{"id":98,"date":"2015-01-06T22:03:26","date_gmt":"2015-01-06T22:03:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogschapman.wpenginepowered.com\/pharmacy\/2015\/01\/06\/how-to-become-a-pharmacist\/"},"modified":"2026-07-23T17:06:06","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T17:06:06","slug":"how-to-become-a-pharmacist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/2015\/01\/06\/how-to-become-a-pharmacist\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Become a Pharmacist: A Step- by-Step Guide &#8211; Become a Pharmacist in 7 Steps"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you picture a pharmacist, you probably envision someone in a white lab coat behind the counter of your local pharmacy. While it\u2019s true that this stereotype makes up a significant portion of the profession, it might surprise you to learn that many pharmacists work in hospitals, physician\u2019s offices or outpatient care centers. In fact, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drugchannels.net\/2024\/06\/pharmacist-salaries-and-employment-in.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the percentage of pharmacists employed in non-retail settings grew to more than 33% in 2023<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What does this mean for the future of the industry \u2014 and more importantly, how does it impact your path toward becoming a pharmacist? The good news is that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/pharmacists.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pharmacy jobs will increase by 3% through 2032<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, so there\u2019s ample opportunity for you to build your career.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In this guide, we\u2019ll break down the steps you should take to become a pharmacist, including educational requirements, certifications and more.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Key Takeaways:<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can start preparing for your pharmacy career as early as high school.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Choose a traditional four-year undergraduate education or accelerate your path in a pre-pharmacy program.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consider opportunities to specialize your education as you work toward earning your master\u2019s or Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Building your career doesn\u2019t have to be complicated. You can leverage your network and utilize job boards to reach success.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Steps Toward Becoming a Pharmacist and Building a Lasting Career in Healthcare<\/h2>\n<h3>1. Start Preparing in High School<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re a high school student, you can prepare for your career while still in school by ensuring you take a comprehensive and balanced range of courses. That means enrolling in classes such as AP-level biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. We also recommend participating in extracurricular activities to explore your interest in healthcare and science.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t forget to discuss your career goals with your guidance counselor, who can help you make sure you\u2019re on track for college.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>2. Pursue an Undergraduate Education<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As you search for colleges and prepare to enroll, be mindful of these three factors:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Your major and minor:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Choose a major that aligns with your desire to work in pharmacy. Biology or chemistry are great options as they build a solid foundation for the pharmaceutical sciences.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While your minor is less crucial in its ability to prepare you for a future as a pharmacist, consider selecting an area of study that complements your major and advances your knowledge.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Maintaining your GPA and taking relevant courses:<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Stand out to pharmacy school admissions teams by maintaining a strong GPA, especially in classes related to your future graduate studies.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you major in a STEM subject, your courses will naturally be relevant to the pharmaceutical sciences. If you\u2019re not sure what to take, look for classes like organic chemistry, pharmacology and anatomy. Be aware that you must meet certain prerequisites to gain acceptance into a pharmacy program.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Pre-pharmacy programs: <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did you know there\u2019s a way to begin pharmacy doctoral studies without an undergraduate degree? In Chapman University\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/academic-programs\/undergraduate-programs\/pre-pharmacy.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy Experience (APEx) program<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you can earn your Doctor of Pharmacy degree in just five years. This option is a faster and more affordable pathway than the typical four-year college experience followed by two to three years in graduate school.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>3. Determine Whether or Not You Want to Take the PCAT<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While pharmacy schools no longer require the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aacp.org\/resource\/pharmacy-college-admission-test\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, many high-ranking, competitive institutions, including Chapman University, recommend the test as a supplement to your application.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>4. Attend Pharmacy School<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After you\u2019ve finished your bachelor\u2019s degree, you can pursue pharmacy school &#8212; unless you\u2019re in a pre-pharmacy program like Chapman\u2019s, in which case, you\u2019re a step ahead of the rest!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In general, a graduate pharmacy program takes four years to complete and provides hands-on experience through classroom instruction, lab work and clinical rotations. Some programs, such as the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/academic-programs\/graduate-programs\/msps-program\/index.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/academic-programs\/pharmd\/index.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/academic-programs\/graduate-programs\/phd-program.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ph.D.)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at Chapman, take only two years to complete.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Programs may offer specialties such as clinical pharmacy or research, so if you are interested in a particular specialty, evaluate your options carefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>5. Explore Residency &amp; Fellowship Opportunities<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While most graduate-level pharmacy programs, including a Pharm.D., incorporate hands-on learning in their curriculum, a residency or fellowship may allow you to further deepen your knowledge in a real healthcare setting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A residency or fellowship is not required to become a pharmacist. However, they do provide valuable post-graduate training that you might find helpful as you launch your career. Chapman University offers many <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/career-office\/residencies-fellowships.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">residency and fellowship opportunities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, including with prestigious institutions like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pharmafellows.rutgers.edu\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rutgers Institute<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/mann.usc.edu\/program\/fellowship-programs\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">University of Southern California<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>6. Obtain Licensure<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is a six-hour, 225-question standardized test that all prospective pharmacists must pass in order to acquire a pharmacy license in the United States. The exam fee is $620.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This test examines your ability to practice safely and effectively and covers topics including:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacotherapy and therapeutic outcomes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Safe and accurate preparation, compounding and dispensing of medications<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Public health and pharmacy practice<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you plan to practice in California, you must pass the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacy.ca.gov\/applicants\/rph.shtml\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination for Pharmacists (CPJE)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Otherwise, you must pass the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/nabp.pharmacy\/programs\/examinations\/mpje\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a state-sponsored exam, depending on the requirements of the respective state. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacy.ca.gov\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit the California State Board of Pharmacy website<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for more information about CA-specific requirements to practice.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Remember \u2014 once you pass the NAPLEX, your education isn\u2019t over. It\u2019s important to stay up-to-date with changing trends and best practices so you can continue to provide the highest-quality care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>7. Build Your Career as a Pharmacist<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As one of the very few healthcare experts with expertise touching every stage of the patient lifecycle, your role is vital. The pharmacy field offers a range of opportunities, from traditional community pharmacy jobs to specialized positions in hospitals, research and industry.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here&#8217;s how you can get started and advance in this rewarding profession.<\/span><\/p>\n<h4>Job Search Tips<\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Landing the right job can be tricky. These tips will help you navigate the job market and hone your job search strategy.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Leverage your network.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Who you know is almost as important as what you know. While your knowledge and skills will get you far in your career, a strong professional network can take you farther.\u00a0<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, at Chapman University, our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/alumni\/index.aspx\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alumni Association<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of 55,000 people root for the success of their peers. A support system like this can make a huge difference in your professional trajectory.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><b>Utilize job boards. <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These resources are a hub of opportunity to both find a job and connect with people in the industry \u2014 especially those who already hold a position you\u2019re interested in pursuing. Try <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/school\/chapman-university\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">LinkedIn<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ZipRecruiter or industry-specific boards like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pharmacistjobs.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacistjobs.com<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li><b>Stay curious.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Pharmaceutical sciences are constantly evolving \u2014 from the creation of new drugs to changing regulations. As you start to find your footing, remain open to new opportunities and cultivate a curious mindset.<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Common Questions<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>\u00a0<\/b><b>How long does it take to become a pharmacist?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can take between five and eight years to become a pharmacist, depending on the program in which you enroll. For example, the Pre-Pharmacy program at Chapman University allows you to start your path toward becoming a pharmacist right out of high school, and it only takes five years to finish.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you decide to pursue a traditional four-year undergraduate education, you can enroll in Chapman\u2019s MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Pharm.D. program, both of which take only two years to complete, bringing your total time to completion to six years.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How much does it cost to become a pharmacist?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cost of your education will vary greatly depending on the institution you attend and your financial situation, including whether or not you use scholarships, grants or student loans to cover the cost of tuition.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example, Chapman School of Pharmacy programs are more affordable than other institutions because we offer merit scholarships each year. Incoming external students receive an award upon admission, and that can carry forward throughout their program as long as they maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and academic integrity and are in good standing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We also have sponsored scholarships that come from organizations like Ralphs, Walgreens, Boiron, CVS and VPhA.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chapman\u2019s Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy students may receive a scholarship at our Orange campus during the first two years of their pre-pharmacy program and receive $44,000 toward the pharmacy program ($5,500 per term) as long as they successfully complete two years at Orange and meet the APEx\u2019s minimum criteria.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>What is the difference between a pharmacy tech and a pharmacist?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The key difference between a pharmacy tech and a pharmacist lies in their roles and responsibilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A pharmacy technician works under the direct supervision of a pharmacist and performs tasks such as labeling bottles, counting pills, managing inventory and handling customer service. In contrast, a pharmacist can (sometimes) prescribe medications, administer vaccinations and counsel patients on proper medication usage. They also provide clinical advice, perform medication reviews and check for drug interactions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more about what a pharmacist does, read our recent blog post about the roles of a pharmacist.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>How much does a pharmacist make?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/healthcare\/pharmacists.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pharmacists earn a median annual salary of $136,030<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Factors that may impact earning potential include location and industry, such as retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, etc.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/oes\/current\/oes291051.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pharmacists in California, for example, earn the highest salaries in the field nationally, averaging $157,280 per year<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Join Chapman School of Pharmacy\u2019s Legacy of Excellence<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Located in Irvine, California, the Chapman School of Pharmacy offers academic programs for students at every stage of their journey. Find the right program for you!<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Our Pharmacy Programs<\/h2>\n<h3><b> <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/academic-programs\/undergraduate-programs\/pre-pharmacy.aspx\">Accelerated Pre-Pharmacy Experience (APEx)<\/a><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degree required for admission: high school diploma or GED<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Area of Focus: Pharmaceutical Sciences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time to Complete: Five years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degree Earned: Bachelor\u2019s and master\u2019s<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/academic-programs\/graduate-programs\/msps-program\/index.aspx\">Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS)<\/a><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degree required for admission: Bachelor\u2019s degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Area of Focus: Pharmaceutical Sciences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time to Complete: Two years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degree Earned: Master\u2019s<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b> <\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/academic-programs\/pharmd\/index.aspx\">Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)<\/a><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degree required for admission: Bachelor\u2019s or master\u2019s degree (valued, but not required)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Area of Focus: Pharmaceutical Sciences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time to Complete: Two years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degree Earned: Doctorate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><a href=\"https:\/\/www.chapman.edu\/pharmacy\/academic-programs\/graduate-programs\/phd-program.aspx\">Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ph.D.)<\/a><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degree required for admission: Master\u2019s degree<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Area of Focus: Pharmaceutical Sciences<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Time to Complete: Three to four years<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Degree Earned: Doctorate<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Let Us Help You Navigate Your Career Path<\/h2>\n<p><b>\u00a0<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Put your ambition into action at a School of Pharmacy dedicated to your success. Request more information about our programs, or contact us today to discover how Chapman can help you achieve your goals.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.chapman.edu\/register\/CUSP-info\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Request More Information<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/go.chapman.edu\/register\/CUSP-info\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact Us<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you picture a pharmacist, you probably envision someone in a white lab coat behind the counter of your local [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4726,"featured_media":129,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"custom_author_name":"Laura Cook","chapman_pin_hero_slider":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[39,41,2],"tags":[21,40,42,43,44,11,45,34,46],"class_list":["post-98","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-career","category-how-to","category-pharmacy-news","tag-doctor-of-pharmacy","tag-health-care","tag-how-to","tag-how-to-become","tag-pharmacist","tag-pharmacy","tag-pharmacy-school","tag-pharmd","tag-what-is"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.2 - 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