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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the demand for pharmacists will increase by 17 percent through 2018. The BLS estimates this growth will create 45,900 new jobs in the field for those with the requisite education.
Identification
To become a pharmacist, student must earn a doctor of pharmacy degree (PharmD), which has replaced the bachelor's degree that was once required.
Admission Requirements
Before being admitted to a PharmD program, students must complete two years of undergraduate education. Though specific admissions criteria vary from school to school, most pharmacy colleges require students to have completed coursework in chemistry, biology and physics, as well as humanities-related fields such as English, according to the BLS.
Time Frame
PharmD programs require four years of study to complete, meaning that the minimum length of time needed to complete the undergraduate and pharmacy programs is six years.
Features
PharmD programs include coursework in anatomy, pharmacology, ethics, public health and business management, according to the BLS. Hands-on training with licensed pharmacists is also required.
Residency
Many PharmD program graduates complete one- to two-year residency programs to gain practical experience before working independently in the pharmacy field.
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