AboutBarbara Judge Expertise Outpatient pharmacy and general health. I have recently completed a Pharmceutical Care Certificate Program offered by Purdue University (Spring 1999 completion). I have personal experience dealing with terminally ill persons and their needs, as well as their families` needs. I graduated in 1984 from Pharmacy School and have been a Licensed Pharmacist since then. I have 18 years retail pharmacy experience. Prior to my pharmacy training I have 3 years hospital experience as a Nurse`s Aide.
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
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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.
