What major is needed to be a pharmacist?
Emma Miller
Updated on January 08, 2026
One of the most common pre-pharmacy majors is biology, as these degree programs typically include many of the prerequisite courses for pharmacy school already. However, other suggested majors include areas like biochemistry, psychology, or environmental science.
Is pharmacy a hard major?
With required topics such as pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacokinetics, there can be no doubt that pharmacy school is hard. According to the American Associations of Colleges of Pharmacy it is estimated that more than 10% of people who make it into pharmacy school do not make it through to graduation day [1].
Is pharmacy school harder than med school?
So which one is harder pharmacy school or med school? Both med school and pharmacy school are very challenging as long as you are passionate about what you doing it makes the work more worth it and enjoyable. Pharmacy school you need to take two years of required classes before actually being accepted.
Is pharmacy school harder than nursing?
Pharmacy School is much harder then Nursing School in that you have 6 years of schooling total where Nursing you have 4 years and also can become an LPN before that 4 years with the correct certifications. Hence, if we compare in terms of getting the nurse/pharmacist position, becoming a nurse is quite easy.
Is pharmacy harder than nursing?
What is the hardest thing about pharmacy school?
The 5 Hardest Things About Pharmacy School
- The heavy course load.
- Time management (or worse, a lack thereof)
- Tuition, housing and other pharmacy school costs.
- A “bad” rotation (introductory/advanced pharmacy practice experience [IPPE/APPE])
- Staying physically and mentally healthy.
What degree is needed to become a pharmacist?
Undergraduate Education. Pharmacists are required to earn a doctoral degree, so candidates must first complete a program of undergraduate studies. This usually requires a minimum of two years’ undergraduate science courses, though three to four years is more common and some pharmacy schools require candidates to hold a bachelor’s degree.
What is the best major to be a pharmacist?
Several universities offer six-year programs which can fast track a student towards their career by combining the bachelor and doctorate levels into one, or pre-pharmacy majors, which are tailored to the school’s Pharm.D. program. Otherwise, a degree in biology or chemistry is best for applying to pharmacy programs.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist?
It is possible to become a pharmacist in as few as 6 years with an associate’s degree, but the more common timeline is 8 years, including 4 years as a bachelor candidate and 4 years in professional pharmacy training. However, the longer the training is, the higher the average pharmacist salary will be (more about that).
What are pharmacists job and what do they do?
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions . Pharmacists work in pharmacies, including those in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores. They also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities.