An undergraduate education in the sciences --- such as biology, chemistry and general health --- is needed to adequately prepare you if you're entering the pharmaceutical industry. If you have another type of background, you have to compensate by taking additional courses, thus increasing your amount of time in school.
Pharmacy schools offer the Pharm.D. degree, or Doctor of Pharmacy, which is a graduate degree in pharmacy studies. This degree is required to become a pharmacist working in the United States. To enter a Pharm.D. program, you need to have 60 to 90 credits completed in sciences such as biology and chemistry or in related subjects such as mathematics. You also need to successfully pass the PCAT, or Pharmacy College Admission Text. Similar to the LSAT and MCAT exams, this is a four-hour exam that tests areas such as quantitative, reading comprehension, sciences and verbal ability.
You need to have some type of on-the-job experience to enter the pharmaceutical field. Working in a pharmacy before graduation, especially if you want to train to be a pharmacist, can be helpful in getting solid career advice as to the type of pharmacy, what to study in school and job expectations. If you're able to work side by side with practicing pharmacists, you'll have an easier time making the transition from student to working professional.
A business background in business administration, marketing or management is also helpful in addition to a science undergraduate degree and pharmacy school education: Opportunities to own or manage a pharmacy may arise during your career.If you're going into pharmaceutical sales, you definitely need to have a strong background in business marketing. Being prepared with a business background, whether you're a pharmacist or a salesperson, can only enhance your qualifications in seeking employment after graduation.