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How to become a Pharmacist?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered February 26 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
Pharmacists in the United States need to complete a license in their state in order to be able to practice. The requirements for the license include the completion of an accredited Pharm.D. program and passing the North American Pharmacist Licensing Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). 
  
Prior to earning their title and pursing a career as a Pharmacist, Pharmacists need to complete an undergraduate degree in order to advance their knowledge and qualify for a graduate degree. Many Pharmacists will study fields that are relevant to Pharmaceuticals such as biology or chemistry and depending on the university that they will apply to for their Pharm.D. program, they can be required to complete certain courses such as molecular biology or organic chemistry.  
  
Once admitted to a Pharm.D. program it will take up for six or seven years to complete the studies, however this will vary from student to student. After graduation, the future Pharmacists must pass all the required licensing for their state. The components requires vary from state to state so it is important to inquire into what is needed during your studies.  
  
Pharmacists must continue their education and in order to maintain their license they are required to complete a certain amount of hours of education to renew their license. The renewal period is generally two years and most require that Pharmacists have between 15 to 30 hours of continuing education units. 
  
Licensing Exams For Pharmacists   
In order to become a licensed Pharmacist, you will need to complete the proper exams in your state. Each state has its own specific requirements, however the North American Pharmacist Licensing Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) pertain to the entire country. 
  
The NAPLEX exam is 185 questions that test the general knowledge of the recent pharmacy graduates. Students have six hours to complete the exam and all questions left unanswered are marked incorrect. In order to obtain a passing grade a student must reach at least 75 on a scale from 0-150. The grade is evaluated based on patterns of correct and incorrect answers and each one is weighted differently. The questions consist of multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank, multiple response, constructed response, ordered response and hot spot questions.  
  
The MPJE exam is 120 questions that test student’s application of laws and regulations related to Pharmacy. Students have 2.5 hours to complete the exam and the passing score is also 75 based on a scaled passing score. The MPJE is required in 42 states.  
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