Determine that a career as a pharmacist is what you really want to do. Contact a local pharmacist and ask to schedule an appointment to meet with him. Make a list of all of the questions about the job that you want answered. Discuss the number of hours involved both to become a pharmacist and to work as a pharmacist. Consider such factors as the stress level, the income potential, security factors of dealing with federally controlled substances, job security and advancement, and personal satisfaction.
Research potential colleges and universities that offer degrees leading to a career as a pharmacist. Many institutions discontinued their Bachelor of Pharmacy Science when the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy declared that all U.S. pharmacists must obtain a doctorate degrees. There currently approximately 100 American institutions that offer accredited professional degree programs leading to the required doctorate (PharmD). You should consider such factors as cost, available financial aid, quality of instruction, location and placement services prior to applying.
Keep your grades up. Pharmacy school typically look for candidates who maintain a 3.2 GPA while carrying a rigorous course load. They are also interested in candidates who improve their academic standing during the final two years of their undergraduate degree. Community service and leadership skills are also highly favored by pharmacy schools, so consider volunteer work in community organizations during your down time. Oral examinations are frequently part of the selection process, so consider enrolling in courses in public speaking and communication.
Prepare for the rigors of pharmacy school by enrolling in courses at your current educational institution in the basic and applied sciences including chemistry, biology, and physics. Obtain real world experience by working in a pharmacy. Many pharmacies provide on the job training and internships in conjunction with local educational work-study programs. Pharmacy technician training can also be obtained from many hospitals, the military, and community and vocational colleges. Independent research can also be done at your local library.
Apply yourself to excellence in your high school and undergraduate courses and extra-curricular activities to make your candidacy as appealing as possible. Insure you meet all educational requirements, sign up for and take all appropriate standardized tests which generally include the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test), TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), and TSE (Test of Spoken English) but individual schools may require additional tests. Obtain any required letters of recommendation and submit your applications in a timely manner.