It’s not uncommon for folks outside the pharmacy profession to have misconceptions about the requirements of becoming a pharmacist . That’s where this series of articles comes in! Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of pharmacy education, offering you a glimpse into what it takes to become a pharmacist.

This post is the first in this series, written first-hand by:

Katelin Rockey, Pharm.D. Candidate at The University of Florida College of Pharmacy.

The path to becoming a pharmacist is an extensive process, and one that is not always understood by those outside of the profession. The process begins at the undergraduate studies, followed by a four-year pharmacy program, leading to the coveted Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The new Pharm.D. graduates are then off to their final step of becoming a pharmacist : passing two rigorous licensure exams.

However, for today we will dive into where the journey truly begins – the college years!

Although there may be a few variations, most pharmacy schools mandate the same pre-requisite courses in order to apply for their program. These include MANY courses in a range of chemistry disciplines (general, organic and biochemistry), biology, anatomy and physiology, and mathematics. These courses serve as the foundation upon which the advanced studies of the pharmacy program will be built.

Along with academics, pharmacy programs value a well-rounded skill set and the ability to manage a variety of responsibilities. Students often showcase this through active involvement in campus organizations, working in pharmacies as Pharmacy Technicians, and volunteering in community service initiatives to provide care for the underserved. All of these pieces come together to form the blueprint for an adaptable, dedicated, and well-educated pharmacist in training!