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A pharmacist does more than count pills and disperse medications. Being a pharmacist requires many years of education in the healthcare field. Here are some tips to guide you through the process of becoming a pharmacist.
Step 1:

Start preparing early. If you want to become a pharmacist, you need to start preparing in high school. Your GPA needs to meet the minimum requirements of the college or university you want to get into. Aim for a GPA of at least 3.5. If you can maintain high grades in high school and your SAT scores are commendable, then you should have a good chance of getting accepted in the pharmaceutical program of your choice at college.

Step 2:

Complete the required amount of coursework. Although the requirements for each school vary, you will likely need to complete at least 2 years of prerequisite course work, with high marks in all courses. After this point, you will be eligible to apply to pharmacy school.

Step 3:

Complete pharmaceutical school. After you complete your initial few years of prerequisite course work, you can then apply to and complete the pharmacy program. You will be required to complete and pass the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) before you can apply to the school of your choice. Once you are accepted, throw yourself into your coursework so that you are successful in the program. This will likely take 3-4 years, depending on your course load, grades and program.

Step 4:

Consider doing a residency. Once you have graduated from pharmaceutical school, you've done just about all you need to do to become a pharmacist. If you feel like you need to have some hands-on experience after you graduate, you have the option of completing a 1-year residency working with a pharmacist. This is an optional choice, but may give you the confidence to start your career as a pharmacist.

Step 5:

Get licensed. Depending on the state you plan to work as a pharmacist in, you will probably need to get your license as a pharmacist. Each state has a required test that is mandatory for pharmacy grads to write before they can legally become pharmacists. This licensure needs to be renewed every 2 years in most cases.

Step 6:

Apply to pharmacist jobs. After school and your optional residency, you're a pharmacist. All you need to do is get a job as one! Apply to jobs listed in your local classifieds, online websites, and at drug stores. If you are having trouble finding available jobs, make sure you explore all avenues. Talk to every pharmacy in your town to see if a position is available. Put your name and résumé out there so that people know you are looking to become a pharmacist. And don't hesitate to take a lower-ranking position at a pharmacy until you prove yourself and gain a bit more experience. Once you have put in your time as an assistant, you'll have an even better chance of becoming a pharmacist.

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