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What is Pharmacy?

Pharmacy is a field of medicine involved in providing patients medication needed to treat ailments and diseases as outlined by a physicians prescription. Pharmacists see to the operations of a pharmacy and work from a variety of locations including dedicated pharmacies, hospitals and clinics. Pharmacists are responsible for providing education to customers regarding maintaining good health and inform them of possible reactions and side effects of medications dispensed.

Pharmacists are licensed to dispense prescriptions to patients who need proper medication and provide counseling while also monitoring the health of the patient.  In addition to working with patients, pharmacists are tasked with advising physicians and/or physician assistants about proper medication, dosages, interactions, and potential medical side effects.

A pharmacist must intimately understand a drug or medication along with its chemical composition, physical properties, interaction with other medications, and likely side effects to the general public remains properly education and protected.   Becoming a pharmacist is still considered by many industry experts to be one of the top professions in the U.S. blending technical know-how with a desire to help others in a stable, high paying career.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$120,270

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

69.18%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

305,510

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Pharmacy Schools

University of Southern California’s School of Pharmacy offers undergraduate, graduate, PharmD and Postgraduate programs. The Undergraduate Pharmacy programs are designed to encourage talented students to pursue careers in the field of pharmacy and ensure to offer support throughout the application and admission process. The Graduate degrees in Pharmacy are structured to uniquely cover the entire pharmaceutical continuum. Their Doctor of Pharmacy Program is the first PharmD program established in the nation and until today, it continues to provide innovative education. Additionally, they also have Postgraduate Programs that are proven committed to giving Postgraduate Opportunities for health professionals and other experts pursuing solutions to today’s healthcare challenges. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor offers a PharmD program that provides unmatched opportunities. Students experience world-class practice and teaching within the University of Michigan Health System. They maintain small class size with an enviable student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1. Students will have the privilege to work closely with faculty who are nationally renowned clinical practitioners and researchers. 

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

The Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an internationally recognized leader in pharmacy practice, research and education. It offers PharmD degree programs and two dual-degrees. In the UNC PharmD degree program, students will receive excellent preparation to become exemplary practitioners and healthcare leaders. Graduates of this program successfully found employment in the pharmaceutical industry, clinics, pharmacies, hospitals and labs. 

Acceptance Rate

22.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Northeastern University’s pharmacy education provides unique educational experience. They blended the best in classroom, laboratory with experiential learning under the direction of a world class faculty. They ensure that their small PharmD degree always gives personal attention backed by the resources of a large university. Their cooperative education model gives students unmatched opportunities for interactive learning and innovation at more than 120 affiliated community pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, government agencies and private companies. 

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The Doctor of Pharmacy degree program at the University of California – San Diego has one primary goal: to prepare students to become leaders in the profession of pharmacy and provide them with the tools so they can effectively practice in a wide variety of existing and potential future roles in medical centers, community pharmacies, hospitals, government, academia and pharmaceutical industry. They guarantee that the curriculum for this program is dynamic and is under frequent revision. This program is entirely committed to clinical clerkships, teaching students on how to apply the skills and knowledge obtained in the curriculum in a variety of clinical settings. In this program, students are required to complete a research project as a prerequisite for graduation. 

Acceptance Rate

31.48

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

The PharmD degree program at The University of Texas at Austin gives emphasis to an integrated and problem-based approach to disease management as the core of the laboratory and didactic program of the study. The professional curriculum is tailored around an integrated approach to drug therapy management. Its capstone is a series of seven, six-week rotations called internships. Internship courses usually include 40 to 50 hours per week of on-site experience supervised by practitioner faculty. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

The College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida is ranked among the top colleges and schools of pharmacy in the nation. It has always been dedicated to excellence in pharmacy service, research and educational programs that are enhanced through online technologies. The doctor of Pharmacy program that they offer is fully accredited by The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. The degrees that they award are Doctor of Pharmacy, Doctor of Philosophy, and Master of Science. 

Acceptance Rate

36.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

University of Georgia’s top ranked College of Pharmacy is currently offering the Pharmacy degree to students who successfully complete prescribed courses. The comprehensive academic program that they provide is designed to prepare students for the practice of pharmacy and the delivery of pharmaceutical care. Students who complete their PharmD program found a gateway to a well-rounded career that blends science, direct patient contact, health care, computer technology, and business. The academic programs that they offer include, Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, PhD, Certificates, Dual Degree, Experience Programs, Interprofessional Education, and Residency Programs. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

You can become a trusted health professional at the School of Pharmacy at the University of Connecticut. This School offers academic exploration, impactful community involvement and groundbreaking research that prepares you in leading the healthcare industry. They ranked in the top 20% of US pharmacy schools and no. 1 in New England. 94.12% of their graduates passed the NAPLEX on their first attempt. 

Acceptance Rate

49.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

At Ohio State University, students under the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program learn from an innovative curriculum with leaders in the profession at one of the top ranked colleges of pharmacy and health science environments in the nation. Their goal is to help their students discover and develop the skills needed to transform and improve patient health outcomes not just in the country but across the globe. This program was able to develop best-in-class care providers that serve as the responsible medication experts in the healthcare delivery system. 95% of the students in PharmD program graduated successfully in four years, 95% passed NAPLEX in their first attempt and 97% passed the MJPE in their first attempt. 

Acceptance Rate

53.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

University of Washington – Seattle Campus established a School of Pharmacy. What keeps them apart is that they offer a wide range of elective opportunities from the Geriatric Pharmacy certificate to the Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research & Policy program. Moreover, they also provide numerous opportunities for community outreach, hands-on training, leadership development and research. The curriculum in their PharmD program is structured to give students the scientific background and clinical skills needed to pass the NAPLEX and the MPJE and enter professional practice.  

Acceptance Rate

51.76

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

SUNY at Binghamton’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is offering a four-year program that leads to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Students here are privileged to learn contemporary pharmacy skills in a state-of-the-art teaching laboratory and interact one-on-one with faculty that are active in research and clinical practice. They projected a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1 in an aim to foster strong mentoring relationships and fulfilling experiences. Graduates of this program are prepared to serve their communities in socially responsible ways to enhance health and well-being. 

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

A PharmD Program is currently offered at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. This program ranked no. 3 among all pharmacy schools in the country according to the US News & world report. Their college of pharmacy is the only college of its kind in the state. In this program, students will learn the best medication therapy available today. 

Acceptance Rate

56.74

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

You can personalize your path to a PharmD Degree at the University of Pittsburgh – Pittsburgh Campus. This program focuses on the appropriate, effective and safe use of medications while teaching how to collaborate with members of a healthcare team. Graduates of PharmD program practice in a variety of environments on the continuum of keeping healthy communities. They offer a four-year, full-time professional pharmacy program which leads to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. 

Acceptance Rate

56.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The College of Pharmacy at Purdue University consistently ranked among the 10 best pharmacy programs in the nation. They are known to offer a uniquely diverse range of undergraduate and graduate study opportunities. Their undergraduate programs have two educational goals students can choose from, The Pre-Doctor of Pharmacy Program and The Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. They also have Professional Program, Graduate programs, and Continuing Education Programs. 

Acceptance Rate

59.83

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

The Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy at Texas A&M University offers a four-year pharmacy degree program.  The objective of this program is to increase representation in the pharmacy profession by the underrepresented demographic groups of South Texas. This will provide the population of South Texas an access to a high quality PharmD Program. It will also foster advanced research in pharmaceutical case issues pertinent to South Texas and enhance health outcomes. 

Acceptance Rate

57.79

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

A six-year PharmD program is currently offered at Rutgers University – New Brunswick. This program emphasizes patient-centered care and it also gives stress to opportunities to engage in research with renowned scientists in some of the world’s most advanced university labs. Students in this program will take courses in pharmaceutics, pharmacy practice and administration, toxicology, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology. They also benefit from the close mentorship they receive from faculty of top scientists and clinical practitioners and from the strong clinical experience program. 

Acceptance Rate

61.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

16:1

Chapman University offers a top PharmD program which is a three-year accelerated professional degree composed of eight, 15-week trimesters. One of the things that makes them unique is that their students receive an iPad Pro because their exams are taken using the electronic device and all of their textbooks are available without a charge in electronic format. One more thing that kept them apart is their unique way of delivering innovative and student-centered flipped classroom methods of instruction. Their students won’t sit in class to listen for a lecture all the time, they will be involved in active learning exercises. 

Acceptance Rate

55.65

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

University of South Florida is currently offering a 7-year BS to PharmD degree program.  Due to the standards that must be upheld by all pharmacy programs, the curriculum for their BS/PharmD program is very similar to that offered by other schools and colleges across Florida and the country. The standards are set to remain in accordance with national accreditation, state regulatory requirements, and financial aid. The faculty in this program will utilize a variety of instructional methods to support student’s attainment of course objectives. 

Acceptance Rate

47.63

Student to Faculty Ratio

22:1

University at Buffalo offers a graduate-level doctor of pharmacy degree. Their PharmD program will enable one to work as a pharmacist, one that interacts with patients and other health care practitioners about medications. This program will help the students develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes that are needed to achieve success in this field. The curriculum is tailored to integrate the latest technologies throughout the professional coursework. 

Acceptance Rate

61.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Temple University can help you develop and master professional, academic and interpersonal skills as a pharmacist through their Doctor of Pharmacy program. The dynamic curriculum in this program includes didactic coursework, labs and small group recitations. This program will also make you pursue an elective track in Business, Advanced Clinical Practice, Clinical trials, and Drug Safety that gives you the opportunity to differentiate your degree. Dual degree programs in Business, Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs are also available. 

Acceptance Rate

60.04

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The top rated College of Pharmacy at Howard University strives to be a premier University in teaching, researching, learning, leadership and service both locally and globally. They have a BS/PharmD Program that allows a student to complete the requirements for the BS and PharmD degree in seven years. Their four-year PharmD program provides students with the knowledge and skills to practice pharmaceutical care. Their five-year PharmD/MBA program is tailored to provide an integrated education in pharmaceutical sciences and business management. Aside from these, they also offer a MS and PhD pharmaceutical Sciences graduate Program, Non-Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy program, and centers & Grant Programs. 

Acceptance Rate

36.08

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The College of Pharmacy at Union University will help you prepare to enter pharmacy practice as a confident pharmacist that is motivated by excellence and a desire to serve. Here, students learn from faculty members who are experts in their fields and they get to experience internationally small class sizes. They enjoy as their knowledge and skills grow through an innovative curriculum and state-of-the-art simulation labs. Their goal is to educate and equip their students to practice in the complex and ever-changing arena of pharmacy. To see the academic programs that they offer you may visit the UU main portal. 

Acceptance Rate

52.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Drake University’s Doctor of Pharmacy degree helps their students become a leader that goes beyond expectations to improve the lives of others. They aim to develop their students into a confident, reflective practitioner that takes an active role in the health care of those they serve. This program provides top-notch faculty as their student’s advisers and mentors. They have high expectations to their students academically and give everything they need so they’ll graduate prepared for a long and successful career. 

Acceptance Rate

67.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

The Cooperative degree in Pharmacy at The College of Idaho is a dual degree program in collaboration with Idaho State University. This program is structured to challenge the students to gain liberal arts foundation for excelling not just in pharmacy but also in other medical fields. Students should also complete 93 credits, including PEAK minors in History and Humanities/Social Sciences/Fine Arts. Additionally, students must pursue a complementary major or course of study along with the program prerequisites. 

Acceptance Rate

48.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Educational Requirements for Pharmacists

A doctor of pharmacy degree (PharmD) allows an individual to become a practicing pharmacist. PharmD programs are typically four years long (or three continuous) with the final year reserved for practical experience. Most pharmacy programs require two years of prerequisite courses prior to admission or a bachelor's degree.

For individuals pursuing a degree directly out of high school there are pre-pharmacy programs available, as well as 0-6 programs which are six year programs that begin with the prerequisite courses and end with required pharmacy graduate level courses. Additionally, most programs will require a score of at least 50% on thePharmacy College Admissions Test(PCAT).

Pharmacy programs are highly selective due to the nature of the career and limited amount of space. Therefore students looking to enter the field should be prepared for a high amount of competition. More comprehensive information regarding pharmacy program prerequisites can be foundhere. Pre-requisite courses necessary for admission may include:

What is Pharmacy Science?

Pharmacy science is defined as anything related to the standardization, collection, processing, communication, and preparation of prescription drugs. It is true that pharmacy science has come a long way inside of a generation as a few years ago pharmacists were measuring, sorting, and mixing drugs as they were prescribed by a physician. Most prescription drugs of today are mass produced by large multi-national pharmaceutical companies under the guidance of the FDA. Although a pharmacist is performing less manual labor today than a generation ago, pharmacists still are required to earn an advanced degree to dispense medications as the complexity of drugs has escalated markedly.

The proper dosage and storage of medications and drugs is an important aspect of pharmacy science. Making sure the correct person receives the right prescription in the right frequency and amount while adhering to applicable federal and state laws is critical to the well-functioning pharmacy ecosystem.

Popular Pharmacy Careers

There are a number of tracks within pharmacy that allow professionals to specialize within a variety of occupational settings. The following tracks are a sampling of the specializations available to pharmacists including healthcare distributors, pharmaceutical, academic, informatics, managed care, community pharmacy, ambulatory care, consultant, hospital, and federal pharmacies.

Healthcare Distributors. Healthcare Distributors are the brains behind the pharmacys logistical operations. They make sure the correct medical supplies and prescription drugs arrive at the right facility when needed. Healthcare distributors are often tasked to manage supply chain management, humidity control, inventory control, record keeping, quality control, on-site training, distribution methodology, security and emergency planning.

Pharmaceutical. The pharmaceutical industry formulates drugs, produces chemicals, manufactures prescription drugs, produce non-prescription drugs, and other health products. Pharmacists working for a pharmaceutical corporation may focus on research, manufacturing, marketing, quality control, management, sales, and/or administration. A recent report by PhRMA supports the direct and indirect economic impact of the pharmaceutical industry at $1.2 trillion annually.

Managed Care Pharmacy. The Managed Care Pharmacy track specialize in the design and management of prescription drug benefits for the health insurance industry. These specialists provide access to safe, cost-effective drugs for a wide variety of individuals across the healthcare ecosystem.

Academic Pharmacy. Academic Pharmacy offers a professional discipline to education an teach others in public and private institutions nationwide. With over three-thousand full-time professors at colleges across the U.S., the academic prowess of this discipline continues to grow in size and influence.

Community Pharmacy. The Community Pharmacy discipline can be either an independent organization or part of a national chain. With pros and cons to each, consumers are provided retail pharmacy options with the same overarching goals of prudently assisting patients. Licensed pharmacists are seen as the go-to source for ailments of all shapes and sizes which explains the Gallop Poll ranking of most trusted professional for 22 consecutive years and running.

Informatics. Informatics is the science of computer information systems in the pharmacy industry. Bringing health insurance information together with patient data, informatics is a science that continues to provide quality information to the pharmacy industry.

Ambulatory Care Pharmacy. Pharmacists specializing in Ambulatory Care mesh the urgent need of ambulatory patients and pharmacy within the healthcare continuum. AC Pharmacists meld direct care and proper medication management with long-term relationships, coordinated care, wellness programs, referrals, self-management, and community partnerships.

Pharmacy Consultant. A Pharmacy Consultant acts as independent agent working one-on-one with patients in a variety of settings. With the genesis in nursing and long-term care, a pharmacy consultant can help with administrative, distribution, and clinical expertise a traditional doctor or pharmacist may not be able to provide.

Hospital & Institutional Pharmacy. The expert clinical skills of a pharmacist blend with latent prescription drug knowledge to provide a unique customer-facing professional in a hospital or clinical organization. add an important resident expert to the mix of hospital professionals. Sub disciplines of institutional pharma include adult therapy, oncology, nuclear pharmacy, poison control, and intravenous therapy.

Federal Pharmacy. Military Pharmacists and U.S. Public Health Pharmacists are an integral part of the health and well-being of the armed forces, FDA, CDC, NIH, Immigration Department, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. for our country. Federal pharmacist help manage health, prescribe medications, and counsel patients much the same way their private industry counterparts do.

How Do I Become a Pharmacist?

In order to become pharmacist, you will need the proper education, training, and licensure. To begin, the educational requirements include a series of general education courses with an emphasis on the sciences like physics, chemistry, biology plus successfully passing the PCAT or Pharmacy College Admissions Test prior to matriculation.

Once you have completed your prerequisites, passed the PCAT, and decided upon an accredited pharmacy school, you will begin your journey towards earning a Pharm D or Doctorate in Pharmacy. This 5-6 year program includes rigorous coursework, an internship under the guidance of a licensed pharmacist, and successfully sitting for your states mandated pharmacy examination. At this point, you are eligible for state licensure as a pharmacist and can seek employment in the pharmacy field. Keep in mind, you may need to seek state-approved continuing education courses to keep your license active depending on your state of residence and their unique requirements.

Top Job Titles of a Pharmacist

A list of commonly used job titles for a pharmacist has been compiled to give you a wider view of the pharmacy profession. We have culled the list of commonly used job titles to help you associate commonly used terms for a pharmacist into your vocabulary. The list includes the following:

  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Hospital Pharmacist
  • Outpatient Pharmacy Manager
  • Pharmacist
  • Pharmacist in Charge (PIC)
  • Pharmacist in Charge, Owner (PIC, Owner)
  • Pharmacy Informaticist
  • Registered Pharmacist
  • Staff Pharmacist
  • Staff Pharmacist, Hospital

Job Responsibilities of a Pharmacist

In a recent study by the U.S. Department of Labor completed by active pharmacists, the top 5 job responsibilities of a licensed pharmacist include the following items:

  1. Plan, implement, and maintain a set of defined procedures for mixing, packaging, or labeling pharmaceuticals to ensure quality and security
  2. Provide counsel and information to patients and healthcare professionals on drug interactions, side effects, storage, and dosage
  3. Carefully review prescriptions to assure accuracy, contents, and suitability
  4. Maintain and manage inventory of prescription drugs and patient records
  5. Assess the purity, strength, and identity of prescription medications

Where Can a Pharmacist Work?

While the traditional image of a pharmacist standing behind the counter at a local drugstore wearing a long, white lab coat is still true it is not a complete picture of the vocation.  There are a number of work settings you may find a licensed pharmacist working, including:

  • Veteran’s administration
  • Retail outlets
  • Hospitals
  • Healthcare associations
  • Drug research companies
  • Colleges & universities
  • Home health care facilities
  • Health clinics
  • Pharmaceutical sales
  • Insurance companies
  • Home infusion facilities
  • Community health care facilities
  • State and federal government agencies
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities and Pharmacy Job Growth

The short supply and high demand for pharmacists has led to increases in salary in recent years. Additionally, many tuition benefits may be gleaned from potential employers who wish to secure pharmacists prior to their graduation. With the increase in population, especially as baby boomers begin to enter the retirement age, the necessity for qualified pharmacists is expected to grow. It is important to note that all states require licensing for pharmacists, which in turn requires a pharmacy degree and a passing score on theNorth American Pharmaceutical Licensing Exam(NAPLEX)

States with the Highest Employment of Pharmacists

  • California 28,670
  • Texas 21,560
  • Florida 21,490
  • New York 20,440
  • Pennsylvania 13,460

Top Paying States for a Pharmacist

  1. Alaska $137,650
  2. California $136,100
  3. New Hampshire $128,790
  4. Vermont $128,380
  5. Wisconsin $124,060

Largest Employers of Pharmacists

  • Health & Personal Care Stores 134,610
  • Medical and Surgical Hospitals 71,390
  • Grocery Stores 22,670
  • General Merchandise Stores 16,940
  • Department Stores 10,330

Pharmacy Career Outlook

The median pay for a pharmacist is $122,320 annually according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics which is nearly four times the median income for all occupations in the United States. Individuals working in more densely populated areas tend to earn higher salaries to earn more due to the increase in customers. This growth projection is equivalent to adding 9,100 pharmacist jobs over the next decade.

Those interested in a career as a pharmacist may also wish to consider a career inmedicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry,clinical and industrial drug development, orpharmacoeconomics, pharmaceutical economics. For additional information on pharmacy, check out our Pharmacy Career Guide on our blog.

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