Pharmacy Schools in Texas

Pharmacists do much more than just fill prescriptions; they're the key link between patients and their sometimes life-saving medications. These skilled workers prepare and distribute prescription medications, review information with consumers, and handle confidential health information. Texas is home to more than 20,000 pharmacists who earned a mean annual income of $110,260 in 2009, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The Texas Workforce Commission expects job growth for Texas pharmacists to be more than 23 percent between 2008 and 2018.

PharmD programs take about four years to complete. To be admitted into these exclusive programs, students must have taken at least two years of specific professional studies, including:

• Mathematics
• Natural sciences, including biology, physics, and chemistry
• Humanities
• Social sciences

Most PharmD applicants and students have completed two or three years at a college or university before being admitted to the program, but this path isn't specifically required. Pharmacy schools teach PharmD students about all facets of drug therapy so they can counsel patients about prescriptions. PharmD students also spend time completing clinical work with licensed pharmacists before pursuing fellowships and internships.

There are a number of pharmacy schools in Texas that offer both PharmD degrees and pre-pharmacy programs. In addition to obtaining a PharmD degree from an accredited pharmacy school, state licensure is required to work as a pharmacist in Texas. According to information from the Texas State Board of Pharmacy, pharmacists must pass the following exams to obtain a license:

• North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), which tests pharmacy skills and knowledge
• Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), which tests pharmacy law

What It Takes to Be a Pharmacist

Pharmacists in the Lone Star State should have good interpersonal skills, scientific aptitude, and a strong desire to help other people. If you have these personal traits, pursuing a PharmD degree from an accredited Texas pharmacy school and obtaining a license are the next steps to take on your journey to a pharmacy career.