Expert: Barbara Judge - 7/28/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi, actually i want to know how many years does it take to become a retail pharmacist? What if you are a pharmacist technician and you want to become a retail pharmacist, can you do that? thanks

ANSWER:      In the U.S. it takes 6 years of college to become a Pharmacist.  If you are a Pharmacy Technician you will have lots of valuable experience which will help you in pharmacy school, but it will not replace any of the college requirements of any program in the U.S. I am aware of.

Thanks

Barb Judge

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: So you are trying to say that i cannot become a pharmacist because i don't have college requirements? When i was doing pharmacist technician course, they also had general education along with it.thanks
ANSWER:      That is correct.  In order to be eligible to take the licensure exam required to become a pharmacist you must complete an accredited 6 year pharmacy program.  After graduation from college you then become eligible to take the licensure exam required by the state in which you reside, the national law exam, and any state law exam which may be required.  Most states recognize the same licensure exam, the NABPLEX, or National Board of Pharmacy Licensure Exam.  

   I'm not saying you can not become a pharmacist.  I'm saying you have not yet completed enough of the requirements necessary to be eligible to graduate from a college of pharmacy which is the only way you will be able to take the licensure exam to become a pharmacist.

Good luck in the future.

Thanks

Barb Judge

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: After being a pharmacist technician, what should i do to become a pharmacist? Do you go directly to a medical school? can you help me?thanks

Answer
    After being a pharmacy technician you need to attend Pharmacy School to become a pharmacist.  You do not go to medical school.  You need to attend an accredited College of Pharmacy for 6 years in order to become a Pharmacist.

Thanks

Barb Judge