Being a pharmacist requires hard work, dedication and study but offers many opportunities for successful and rewarding careers.

In order to become a pharmacist a student must graduate from an accredited pharmacy program and complete State Licensure exams. At most Pharmacy schools the only practice-level degree offered is the Doctor of Pharmacy or Pharm.D. The Pharm.D. degree allows the graduate to become not only a licensed pharmacist but also a health care professional with expanded opportunities in the provision of pharmacotherapy and the clinical sciences.

Whether you are a high school student, have some college experience, have obtained a previous degree or are looking to pharmacy as a second career choice...it's never to late to consider a career in this exciting, fast growing field.

Biology, chemistry,health sciences, math and good communications skills (both written and verbal) are all vital ingredients needed to become a successful pharmacist. After graduation an increasing number of students participate in pharmacy practice residency training. This adds another one to two years to their total education but allows for more specialization and advanced practice opportunities. Many pharmacy residency programs are available in health systems such as hospitals, clinics and specialized facilities.

Those interested in the profession of pharmacy should contact their academic advisors as well as the pharmacy schools they are interested in attending. The state of Missouri has two pharmacy schools located in the Kansas City or St. Louis metropolitan areas. Both schools offer students excellent opportunities to study the pharmacy profession and become valuable members of a health care team.

You can view the University of Missouri - Kansas City School of Pharmacy web site here.
You can view the St. Louis College of Pharmacy web site here.

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