1. What do I need to do to be a pharmacist? 

To practice pharmacy in the U.S., you must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy institution and pass a state pharmacy licensure exam. U.S. pharmacy institutions are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). A degree in pharmaceutical science or related discipline will not prepare or permit you to practice pharmacy or care for patients in the U.S. Learn more. 

2. How long does it take to earn a Pharm.D. degree? 

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program requires at least two years of specific undergraduate college study followed by four academic years (or three calendar years) of professional pharmacy study. Check out the BS Pharmacy Science List to view pre-pharmacy and other feeder programs offered by AACP member institutions. Most students enter a pharmacy degree program after completion of three or more years of college. Learn more. 

3. Can I earn a Pharm.D. Degree in less than four years?

A few programs offer an accelerated Pharm.D. degree program to students. The “2-3” program structure includes a minimum of two-years of pre-pharmacy study followed by three-years of accelerated professional study leading to a PharmD degree. The professional curriculum is scheduled year-round, so students may complete the PharmD degree within a shorter timeframe. Learn more.

4. Can I go to pharmacy school right after I graduate from high school?

Some pharmacy schools offer “0-6/7” programs in which students are admitted directly from high school and may advance to the professional phase of the program via an expedited process, if they successfully complete all of the program’s pre-pharmacy and interview requirements. Additionally, some pharmacy schools offer an “early assurance” pathway for undergraduate college students. Learn more.

5. Do I need a bachelor’s degree before I apply to a Pharm.D. degree program?

The Pharm.D. degree requires at least 2 years of undergraduate study followed by 3-4 years in the Pharm.D. curriculum. Some pharmacy schools require or give preference to students with a bachelor’s degree. Visit the Enrollment Options table on the PharmCAS Compare Programs page to learn whether a bachelor’s degree is required by a pharmacy school. The Program Structures page provides a description of the Pharm.D. degree pathways. The BS Pharmacy Science List features pre-pharmacy and other feeder programs offered by AACP member institutions.

6. I already have a degree in healthcare (or related science). Can I finish pharmacy school in less time?

Generally, a degree in a related discipline does not reduce the time it takes to complete the Pharm.D. degree program. Applicants who have earned an undergraduate or graduate degree in a related field must still complete the entire pharmacy degree program (four academic years or three calendar years). Please contact the institution directly to determine if you are eligible for course waivers.

7. I want to be a pharmaceutical scientist or pharmacy researcher. What degree should I earn?

If you’re interested in a career in pharmaceutical research, you generally need a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical science, biology, chemistry, medicine, engineering, epidemiology or other related fields. After you earn your bachelor’s degree and/or Pharm.D. degree, you will generally need a master’s degree and/or Ph.D. degree in a pharmacy science field. Learn more.

8. How can I find pharmacy schools in my area?

Visit the PharmCAS School Directory to view pharmacy programs by geographic region and state.

Congratulations on your interview! Preparation is definitely key. One way to prepare is by looking at some frequently asked interview questions and thinking about how you’d respond. Check out 9 practice questions on our blog.

In addition, if your interview is virtual, there are some additional considerations. Check out the PharmCAS Virtual Interview Guide.

1. What do you recommend studying in order to prepare for my first year of pharmacy school?

It can never hurt to brush up on concepts that you struggled with. In addition, it is extremely important to start out on the right foot by being prepared. Professors may send out email communications and post course materials (e.g., lecture handouts) prior to the first class. Contact the pharmacy school directly to determine if they offer a summer academic bootcamp for new Pharm.D. students or could connect you to relevant resources to help you study on your own. Once enrolled, be proactive about your learning. For instance, pharmacy schools use various platforms for class, so it is important to complete any tutorials. Reviewing the class syllabus and course objectives will ensure that you are ready to learn on the first day. Make a list of any questions you have and ask the professors in person or through email. Read more about what to do before you start pharmacy school here.