Shedding Light on the Risks
& Benefits of Medications
Pharmacist (PharmD)
on this page:
Pharmacists are experts on medication who dispense prescription drugs, ensure safety and appropriate dosage, and check for harmful interactions.
Training requirements: Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees generally take 6–8 years to complete, because students first finish two to four years of prerequisite undergraduate coursework before entering a four-year professional pharmacy program. Individuals must also pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and meet state licensing requirements.
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Some pharmacists pursue additional formal training after earning their degree.
Residencies are one- or two-year programs recognized by the Board of Pharmacy Specialties. The first year provides broad clinical training, while a second year allows pharmacists to specialize in fields such as ambulatory care (BCACP), oncology (BCOP), or geriatric pharmacy (BCGP).
Certificate programs are shorter and focus on targeted skills, such as medication therapy management (MTM), immunization delivery, or diabetes care.
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