Online PharmD Programs
Working as a pharmacist can be a highly rewarding career, with pharmacists earning an average salary of $128.710 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In order to work as a pharmacist in the United States, though, you will first need to earn your Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD). Thankfully, the prevalence of online PharmD programs has made earning a Doctorate of Pharmacy more accessible than ever before. To help you choose the online PharmD program that is best suited for you, we'll take a look at everything you need to know about these programs, including what to expect from an online PharmD program, how difficult it is to get accepted into a PharmD program, and how to choose an online PharmD program that will best prepare you for your career as a pharmacist.
What is the Best Online Pharmacy School?
There are a number of important factors to consider when it comes time to choose an online pharmacy school. To start, it is essential to choose a program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Choosing an accredited PharmD program means that you will receive an education that meets rigorous academic standards and ensures that your resume will look as attractive as possible to potential employers.
Once you have narrowed your selection down to programs that have been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, other important factors to take into account include the cost of the program, the program's duration, and what other students who have completed the program have to say about it.
How Many Years of School do You Need to Become a Pharmacist?
Before you are able to attend a PharmD program and earn your Doctorate of Pharmacy, you will first need to complete three to four years of pre-professional coursework.
Before you are able to attend a PharmD program and earn your Doctorate of Pharmacy, you will first need to complete three to four years of pre-professional coursework. After completing these undergraduate courses, it typically takes four years to complete a PharmD program and earn a Doctorate of Pharmacy. It is also important to note that after graduating with a Doctorate of Pharmacy, you will need to complete two years of residency before you are able to take the NAPLEX and MPJE exams and receive your license as a pharmacist.
How Long is an Online PharmD Program?
Like on-campus PharmD programs, most online PharmD programs take four years to complete. Since online PharmD programs largely allow you to work on your own schedule, though, you may be able to complete the program in less than four years with enough hard work and dedication. Alternatively, online PharmD programs can also allow you to extend the duration of your time in the program in order to leave space in your schedule for work or other commitments.
Pharmacy Application Requirements by State
- AL Alabama
- AK Alaska
- AZ Arizona
- AR Arkansas
- CA California
- CO Colorado
- CT Connecticut
- DE Delaware
- FL Florida
- GA Georgia
- HI Hawaii
- ID Idaho
- IL Illinois
- IN Indiana
- IA Iowa
- KS Kansas
- KY Kentucky
- LA Louisiana
- ME Maine
- MD Maryland
- MA Massachusetts
- MI Michigan
- MN Minnesota
- MS Mississippi
- MO Missouri
- MT Montana
- NE Nebraska
- NV Nevada
- NH New Hampshire
- NJ New Jersey
- NM New Mexico
- NY New York
- NC North Carolina
- ND North Dakota
- OH Ohio
- OK Oklahoma
- OR Oregon
- PA Pennsylvania
- RI Rhode Island
- SC South Carolina
- SD South Dakota
- TN Tennessee
- TX Texas
- UT Utah
- VT Vermont
- VA Virginia
- WA Washington
- DC Washington, DC
- WV West Virginia
- WI Wisconsin
- WY Wyoming
Can You Study for a Pharmacy Degree Online?
Online learning has recently experienced a massive boost in popularity. Not that long ago, online PharmD programs were few and far between - and what few did exist were not all that well respected. Today, however, it's a different story, and a plethora of reputable universities are now offering students the option to earn their Doctorate of Pharmacy completely online.
These online PharmD programs offer pharmacy students a number of key benefits. For one, online programs tend to be much more affordable than their on-campus counterparts. Attending an online PharmD program also allows you to work at your own pace from the comfort of your own home. Finally, attending a program online means that you won't have to worry about finding a living arrangement that is close to the campus of the school you would like to attend.
What is a Non-Traditional PharmD?
A non-traditional PharmD program is simply defined as a PharmD program that is conducted online rather than on-campus.
Is a PharmD Program Hard to Get Into?
The average acceptance rate across all PharmD programs is 82.7%. Compared to the average acceptance rate for medical school - which is about 42% - this is actually quite high. This makes getting accepted into a PharmD program a highly achievable goal for anyone who has completed the appropriate pre-requisite courses.
Is a PharmD the Same as a Pharmacist?
A PharmD is the program that a student must complete in order to become a pharmacist. As we've already mentioned, though, graduating with your Doctorate of Pharmacy does not mean you automatically become a licensed pharmacist. Upon graduating from a PharmD program, you will still need to complete two years of residency and pass the NAPLEX and MPJE exams before you are able to receive your license as a pharmacist.