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Pharmacist: the path

Dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. May advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications. Description from O*NET

Also called: Clinical Pharmacist, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist (CPS), Community Pharmacist, Hospital Pharmacist, Inpatient Pharmacist

Typical pay$140,910Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+5.2% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 6 to 8 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Pre-pharmacy courses2 to 4 years of college science
  2. Step 2Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)4 years
  3. Step 3Licensing examsNational and state exams, then a state license

Typical education to start: Doctoral or professional degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

Clubs and volunteering for this career →

Colleges for this path

Related majors: Biology, General · Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology · Chemistry · Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration

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1,360 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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