Get pharmaceutical technical training

Complete this training in as little as two years. Take pharmacy tech classes to help prepare you for certification testing required for a career as a pharmacy technician. You can gain hands-on experience as well.

I recommend: Search PharmacySchoolsOnline to find pharmacy technical training, or find programs listed with the National Pharmacy Technician Association.  

Acquire an engineering degree

Pharmaceutical companies use many facets of engineering. These companies employ process engineers, quality engineers, manufacturing engineers, applications engineers, mechanical engineers and validation engineers. Go to pharmaceutical seminars or get specific pharmaceutical training to further your expertise in that area.

I recommend: The best engineering programs are found at Harvey Mudd College, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Cooper Union and Bucknell University.

Study to become a pharmaceutical sales representative

A bachelor's degree is almost always required for this kind of position. A degree in sales, marketing or business is ideal. It is very helpful to have minors in science, biology, chemistry or medicine and take pharmaceutical classes.

I recommend: Enter the best business programs at University of Pennsylvania,  University of California at Berkley and the University of Michigan.

Use an MBA to work in pharmaceuticals

There are programs of study in pharmaceutical management and pharmaceutical business. One of these degrees will ensure a successful and high-paying job in upper level management or an executive position with pharmaceuticals. In addition to business classes, you will take science and pharmaceutical classes in this program or go to pharmaceutical seminars.

I recommend: Get an MBA from Ashland University, Regis University or DeVry.  

Obtain a master's degree in clinical research

A master's degree in clinical research administration, a master of science in biology, a master's in biotechnology or a health services degree will all ensure a position with a pharmaceutical company. A master's degree gives you well-rounded pharma education and pharmaceutical training.

I recommend: University of California and Campbell University have reputable clinical research Master's programs. Get a Master of Science from Baylor University.

Work toward a PhD

A PhD in pharmaceutical sciences can ensure a stable career in a high-paying upper management level job with a pharmaceutical company. Become an executive, and truly make a difference in the medical industry with a PhD in chemistry, organic chemistry, oncology, stem cell science, or biomedicine.

I recommend: Get a pharmaceutical education in the doctoral programs at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Temple University or Northeastern University.