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Clinical pharmacists work in hospitals or clinics, and require an undergraduate degree and a Pharm.D. degree from an accredited pharmacy school. Hands-on training can be obtained through a fellowship or residency program, and a pharmacy license is required, which involves passing the NAPLEX and potentially the MPJE exam. Additional state-specific requirements may also apply.
A clinical pharmacist works in a hospital, doctor’s office or clinic, rather than a stand-alone pharmacy or a pharmacy that is part of a retail store. In addition to filling prescriptions, clinical pharmacists are also involved in observing patients and monitoring their recovery. The starting point for becoming a clinical pharmacist is education. In addition to earning degrees and getting an education, clinical pharmacists should take a few extra steps to get hands-on training as part of the steps to becoming a clinical pharmacist.
To become a clinical pharmacist, you first need to earn your undergraduate degree. After earning an undergraduate degree, clinical pharmaceutical candidates earn the Pharm.D. degree. Most undergraduate courses must be related in some way to the field of pharmacy, such as majors in biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics. This degree must be from an accredited pharmacy school in order for you to obtain your license and work as a pharmacist in the US.
After earning the Pharm.D. degree, you also have the option of getting some hands-on training. You can do this through a fellowship or residency program. These programs usually last one to two years. In addition to training, these programs also tend to require you to complete a medical research project.
After completing your education and training requirements, to become a clinical pharmacist you need to obtain your pharmacy license. Every US state and territory requires a license to become a clinical pharmacist. To obtain the license, however, you must first pass several exams.
The two primary tests you need to take to become a clinical pharmacist are given by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). The first test is the North American Pharmacist Licensing Examination (NAPLEX). This test focuses on your pharmacy knowledge and skills. Most, but not all, states require you to pass a test on pharmacy law, which is the State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Even if you are in a state that does not require you to take the MPJE exam, each of these states has different pharmaceutical law exams.
Some states have additional tests and requirements that you must meet. The best thing to do is contact your state’s medical licensing board to see if there are any additional requirements you must meet, for example, some states have a minimum age requirement for license applicants.
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