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Good job prospects and high salaries are an attractive attribute to becoming a pharmacist. Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow faster than other occupations through the year 2014, mostly due to the increasing demand for pharmaceuticals, particularly from the growing elderly population. Based on data from 2009, the median expected salary of a pharmacist in the U.S. is $108,000. Now that this has your attention, how do you become a pharmacist?

In order to become a pharmacist, you need to graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from an accredited college of pharmacy, which usually takes 6 years of post-secondary education. Most of the time, you must also complete an internship by working with a licensed pharmacist during or right after your schooling. You must also pass a state exam called the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), which allows you to obtain a pharmacist license.

Along with education, you also need to have a ‘compelling’ resume that will bring out your strong points and how they can help the company. The strength of a good resume should never be underestimated. As Mike Johnston, CPhT, chairman and founder of the National Pharmacy Technician Association (NPTA) says, “Many people understand the basic components of a resume. But items that are specific to pharmacy technician should also be included.” Johnston is also the author of Rx for Success: A Career Enhancement Guide for Pharmacy Technicians.

To further enhance your pharmacy job opportunities, you would be wise to network, network, network. Knowing the right people, both within and outside pharmacies (especially experts, authors, and industry leaders) can do wonders for finding a career. If you don’t have a mentor, consider having one. The right mentor can make a significant difference in your career. Finally, become a better leader. The corporate world values leadership skills like no other and leadership skills are always desirable. Be proactive and develop your leadership skills.

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