Are you looking for useful information to become a pharmacist or a community pharmacist? 3S Santé, a specialist in pharmacy professions, presents the course to follow, year after year. Discover how to become a pharmacy pharmacist, from graduating with a bachelor’s degree to the duration of the Doctor of Pharmacy mandate, even through a pathway reserved for pharmacy technicians.
The Pharmacy Profession
The community pharmacist is an essential link in patient care pathways.
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This local health professional uses their knowledge and experience to provide patients with medications and treatments prescribed by doctors.
Their role also includes advising, listening, and prevention, which requires high availability and human qualities.
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The Traditional Program to Become a Community Pharmacist
While some students may receive training in a specific profession, for the pharmacy profession, the main pathway is the Faculty of Pharmacy. Students can enroll in one of the 24 pharmacy faculties distributed across French territory.
The 1st Cycle of Pharmacy Studies
The Health Portal (formerly PACES)
For many years, the journey that allowed us to undertake pharmacy studies began with the challenging year of PACES (first common year of health studies). Thus, many students succeeded in the competitive exam subject to numerus clausus, hoping to find their place in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, or midwifery.
Starting from the academic year 2020, access to health studies will be reviewed following the decree of November 5, 2019. Baccalaureate holders (via Parcoursup) and other students will have several options to pursue pharmacy studies:
- Start a major in health sciences: a majority of courses based on health with a minor discipline. In case of failure, it is possible to continue the degree in the chosen minor discipline.
Follow a minor in health sciences: classic courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, law… with a minor option in health. After L1, L2, or L3, it is then possible to apply for the 2nd year of pharmacy through eligibility tests.
Thus, there will no longer be a numerus clausus. Each university can decide the number of students who can be admitted to the 2nd year. A decision made in agreement with the Regional Health Agencies (ARS).
2nd Year of Pharmacy Studies
Regarding the 2nd year of pharmacy studies, there are no notable changes. This academic year is marked by lectures in fundamental and pharmaceutical sciences (biochemistry, cellular biology, immunology, pharmacology…) and practical sessions (TP).
Practice is also highlighted through a 4-week internship in a pharmacy to familiarize oneself with the practice of the profession and contact with patients.
Before entering the 3rd year, each student must undergo training in emergency procedures and level 1 care.
3rd Year of Pharmacy Studies
The 3rd year of the pharmacy course allows for the continuation of theoretical teachings around medical sciences, biology, public health, semiology… while continuing to develop practical skills through TP and a mandatory internship.
The end of the 3rd year of pharmacy is marked by obtaining the DFGSP (Diploma of General Education in Pharmaceutical Sciences). A recognized degree.
The 2nd Cycle of Pharmacy Studies
4th Year of Pharmacy Studies
It is in the 4th year of pharmacy studies that students can deepen certain disciplines such as pharmaceutical and biological sciences. The study of various diseases continues. New lessons such as the tolerance and adverse effects of drug management, therapeutic management, or ethics are on the program through different units to validate.
From the second semester, students prepare their professional project and can choose between 3 distinct pathways:
- Internship
- Community Pharmacy
- Industry
Did you know? Nearly 80% of pharmacy students turn to community pharmacy practice.
The community pharmacy program allows students to acquire knowledge of drug distribution and other health products, pharmaceutical legislation, and social law, as well as learn about activities specific to each pharmacy.
5th Year of Pharmacy Studies
For future pharmacists, the 5th year represents a major turning point as their schedule will be split between university courses and work in a hospital. During this hospital-university year (AHU), each student, regardless of their specialization, works in a hospital pharmacy in the morning. They then attend their industry courses in the afternoon.
The community pharmacy sector offers continuity of lessons received during the 8th semester of studies as well as new disciplines. In particular, pharmaceutical and biological monitoring of patients, therapeutic education of patients, quality management, or courses in accounting, management, and management of a pharmacy.
At the end of this 5th year of studies, the student obtains their DFASP (Diploma of Higher Education in Pharmaceutical Sciences), a recognized Master’s level degree.
The 3rd Cycle of Pharmacy Studies
6th Year of Pharmacy Studies
For pharmacy students, there is still one last year of study to complete before becoming a State pharmacist.
This final year is again divided into two:
- 3 months at the Faculty of Pharmacy for the study of different UE;
6 months in a professional environment through an internship in a city pharmacy.
Pharmacy studies are finalized by defending a thesis exercise before a jury. Following this oral defense, students obtain the title of Doctor of Pharmacy and are invited to take the Hippocratic Oath. They swear to “practice in the interest of public health.”
Pathways to Access Pharmacy Studies and Become a Pharmacist
Join a Pharmacy College After a Master’s or Business School
Since a ministerial decree in July 2010, it has become possible for certain students wishing to redirect after a master’s degree to join MMOP studies (Medicine, Midwifery, Dentistry, Pharmacy). Indeed, after graduating in engineering, finance, law, marketing… some realize that this path does not suit them or that employment in their field is blocked.
They therefore want to engage in a health sector. Their Master’s degree, business school diploma (or any validated diploma with 300 ECTS) can indeed serve as a pathway to directly enter the 2nd year, or even the 3rd year of pharmacy studies.
Integration is, of course, subject to a fairly strict selection process to evaluate the candidate and their motivations. This involves a file and an interview before a jury of teachers and training directors.
Become a Pharmacist When You Are a Pharmacy Technician
This is also a new opportunity that will diversify the profiles of health professionals. Starting from the beginning of 2020, a new university pathway will allow pharmacy technicians to advance their careers by resuming their studies at a pharmacy college.
To learn more about this pathway, click here: advance your career by becoming a pharmacist through a university pathway open to pharmacy technicians.
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