Becoming a Pharmacist

There are many things you may wish to consider when exploring the possibility of becoming a pharmacist. Typically, one should consider both the steps involved in the process of becoming a pharmacist as well as the career options available to Pharmacists. Even more importantly, you must consider the responsibilities and qualifications of a Pharmacist relative to your own abilities.

An excellent source of information which may help you investigate these considerations is a booklet entitled "Shall I study Pharmacy?" published by the American Association of the Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). The AACP also has a web page, entitled "Is Pharmacy for You?", that tells more about the profession of pharmacy and the career options available to pharmacists.

Parts of the "Shall I Study Pharmacy?" booklet have been excerpted and presented here, along with information about Purdue's programs of study in Pharmacy. This information is provided in the form of a self-study, focusing on the following topics:

1. The responsibilities of a pharmacist

   "What if I want to go to medical school?" - Consider the BSPS program followed by medical school

2. The personal qualifications of a pharmacist

3. Career opportunities for pharmacists

   "What if I want a career in research and development or teaching?" - Consider the BSPS program, possibly followed by graduate school.

4. Professional pharmacy education

5. Preparation for study

Facts and Figures from 2006

According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP; http://www.aacp.org/):

• As of fall 2005, there are 92 colleges and schools of pharmacy with accredited professional degree programs.
• Schools and colleges of pharmacy saw 92,463 applications to first professional degree programs for 2005-2006.
• 9.4 applications were received by colleges and schools of pharmacy for every one entering student enrolled in Fall 2006.
• The majority (59.5 %) of the applications were submitted by females; 38.7 % were submitted by males. (1.8 % not reported)
• Underrepresented minorities submitted 13.3 percent of the applications (black, 8.9 percent; Hispanic, 3.9 percent; American Indian, 0.5 percent).
• The majority (57.6 %) of applications received by colleges and schools of pharmacy were submitted by out-of-state residents.

For more detail see the AACP Fall 2006 Profile of Pharmacy Students.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS; http://www.nacds.org/) reports:

• Between 2004 and 2010 the supply of all community pharmacists is expected to increase only 7.8% vs an estimated 27% increase in number of prescriptions dispensed, going from 3.27 billion in 2003 to over 4.1 billion in 2010.
• Chain pharmacy employs about 116,000 pharmacists, of which over 94,000 work full-time.
• Slightly more than half (53%) of full-time chain pharmacists are male.
• A majority (64%) of part-time chain pharmacists are female.
• There were 4,044 open pharmacy positions as of July 2006.

For more information see the NACDS Industry Statistics page.