Before entering into a professional program, students are usually required to have at least 60 to 90 credit hours of undergraduate school. They are expected to have basic training in science, math, humanities and composition before going on to more rigorous coursework. While it used to be possible to have a bachelor of pharmacy degree, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy has changed this so that the Pharm.D. degree is the first professional degree that can be obtained in the field of pharmacy.
Most states require that students pass the Pharmacy College Admission Test after completing undergrad requirements and before entering into a professional program. This test is either computer-based or taken with the traditional paper and pencil and can be taken on one of several dates. The registration fee for this test is $150 and there is a late fee if the student has not signed up by a certain date.
This program generally takes four years to complete. It teaches students about drug therapy and gives them experience communicating with patients and health care providers about things such as patient care and drug information. It also teaches practical skills such as business management, professional ethics, and concepts of public health.
After completion of the Pharm.D. program students have the option of entering into further training, which usually lasts one to two years. The completion of a research project is often necessary in these types of programs, and is often required for pharmacists whose desire is to work in a clinical setting. For pharmacists who want to own their own practice, oftentimes a master's degree in business administration is required.
After completion of undergraduate studies, the PCAT, the Pharm.D. program and further training, students have to pass a series of examinations in order to obtain a license. Everyone in the United States must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam and most states also require the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam to be passed as well. Some states require additional testing depending on their own standards and regulations and this should be explored according to each student's unique situation.