Pharmacy programs prepare people to work as pharmacists. Students learn to combine and dispense prescribed medicines. They study chemistry, biology, and other sciences. They learn to manage a pharmacy.

What professional in your life do you trust the most? Is it your doctor? your lawyer? your accountant? You might be surprised to learn that in recent surveys on honesty and ethics, pharmacists were among the most, and often the most, trusted professionals. Why do you think pharmacists inspire so much trust?

As a pharmacist, you advise physicians and other healthcare providers. You may instruct patients on taking various medicines. To do this well, you might take courses in speech and communication. Pharmacists may choose to specialize in community health, home health, or hospital medicine. Or you may focus on specialties such as nuclear pharmacy or quality control. Pharmacy students often decide to work in research and related occupations instead of working as pharmacists.

Many accredited schools of pharmacy operate in the U.S. Most students need six years of study after high school to get their pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.). In general, you will need at least two years of college to prepare for pharmacy school and four more years after you enter pharmacy school.

Advanced study is available in medicinal chemistry, teaching, and research beyond the Pharm.D. An advanced master's degree requires one or two additional years. A Ph.D. in pharmacy takes three to four years after the Pharm.D.