@AeroDE
A PharmD is not the same as a PhD.
PharmD is a professional degree, similar to an MD for physicians, a JD for lawyers, a DPT for physical therapists, or AudD for audiologists. A professional degree allows an individual to gain a professional license that is required to practice in their chosen field.
A PhD is research-based post-graduate degree that requires an individual to present and defend a thesis that offers significant new and original contributions to the field of their PhD. One can earn a PhD in any academic discipline and the length of time it takes to complete a PhD varies widely…A baccalaureate and often a master’s degree is required for admission to doctoral (PhD) programs.
A PharmD program is 4 years long and like other professional programs requires a baccalaureate degree for admission. This means that typically it takes 8 years to earn a pharmacy degree, though there are number of direct admit programs that combine the undergrad and professional portions and are 6 or 7 years long. most direct admit pharmacy programs grant a bachelor’s degree as part of the combined education program.
The working life of a physician assistant and pharmacist are very different. I suggest you shadow people in both fields before you commit to a career path.