Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement:
Five years are needed for a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Pharmacy, the degree received by most graduates. A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) normally requires at least six years, during which an intervening bachelor's degree may not be awarded. A license to practice pharmacy is required in all states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. To obtain a license, one must graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy (a few states allow graduation from certain foreign pharmacy programs), pass a state examination, and serve an internship under a licensed pharmacist. Recently, all states except California and Florida usually granted a license without extensive reexamination to qualified pharmacists already licensed by another state. Many pharmacists are licensed to practice in more than one state. Most states require continuing education for license renewal.

Job Outlook:
Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005, due to the increased pharmaceutical needs of a larger and older population and greater use of medication. As in other occupations, most job openings will result from the need to replace pharmacists who leave the profession. It is estimated that there will be approximately 211,000 pharmacists by 2005.

Sources of Additional Information:

For information on pharmacy as a career, preprofessional and professional requirements, programs offered by all the colleges of pharmacy, and student financial aid, contact: