Tips for Becoming a Pharmacist

When it comes to finding out what you want to do for a living, there is no set timeline! All you really need is a sense of passion or interest and the required education or certifications that the position needs. In all honesty, not many people set out to become a pharmacist – that is a decision that is honed and earned over time. But it is an incredibly rewarding position with so much to offer!

Think about it – without pharmacists, we would be hard pressed to find our prescription medication, vaccination and flu shots, and more! So, if you are thinking of becoming a pharmacist, here are some tips you should know!

Get the proper education

Of course, becoming a pharmacist is easier said than done! It requires a good deal of education and certification, which makes sense when you consider that handling medication and doling out flu shots requires a lot of experience. You need at least two years of a college education, followed by a doctoral program that will help you to gain real-world experience in the profession.

After you earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, you are ready to do anything! This tip may seem obvious, but it is incredibly essential to have the proper education and experience in order to consider the profession.

Redefine what working as a pharmacist means

In addition to preparing with the proper education, you should imagine and redefine for your own experiences what working as a pharmacist will mean. Do you want to work in a chain pharmacy, usually attached to a bigger store? Would you prefer doing pharmaceutical research or consultations? You get to decide, but it is a decision that should be made sooner rather than later.

Many don’t consider just how many options a pharmacy career presents, but it’s true! You can even work online selling medicine from a reputable online pharmacy such as Canada Drugs. Once you define what direction your career is heading, it will all fall into place.

Don’t forget to fit in practical experience!

It can be easy to focus on the here and now, including your education and efforts to jumpstart your career. However, you need to be sure to gain practical and on the job experience – otherwise it will be hard to get officially hired anywhere. This means that you will most likely be required to complete a pharmacy internship or apprenticeship program. These experiences will allow you to be prepared for the real-world demands of being a pharmacist.

In addition, your job as a pharmacist may require you to provide vaccinations. This is typically dependent on the pharmaceutical career that you choose. However, this would mean you would also need to pass a specific certification and license program. Keep this in mind as you plan for your future!

Become a Pharmacist for a Fun and Successful Career!

If you want a career that is mentally stimulating, allows you to connect with other people, and focuses on the world of healthcare, pharmacy is perfect for you! It may seem tough, with lots of exams, studying, and important certifications to earn. However, it will all be worth it in the end when you are able to help others heal through the power of medicine.

Many people imagine a job as a pharmacist to include nothing but filling prescriptions and dealing with customers. In actuality, it is an incredibly rewarding career with a wide variety of opportunities for you to explore! These tips will help you begin your journey, and with any luck you will be a successful pharmacist in no time at all. Good luck!