The first step to becoming a retail pharmacist is to complete a bachelor's degree. This can be in any field, but most pharmacy schools prefer applicants who have a degree in a science-related field, such as biology, chemistry, or physics.

Once you have completed your bachelor's degree, you can apply to pharmacy school. Pharmacy school is a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program that typically takes four years to complete. You will need to complete The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) which is a requirement for most pharmacy programs.

The next step to becoming a retail pharmacist is to obtain a Pharm.D. from an accredited pharmacy program. 

Pharmacy school is a rigorous program that includes coursework in pharmacology, pharmacy practice, and pharmaceutical sciences. You’ll also need to complete a formal internship at a pharmacy during your program. The hours needed in your internship will depend on your state’s licensing requirements.

Retail pharmacists are required to take 2 licensing exams after successfully completing a PharmD program. You’ll need to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and either the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or a jurisprudence exam specific to your state. Your state’s licensing board will let you know which exam you need to take. Once you’ve passed, you’ll have everything you need to start applying for retail pharmacy jobs.

Regardless of having extensive pharma knowledge (which your education will guarantee you have), how quickly you progress your career as a retail pharmacist is based on a handful of other skills that you’ll nurture from learning and practicing as one.