- The path to becoming a pharmacist blends science, communication, and clinical experience—prepare for years of study, training, and licensing exams.
- Different countries follow different routes: from integrated Master’s degrees in Europe to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in North America, each with specific internship and exam steps.
- Whether you see yourself in a hospital, pharmacy, or lab, Pharmacy offers stable salaries, flexible careers, and global demand—start comparing your study options on Mastersportal.
Pharmacists act as a bridge between patients and healthcare professionals. They check doctors’ prescriptions, provide patients with the right medicines, and explain how to use them safely. In other words, they team up with healthcare professionals to make sure everyone gets the care they need.
To become a pharmacist, you’ll need at least a Master’s degree in most countries. Some require a Doctorate in Pharmacy, known as PharmD. Continue reading to find out about degree requirements and the skills you need in different countries.
What does a pharmacist do?
Pharmacists distribute medication and other health products, such as vitamins and creams. Main tasks of the job include:
- Checking doctors’ prescriptions and giving the right medication to patients
- Advising patients on the proper use and possible side effects of medicines
- Preparing medicines
- Providing health advice on topics like diet, smoking cessation, and managing minor illnesses
- Giving vaccinations
- Recommending over-the-counter medication based on patients’ needs
- Referring patients to other healthcare professionals when needed
If that sounds like the kind of work you’d enjoy, studying Pharmacy could be your next step. Explore 600+ Pharmacy degrees on Mastersportal to get started!
Is becoming a pharmacist the right path for you?
As a pharmacist, your work will involve science (understanding how different medicines work), attention to detail (checking prescriptions, measuring doses) and communication (explaining how to take medicines). To do these, you’ll need the following skills:
- The ability to explain complex medical topics in a clear, non-technical way
- Excellent problem-solving skills
- Organisational skills
- Empathy
- Cultural sensitivity
- Teamwork
- Adaptability and flexibility (You’ll need to work at night and on weekends when you’re an on-duty pharmacist)
What degree do you need to become a pharmacist?
To become a licensed pharmacist, you typically need a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in Pharmacy. The exact route depends a lot on the country, so if you’re considering studying abroad, do check entry requirements, exams, and recognition processes before you apply:
- UK, Italy, and many other European countries: You’ll find integrated Master’s degrees in Pharmacy (MPharm). These combine Bachelor’s and Master’s studies in one degree, so you study both programmes at the same university. You can also choose to complete a Bachelor’s in Pharmacy, and continue your Master’s at another university.
- US and Canada: You’ll need to complete a Bachelor’s degree before attending pharmacy school. Most students choose related fields like Biology, Chemistry, or Health Sciences. Then, it’s time to apply to pharmacy schools to get your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Entry requirements vary — some schools have pre-requisite university courses, others also ask for work experience or internships in a pharmacy.
Pharmacy degrees combine classes, lab work, and hands-on experience. This way, you learn the science and get real-life experience to become a confident pharmacist.
Training and experience after graduation
After you finish your degree, you’ll go through some extra steps, like hands-on training, a licensing exam, and signing up with the national pharmacy board. Here's how it works:
What mandatory training or internships are there for pharmacists?
Hands-on experience is very important in pharmacy, as you’ll need to know how to prepare certain medications, manage stocks and business accounts, and communicate with staff. That’s why many countries require an internship, which usually looks like this:
- A year-long training programme after your degree (common in the UK and some Commonwealth countries)
- A professional internship during or after your Master’s (common in France, Italy, Germany, and some other European countries)
- Training, volunteering, or internship before or during pharmacy school (common in the US and Canada)
Professional qualification exams for pharmacists
After you finish your degree and internship, you’ll usually need to pass a national pharmacy exam to show that you’re ready to practise. This includes both written and sometimes practical tests. Here are some examples from different countries:
- US: NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam)
- UK: General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) Exam
- Australia: Intern Written Exam, Competency Assessment of Overseas Pharmacist (CAOP), or Overseas Pharmacist Readiness Assessment (OPRA), depending on background
- Germany: Staatsexamen (State Exam)
- Canada: Pharmacy Examining Board of Canada (PEBC) Qualifying Exam
Registration or certification process to become a pharmacy
Once you pass the exam, you can register with your country’s official pharmacy board or council. You’ll usually need to submit:
- Proof of your degree
- Proof of completed internship/training
- Exam results
- ID and background check
- Language test (if applicable)
- Health certificate or fitness-to-practise statement
- Registration fee
How is becoming a pharmacist different around the world?
Here’s a quick recap on the Pharmacy degree length, training, and exam requirements in different countries. We've also included estimated entry-level salaries in each country:
| Country | Education | Training | Exam | Registration body | Entry-level wage (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK | Master of Pharmacy degree, 4 years | 1-year paid foundation training placement after graduation | GPhC registration exam | General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) | £36,000–£38,000/year (NHS Band 6) |
| US | Bachelor’s + Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), 6–8 years | Clinical rotations + optional residency | NAPLEX | State Board of Pharmacy | $75,000–$95,000/year (varies by state) |
| Canada | Bachelor’s + Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), 6–8 years | Clinical rotations + optional residency | PEBC Qualifying Exam | Provincial regulatory authority | CAD 80,000–90,000/year (entry roles) |
| Australia | Bachelor’s + Master of Pharmacy, 6 years | Internship year after studies | Written exam + CAOP or OPRA | Pharmacy Board of Australia | AUD 65,000–75,000/year (public sector) |
If you studied in one country but want to work in another, just keep in mind you might need to take extra exams or go through a different registration process.
Final tips to succeed in your pharmacy journey
Before you make up your mind, consider asking a pharmacist if you can shadow them. This way, you’ll get a real feel for the job: what the day-to-day looks like, how they help patients, and what challenges they face.
Throughout your Pharmacy degree, focus on building strong science knowledge, developing great communication skills, and paying close attention to detail. These will help you succeed both during your studies and in your future career.
FAQ
1. How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
Becoming a pharmacist could take anywhere between 5 to 8 years. Our portals show that a Bachelor's and a Master’s degree in Pharmacy take at least 5 years to complete, which is the minimum requirement in most countries.
2. How difficult is it to become a pharmacist?
To become a pharmacist, you’ll need to have an advanced knowledge of chemistry and biology, along with excellent communication and organisation skills. It takes time and effort to hone these skills, but with the right mindset, it’s possible.
3. Is pharmacy a good career choice?
If you’re interested in the medication side of healthcare, pharmacy can be an interesting career. You can open your own pharmacy, join a hospital team, or help develop new medicines in the pharmaceutical industry.
