Woodbury Pharmacy owner Maher Ishakattended pharmacy school in Cairo, Egypt. In addition to his management of Woodbury Pharmacy, Maher Ishak has extensive experience as a staff and supervising pharmacist at a number of pharmacies in New York.

Becoming a pharmacist takes time, hard work, and dedication. A career as a licensed pharmacist is rewarding for many who pursue this professional path.

Pharmacists typically complete a four-year bachelor’s degree at an accredited college or university. Science-based courses such as chemistry, biology, and physiology, are the best preparation for pharmacy school.

Most pharmacy schools require high undergraduate grades and strong performance on the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) for admission. In pharmacy school, candidates pursue studies in subjects such as pharmacology, medical ethics, and disease treatment, in order to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) degree. Students also complete clinical internships in order to gain hands-on experience in patient interaction and develop professional skills.

Upon earning a Pharm. D, pharmacists

often seek work in community and

corporate pharmacies, or public and

private health care facilities. Some own

and operate their own independent

pharmacies. Employment opportunities

for pharmacists are expected to

increase through 2020.