Online Pharmacy Degree Programs can provide a path to a fulfilling career as a pharmacist. A pharmacist is responsible for distributing prescription drugs and helping to make sure they are taken correctly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for pharmacists is excellent, particularly because of the limited capacity of training programs. On the other hand, this can be a very competitive. Here’s what you must do to become a pharmacist.
(1) Consider whether you’d enjoy pharmacy as a career. In order to succeed as a pharmacist, you need to have scientific aptitude, and good interpersonal skills (i.e. patience). While many pharmacists work in drugstores, you can also work in a hospital or for the pharmaceutical industry or health insurance companies. No matter what, you need to have good attention to detail, since a lapse in accuracy can be dangerous to people’s health.
(2) Research Pharm.D. programs. In order to become a pharmacist in the US, you need to get a Pharm.D. degree. The programs that award this degree often require you to take courses in specific subjects before you apply. It’s important that you become familiar with the requirements of the programs you’re interested in. Also consider the costs of various programs. Don’t forget to consider online pharmacy degree programs as well.
(3) Take the required courses at a college or university. Some Pharm.D. programs require you to complete a specific degree before being accepted. Even if it’s not required, however, having a BS may help you get accepted.
(4) Apply to Pharm.D. programs. You may need to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) before applying. This is true even for online pharmacy degree programs.
(5) Complete a Pharm.D. program. This takes about 4 years, unless you participate in an accelerated program in which you take courses year-round, which can mean finishing in 3 years. It can take longer if you are going part time. Many online pharmacy degree programs offer accelerated and part time options.
(6) Consider 1-year or 2-year residency programs or fellowships. If you want to work in a clinical setting, you will be required to complete a residency. If you’re going into a specialized area of pharmacy, there may be fellowship programs you can complete.
(7) Take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). There are eight States and territories that have their own required pharmacy law exams instead of the MPJE. Some States and territories require additional exams, a specified number of hours of experience in a practice setting (usually met while obtaining the Pharm.D.), and a criminal background check.
An online pharmacy degree program can be a great solution for those who are not able to attend an accredited college or university in a traditional classroom setting.