So You Want to Be a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists are licensed healthcare professionals and medication experts who dispense prescription medications, offer guidance on safe drug use, conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, and counsel patients on healthy lifestyles. The demand for trained pharmacy professionals continues to evolve with rapid growth across healthcare industries, clinical management, and care for growing aging populations.

What Pharmacists Do & Where They Work:

Pharmacists practice in a wide variety of clinical and specialized settings, including:

  • Community & Retail Pharmacies: Direct patient medication dispensing, wellness screenings, and public health services.
  • Hospitals & Health Systems: Collaborative patient care rounding, acute medication administration, and pharmacotherapy management.
  • Specialty Practice Areas: Dedicated clinical care in oncology, pediatrics, cardiology, infectious disease, and ambulatory care.
  • Research & Pharmaceutical Industry: Drug development, clinical trials oversight, regulatory affairs, and medical science liaison roles.

Note: Pharmacists who administer vaccinations and immunizations complete certification, typically through the American Pharmacists Association’s Pharmacy-Based Immunization Delivery program.

Educational & Licensure Requirements

Prospective pharmacists are required to earn a post-secondary professional Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. This program consists of 4 academic years of professional study following 2 to 4 years of specific pre-professional undergraduate coursework. The majority of entering students complete 3 or more years of college experience prior to matriculation.

Pharmacists are licensed in all 50 states. To gain licensure following graduation from an accredited Pharm.D. program, candidates must pass two licensing examinations:

  • NAPLEX: North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (tests clinical skills and medical knowledge).
  • MPJE: Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (or state-specific pharmacy law exam).
  • Internship Hours: Completion of required intern clinical hours (specific hour requirements set by individual state boards of pharmacy).

Admissions Update

PCAT Retired in 2024

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) was officially retired in 2024 and is no longer required for Pharm.D. admissions.

Pre-Pharmacy Coursework at PLU

PLU offers all necessary foundational science and math courses to satisfy prerequisites for Pharm.D. programs nationwide. Pharmacy school requirements vary by institution, so students should review target program guidelines with their advisor:

Chemistry & Biology Core

  • General Chemistry: CHEM 115 & 116
  • Organic Chemistry: CHEM 331/333 & 332/334 (or 346)
  • Biochemistry: CHEM 403
  • General Biology: BIOL 225 & 226
  • Upper-Division Biology Options: BIOL 342 (Genetics), BIOL 453, Human Physiology, Microbiology, or Comparative Anatomy

Math, Physics & Humanities

  • Calculus & Statistics: MATH 151 (Calculus) + Statistics
  • Physics Sequence: PHYS 125/126 or PHYS 153/154
  • Behavioral Sciences: PSYC 101, SOCI 101
  • Economics & Communication: ECON 101, 2 English courses, and Public Speaking

Pharmacy Programs in Washington State

Washington State hosts two top-tier accredited Doctor of Pharmacy programs:

  • University of Washington School of Pharmacy (Seattle, WA)
  • Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (Spokane, WA & Yakima, WA)

Preparing Your PharmCAS Application

Pharmacy admissions committees evaluate candidates holistically through the PharmCAS centralized application service, considering:

  • Pharmacy Experience: Volunteer or paid work in pharmacies, hospitals, or clinics (such as Pharmacy Technician positions).
  • Community Service & Leadership: Sustained involvement demonstrating teamwork, empathy, and communication skills.
  • Application Elements: Personal statement, official transcripts, letters of recommendation, and admissions interviews.

Career Outlook & Demand

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033. Demand is supported by the prescription medication needs of an aging population, expanded clinical roles in disease management, and broader access to health insurance.

Helpful Pre-Pharmacy Resources

Explore national pharmacy associations, career guides, and top reasons to choose pharmacy:

Ready to Plan Your Pre-Pharmacy Pathway?

Schedule a 1-on-1 appointment with PLU Pre-Health Advising to discuss course sequencing, clinical technician experience, and PharmCAS application timing.


Schedule an Advising Appointment

*Adapted from literature of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).