Education · 1 of 5
The path
A professional doctorate, then two exams and a state license.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Chemistry, biology and math. Strong grades matter because the prerequisite courses are graded hard.
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Prerequisite college courses
2 to 4 years
Two to four years of chemistry, biology, anatomy, statistics and calculus. Some schools admit you straight from high school into a combined six year program.
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Doctor of Pharmacy degree
4 years
Four years at a school accredited by ACPE (the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education). Classroom for the first years, then full time rotations.
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Rotations
Final year
The final year is spent in real pharmacies and hospitals under supervision, rotating through community, hospital and specialty sites.
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Two exams and a state license
Months after graduation
Pass the national competence exam and a pharmacy law exam, then register with the board of pharmacy in your state.