Final answer:
Aspiring pharmacists are required to have a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree since 2007, following the completion of prerequisite courses, to practice pharmacy professionally in the U.S.
Step-by-step explanation:
Since 2007, aspiring pharmacists in the United States are required to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree to be eligible for state licensure to practice pharmacy. Prior to this, a bachelor's degree in pharmacy was the standard credential for pharmacists. Today's Pharm.D. programs typically take four years to complete and are offered by specialty pharmacy schools, following completion of prerequisite undergraduate coursework. These programs are heavily focused on chemistry and biology to provide pharmacists with a deep understanding of the effects of drugs on the human body.
Upon earning a Pharm.D., pharmacists can dispense prescribed medications, advise on drug interactions, and ensure patients' safe and effective medication use. Career opportunities for pharmacists include working in drugstores, hospitals, and other medical facilities. The role of pharmacists in the healthcare system is critical as they serve as experts on medication therapy and support overall public health.