How to Switch from RN to Pharmacist: Career Guide
Considering a switch from registered nurse (RN) to pharmacist? If you love catching those sneaky drug interactions and walking patients through the ins and outs of their new prescriptions, a career as a registered pharmacist (RPh) lets you channel that passion into something bigger.
With over 6.6 billion prescriptions filled in the U.S. each year, you’ll be stepping into a pivotal role in healthcare, helping thousands of people understand their prescriptions and follow them accurately.
Need a roadmap on how to make the transition? This guide covers everything you need to know to make the switch: schooling, tuition, licensing, salaries, and career outlook.
Benefits of Going from Nurse to Pharmacist
- Higher earning potential: Pharmacists typically enjoy competitive salaries compared to many nursing roles.
- Predictable work schedule: Some pharmacists enjoy a standard 9-to-5 workday, especially in outpatient settings, allowing for weekends and holidays off.
- Reduced physical strain: Unlike nursing, pharmacy work typically involves less time on your feet and less heavy lifting.
- Intellectual challenge: Pharmacists apply advanced knowledge of chemistry, biochemistry, and pharmacology to solve complex medication-related problems, providing a different kind of mental stimulation than nursing.
- Autonomy and professional respect: Pharmacists often enjoy a higher degree of autonomy in their work and earn recognition for their critical role in patient safety.
How to Go from RN to RPh: 6 Steps
So, how do you transition from RN to pharmacist? Requirements vary depending on the school you apply to, but here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started.
Step 1: Get a Bachelor’s Degree
Some pharmacy schools offer direct-entry programs, letting students jump in right after high school with two years of pre-pharmacy coursework followed by four years of professional study. Other programs, though, require a completed bachelor’s degree. While the field of study isn’t always specified, many programs prefer backgrounds in sciences like chemistry or biochemistry.
If you already hold a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), you’re set for this step. If you have an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), you may need to bridge to a BSN to meet admission requirements.
Tip: Adding a minor to your nursing program may boost your chances of getting accepted to top pharmacy programs.
Step 2: Research Pharmacy Schools
If you’re already an RN, there are specialized RN-to-pharmacist programs, which can help make the transition faster and better tailored to your background.
While exploring your options, think about what matters most to you in a pharmacy program. Here are some key factors to keep in mind as you narrow down your list of potential schools.
- Accreditation: Make sure the school is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
- Admissions competitiveness: Research each school’s average admitted GPA and test scores (if applicable) to see how challenging it might be to get accepted. Consider applying to a combination of programs — a few where you’d be considered a strong candidate, and a few that are more ambitious choices.
- Prerequisites: Most programs require specific science courses beyond your nursing degree as requirements for admission. Common prerequisites include chemistry, biology, statistics, and physics.
- Program length: Most Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs take 4 years, though some schools offer accelerated tracks.
- Support services: Look for schools that offer mentoring, career counseling, and strong internship or rotation placements.
- Tuition and location: Costs can vary significantly, and location may affect your clinical rotation opportunities.
Tip: Make a spreadsheet of your top choices to track admission requirements, deadlines, and tuition — this will save time and help you stay organized.
Step 3: Take the PCAT (if Required)
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is required by some pharmacy schools, though many have made it optional in recent years. The exam measures your knowledge in biology, chemistry, quantitative reasoning, critical reading, and writing. A strong PCAT score can strengthen your application, particularly if your GPA is slightly below the program’s average.
Tip: Remember nursing entrance exams like the HESI or TEAS? The PCAT is a similar step that gives schools a standardized measure of your readiness for pharmacy coursework.
Step 4: Apply to Pharmacy Schools
Most pharmacy schools use the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), a centralized online application system. Through PharmCAS, you can submit your transcripts, recommendation letters, test scores, and personal statement to multiple RN-to-pharmacist schools at once, simplifying the process.
Tip: Reach out early to professors, nursing supervisors, or colleagues for recommendation letters. Strong letters that highlight your professionalism, critical thinking, and leadership qualities can set your application apart.
Step 5: Complete Your Program
RN-to-pharmacy programs typically take four years to complete, combining classroom learning with hands-on clinical rotations. During the theoretical portion, you’ll study various subjects, including drug delivery systems, principles of medical chemistry, and pharmacoeconomics, to gain a solid foundation in all essential areas of pharmacy practice.
When it comes to clinical experiences, pharmacy programs often divide them into two main components:
- Introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs): These rotations introduce students to various pharmacy settings, including community pharmacies and hospitals.
- Advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs): These final-year placements allow students to delve deeper into areas such as pediatrics, oncology, and informatics, under the supervision of experienced pharmacists.
Step 6: Get Licensed
After completing your PharmD, the final step to becoming a practicing pharmacist is obtaining licensure. In the U.S., this involves passing two main exams:
- North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX): Think of this as the NCLEX for pharmacists. This standardized exam assesses everything you’ve learned in school to check if you’re ready for real-world clinical work.
- Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE): This exam tests your understanding of pharmacy law, both at the federal and state levels.
Some states may have additional jurisprudence exams or specific licensing requirements, so be sure to check with your state board of pharmacy for complete details on what’s needed to get licensed.
Paying for RN-to-Pharmacy School
The average total cost of schooling to become a pharmacist is between $100,000 and $250,000 over the course of four years. Public schools tend to be slightly cheaper, while private programs are usually more expensive.
Wondering how to pay for education? Here are a few tips that may help to cut the cost:
- Apply in your state. In-state tuition is often much lower than out-of-state rates, sometimes by tens of thousands of dollars over the course of the program.
- Explore scholarships: Some schools, professional associations, and private organizations offer scholarships based on academic merit, leadership, or financial need. Apply early, as some scholarships have early deadlines and limited funding.
- Check out loan repayment programs: Federal and state governments, as well as certain employers, offer loan repayment assistance for pharmacists who work in underserved areas or in specific healthcare settings.
RN to Pharmacist: Salary
Salary-wise, RNs make an average of $98,430 per year, while the average pharmacist’s salary is higher at $137,210 per year. However, your actual wage can vary based on factors like education, years of experience, the type of healthcare settings you are employed in, and geographic location.
In terms of job outlook, pharmacist employment is projected to grow by 5% over the next several years, which is faster than average for all occupations. RNs, on the other hand, are expected to see slightly faster growth, with employment projected to increase 6% during the same period.
Alternatives to an RN to RPh Career Path
Wondering about other ways to advance your nursing career? Here are some alternative paths to grow in the medical field:
Boost Your Nursing Career With IntelyCare
Weighing the pros and cons of an RN-to-pharmacist career change? Consider exploring new nursing jobs. IntelyCare specializes in connecting nurses with the best-fitting nursing opportunities that match their skills and interests.