What coursework/degrees do you need to become a pharmacist if you already have a college degree?
Asked by Dunno
I have a Bachelor of Sciences and took Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Into Physics, Microbiology, and Intro Bio (AP Credit). What other course work would I need to become a Pharmacist and how long would a degree take (I assume a master's in Pharmacy?)? Thank you. I do not have a BS in Pharmacy. My BS is in Communications.

Best Answer:
In order to become a newly practicing pharmacist in the US you need to have a Doctorate in Pharmacy (PharmD). It's four more years of school, some programs are only three years, but they are year-round. Prerequisites vary from school to school, usually you need the basic science courses, economics, and a speech class. Looks like you've completed most of the necessary classes, you just need to apply to a school. You can apply for and be accepted to pharmacy school before you've finished all the prerequisites also, you just have to complete all of them prior to enrolling. I would look at the websites of the schools you're interested in to verify that you've completed or can complete all the required classes. I enrolled at the local JC for the classes I was missing. Good luck.

Pharmacist, as in working in a Pharmacy, or a Pharmacologist, as in developing drugs? You're almost over-qualified for Pharmacist, and given the research classes you may want to pursue Pharmacology. Check your state's department of health/human services for requirements (or separate Department of Medical or Department of Pharmacy). Your eventual goal should be a PharmD or PhD in Pharmacy.
Answered by Veritatum17

Put very simply, it would seem to me all you would need is the regular courses in pharmacology and some major mathematics. Any local college can steer you in the right direction.
Answered by ghostchaser1972