6-year Pharm-D program, which includes 2 years of pre-pharm studies, in which you take pre-reqs and get all your basic classes out of the way until you earn enough credits to be admitted into a college of pharmacy. However, before entering the college, you must pass the PCAT at least in the 70th percentile, though 90-99 is recommended due to the competitiveness. Once in the actual college, it is a 4-year program that will ultimately end with you getting your pharm-D. That's the way it is now--I've asked many pharmacists myself. You cannot get a bachelors, masters, or doctorate in pharmacy--only a pharm-D. Now, if you wanted to go further you could study pharmacodynamics, pharmaceutical research, etc. but if you just want to work at cvs and make $100,000+/year, then the pharm-d is all you need.

Now, bear in mind the program is very competitive since everyone seems to want to be a pharmacist nowadays, so you have to be stellar.