The best online PharmD programs are within your reach! Pharmacists work in your local drug store, but did you know that they are also employed in hospitals, government, the military, hospice and home health care, medical publishing, research, and universities? Trained pharmacists are needed as our population ages; this is a highly paid-career. So if you are looking for an in-demand health profession, considering pharmacist schools online may be the perfect way for you to launch your career.
An easy way to become a licensed pharmacist is to consider online PharmD programs allowing you to continue your current obligations while studying. Online pharmacy schools may have some in-person pharmacy degree requirements, but pharmacy school prerequisites and courses can be completed online. Some of the best online PharmD programs let practicing pharmacists with a bachelor’s degree upgrade their training to get a doctorate.
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Can You Become a Pharmacist Online?
Yes, you can become a pharmacist online! Specifically through accredited online PharmD programs. Pharmacist schools online offer a more convenient way to complete a degree, especially for those with careers or other obligations.
Online pharmacy degrees use video lectures, online discussions, and simulations to deliver coursework. In addition, students complete rotations in local pharmacies or healthcare settings to gain practical experience.
Several pharmacy graduate programs at accredited colleges have created online pharmacy schools. You can pursue an online Doctor of Pharmacy degree to become a qualified pharmacist. Just be sure it’s from accredited online pharmacy schools.
GetEducated's Picks
- University of Colorado Denver Doctor of Pharmacy
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Pharmacy (Pathway)
- MCPHS University Doctor of Pharmacy / Postbaccalaureate Path
Pharmacist Degrees Online
Pharmacy School Prerequisites
Pursuing an online Doctor of Pharmacy degree has certain prerequisites. While a bachelor’s degree is typically required, select online pharmacy programs offer different options. For example, early assurance or direct-entry programs. These, in particular, welcome students fresh out of high school or after completing specific undergrad credits.
Pharmacy school requirements for GPA can vary. Check with your chosen program to find specific GPAs from high school or undergrad requirements for entry. For additional preparation for online pharmacy school, some programs fulfill the prerequisites. They can also raise your GPA to meet the pharmacy school GPA requirements.
Most PharmD programs demand a solid foundation in the sciences. They highlight subjects such as chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. These scientific pillars lay the groundwork for comprehending pharmaceutical sciences and growing patient-centric care skills.
Aspiring pharmacists can also take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). The PCAT is an evaluative test that analyzes proficiency in several areas mentioned before. The PCAT’s significance varies among schools. Some colleges have chosen to abandon this requirement in their admission process. That provides alternative pathways for aspiring pharmacists.
How Long is Pharmacy School?
Most pharmacy degrees online are four or more years long. But it depends on whether you have taken pharmacy school prerequisites or need to take additional classes before you can enter the pharmacy portion of your program. Prerequisites will include general education courses and many science courses so that you have a strong foundation to study the more advanced scientific concepts you will need as a pharmacist.
How Hard is Pharmacy School?
You can expect to work hard to understand scientific concepts, absorb many details about drugs and patient care, stay organized and concentrate on doing well in your classes. The best pharmacy schools will have robust coursework that will prepare you well for the profession but may also have support to help you stay focused so you can study hard and retain the information you need. Pharmacist schools online can be a great way to go if you can organize yourself well and make the time needed to keep up with your studies.
You must complete your pharmacy degree requirements and pass a licensure exam to get your license to practice as a pharmacist. The exam is called the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), and you will have to pay a fee, submit your documentation to prove you are eligible, and then sit for the exam. Each state runs its own licensing boards, so you should always check with your state for the most up-to-date information. However, most states have the same requirements, and most online PharmD programs will give you the right training for licensure.
Accredited Online Pharmacist Schools
Accreditation is the most important factor in choosing pharmacist schools online. First, there’s regional accreditation. Regional accreditors oversee the value and rigor of entire institutions. Then, there’s programmatic accreditation. These ensure that a specific program meets academic and industry standards. Schools and employers recognize this assurance. You may have trouble transferring credits or finding a high-quality job without it.
When choosing a pharmacist degree online, you need to know about these programmatic accreditors:
- The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
- The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP)
These groups evaluate and accredit pharmacy programs based on their quality and standards.
ACPE – Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
ACPE is an accrediting body recognized by the US Department of Education. It oversees online pharmacy programs at both the undergrad and graduate levels. This includes the esteemed online PharmD programs. Through its approval process, ACPE guarantees that these programs hold to the set standards of quality and rigor. ACPE-accredited online pharmaceutical degrees foster excellence in pharmaceutical education.
ASHP – American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
ASHP is a professional group for pharmacists. It spearheads the advocacy for safe and effective medication use. The ASHP plays a pivotal role in the development and application of:
- The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB)
- The establishment of national certification for pharmacy technicians
In addition to accrediting pharmacy residency programs and pharmacy technician training programs, ASHP accreditation assesses academic quality. It specifically ensures the inclusion of clinical experiences in a program. Plus, its membership exceeds 50,000. ASHP champions pharmacy practice by assuring optimal patient care and medication safety.
The Best Online PharmD Programs
What makes the best online PharmD programs stand out? Your factors are unique to you. For example, are you looking for the cheapest online pharmacy school? What about accelerated PharmD programs online? This section covers BS to PharmD programs, programs for practicing pharmacists, and more.
BS to PharmD Programs – Best Online PharmD Programs
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy (Pathway)
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $31,210 per yearLake Erie’s Doctor of Pharmacy Program focuses on patient-centered care and covers multiple practice areas. They offer pathway choices, including:
– A year-round, three-year curriculum in Erie (finish one-year early)
– A four-year on-campus program
– Remote education in BradentonStudents experience hands-on training, preparing for their futures as pharmacists. Focuses include communication, constant learning in the field, and concepts of pharmaceuticals.
LECOM is avid about participating in community service with its program. They participate in the Relay for Life event and also put in a helping hand to other charities.
The pharmacist school online does have an acceptance fee of $500, due 30 days after acceptance, which is applied toward the tuition fee. Tuition for the 2024-2026 years, by year, is $31,210, plus living expenses and other small fees. It is one of the cheapest online pharmacy schools to attend without sacrificing quality.
Lake Erie also has an online RN to PharmD Bridge program. The school develops this certificate program for RNs to prepare for the Doctor of Pharmacy program entrance. This program allows RNs to explore employment in the field while learning new skills.
Creighton University
Degree: Entry-Level PharmD Program – Distance Pathway
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $173,000This Entry-Level PharmD Program is for students with a bachelor’s degree in a non-pharmacy field. Offered in an online format, it takes four years to complete. Also, it holds full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The tuition has an approximate cost at the tune of $173,000. Courses encompass a range of subjects, such as:
– Pharmacology
– Pharmaceutics
– Therapeutics
– Pharmacy managementThe School of Pharmacy and Health Professions offers the program.
To become a licensed pharmacist through the online Doctor of Pharmacy program at Creighton University, students must complete coursework and meet all program-specific requirements. Students are required to participate in experiential education. This involves completing rotations or internships at various pharmacy practice sites. Students gain hands-on experience in different pharmacy practice settings, such as:
– Hospitals
– Community pharmacies
– Ambulatory care clinics
– Specialized areas like pediatrics or geriatricsThis allows them to apply their knowledge in real-world situations. They develop patient care skills and work collaboratively with healthcare teams.
Students may also need to pass licensing examinations. For example, the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). These exams assess aspiring pharmacists’ competence in clinical and legal aspects of practice.
Graduates of the online Doctor of Pharmacy program are eligible to apply for licensure. They may pursue careers where they can contribute to patient care, medication therapy management, and medication safety.
Butler University
Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy Online Degree Pathway
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $161,000This online pharmaceutical degree is also accredited. It takes four years to complete as a hybrid program that combines online coursework with on-campus experiences. The total tuition cost for the program is around $161,000. The program offers courses in:
– Medicinal chemistry
– Pharmacology
– Pharmacotherapy
– Pharmacy lawThe degree is offered through the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Students who complete the program will earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which is required to become a licensed pharmacist.
The program is open to students who have completed a bachelor’s degree, and no specific majors are required. However, students must complete certain prerequisite courses, such as biology, chemistry, and math, before applying to the program. Students who have completed these courses can complete the online PharmD program in three years of full-time study.
BS to PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists – Pharmacist Schools Online
Are you a practicing pharmacist who wants to take a post-BS PharmD program? You will find that earning a pharmacist degree online is likely the quickest and most convenient way to get the degree. Not only do you not have to take time off of work to go to school, but you may be able to complete the experiential parts of the degree program at your current job. Plus, you can more flexibly complete your coursework online around your work and personal schedule.
For those who are considering entering the profession, a key question may be how much do pharmacists make. With a good salary and many jobs opening as our population ages, a pharmacist online degree can be a smart move. Attending pharmacist school online means that you don’t have to move if you don’t live within driving distance of a program. And you can continue your family or work schedule while you study.
Granted, you will need to travel to campus a few times for special training, orientation, or evaluations, but that can be much more convenient than commuting to school every day or moving to be near a school of pharmacy.
University of Colorado Denver
Degree: North American Trained PharmD Program
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $63,635This North American-Trained PharmD (NTPD) program is a post-baccalaureate Doctor of Pharmacy degree online. It can be completed in as little as two years. The program is online, so you can get your degree while working or attending your current pharmacy job. The total tuition cost for the program is $63,635. This is one of the cheapest online pharmacy schools in this category.
Some of the courses that are part of the program include:
– Advanced Pharmacotherapy: This course focuses on advanced concepts in pharmacotherapy, including the use of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomics in the selection and management of drug therapy.
– Pharmacy Management and Leadership: Topics related to pharmacy management and leadership. Including HR management, financial management, strategic planning, etc.
– Drug Information and Communication: The effective communication of drug information to patients, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders. Including patient counseling, drug information resources, and medical writing.
– Pharmacy Law and Ethics: The legal and ethical issues in pharmacy practice. Including drug regulation, professional ethics, and healthcare policy.
– Research and Scholarship in Pharmacy: Fundamentals of research design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Students also learn about current issues in pharmacy research and scholarship.MCPHS University
Degree: PharmD Direct Entry
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,235 per credit hourNext is the Direct-Entry PharmD online pharmacy school program at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. This degree prepares students for pharmacy careers in traditional and non-traditional settings. The program combines rigorous academic coursework with experiential education through rotations at clinical sites. Also, the degree is a direct-entry program that takes three years to complete. Direct entry involves students moving directly into the professional phase after completing the preprofessional requirement.
The first-year experience involves studying:
– Biology
– Chemistry
– Calculus
– Participating in labs
– Expository writingRequirements to enter the program include submissions of:
– Transcripts
– ACT or SAT scores
– Program applicationThe annual tuition cost for the Doctor of Pharmacy program at MCPHS is $56,970 per academic year. The cost per credit hour is $1,235.
MS to PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists
Shenandoah University – Doctor of Pharmacy (Nontraditional)
Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy (Nontraditional)
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,192 per credit hourThis Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy program is for students who want to advance their careers by earning a PharmD degree. The program is online, with two required on-campus visits per year. The tuition cost for the program is $1,192 per credit hour, with a required 46 credit hours. This is the cheapest online pharmacy school in this category.
Some courses offered in the program include:
– Advanced pharmacotherapeutics
– Pharmacokinetics
– Pharmacoepidemiology and health outcomes
– Healthcare systems and quality improvement
– Pharmacy leadership and management
– Advanced patient care
– Pharmacy law and ethicsThe program also includes several practice-based experiences. For example, advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) and a research project.
Subsequently, graduates emerge with the expertise to deliver patient-centered care. They can craft and oversee medication therapy plans and apply leadership and management principles in pharmacy practice. They may be eligible for advanced positions in clinical pharmacy, pharmacy management, or academia.
Accelerated PharmD Programs Online
You may be interested in accelerated PharmD programs online. These are for students who have already completed undergrad coursework in pharmacy or a related field. Accelerated programs are for students who want to earn their Doctor of Pharmacy degree online faster than traditional programs.
D’Youville College – Doctor of Pharmacy
Degree: Doctor of Pharmacy
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $140,000 – $180,000D’Youville College is a three-year online pharmacy school. It is ACPE-accredited. This accelerated PharmD program online requires a bachelor’s degree or prerequisite coursework. The tuition cost for the program ranges from $140,000 to $180,000, depending on scholarship aid.
The program offers students more flexibility through online courses and six short, key on-campus learning experiences. It features an accelerated trimester format that combines online coursework with on-campus lab intensives at the end of each term.
Who Are Online PharmD Programs Meant For?
Pharmacists must have a doctorate to get their license to practice, though this was not always true. The difference between a PharmD vs. pharmacist title is that the PharmD is the most up-to-date credential for licensed pharmacists.
GetEducated's Picks
- University of Colorado Denver Doctor of Pharmacy
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Doctor of Pharmacy (Pathway)
- MCPHS University Doctor of Pharmacy / Postbaccalaureate Path
Is PharmD Different from Pharmacist?
Many practicing pharmacists today have their licensure with a pharmacy bachelor’s degree, which was all that was required in the past. For those licensed pharmacists who want to advance in the field, getting a PharmD is a great way to polish up your credentials for higher employment levels. If you are a practicing pharmacist who already has a license with a pharmacy BS degree, then an online doctorate in pharmacy will take two to three years of study.
How long is pharmacy school if you have just graduated from high school?
Most accredited online pharmacy schools will require the following:
- Two years of college-level prerequisites,
- A four-year pharmacy program to complete your PharmD degree
Post-BS PharmD programs can take people with an undergraduate degree in pharmacy or another subject and train them to get a doctorate. Most online pharmacy schools will require four years to complete, whether or not you have a bachelor’s degree. Post-BS PharmD programs may accept more of the pharmacy school prerequisites. But you will still likely need four years to complete the requirements of the pharmacist degree.
GetEducated's Picks
- MCPHS University Doctor of Pharmacy / Postbaccalaureate Path
- University of Colorado Denver Doctor of Pharmacy
Is a PharmD a Doctor?
PharmD online programs are doctoral programs turning out advanced health professionals. But they are not the same as an MD or medical doctor.
Pharmacists are intimately involved in the treatment of patients and are an integral part of the medical team, but they do not have the same requirements for a long residency as medical doctors. They do some hands-on care, such as administering vaccinations, but pharmacists are involved more in the medication side of health care. Pharmacists do have experiential requirements during their training, which are even called “rotations,” just like an MD in residence, but they are of shorter duration than for the doctors.
Patients may also ask, is a PharmD a doctor? In a way, a pharmacist is similarly trusted as an MD and has the advanced skills and knowledge to participate meaningfully in patient care. The PharmD credential is the highest level of training for a pharmacist, and it is what is required, so after how hard your pharmacy school is, you can consider yourself a doctor of pharmacy, which is a highly compensated and highly responsible position. What do you learn in pharmacy school? Everything you need to know to be a high-level professional in this part of the medical field.
Online PharmD Program Grad Salary
Salary can make a huge difference when deciding whether to go through online pharmacy school. How much do pharmacists make? The median salary for pharmacists is $128,710, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a great salary to match the hard work and advanced knowledge that a pharmacist must have, and because the residency requirements are less than for other doctoral professions in medicine, it can be a terrific way to go.
While overall pharmacist employment is projected to decrease by 3% between 2019 and 2029, the jobs in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings are projected to increase by 10% in that same time period. Retail pharmacy jobs are going down somewhat because more people use mail-order pharmacies and also because pharmacy technicians can now do more of the work that used to be performed exclusively by pharmacists. Yet patient care settings will see increasing demand for pharmacists to care for a graying population.
Begin an Online PharmD Degree Program Today!
Can you do pharmacy school online? Yes! Online PharmD degree programs are excellent for pursuing a career in pharmacy. They are also perfect for advancing a current pharmacy career. Overall, online programs allow students to complete their coursework from the comfort of their own homes and on their own schedules.
Of course, if you’re interested in pursuing an online pharmacy program, it’s important to do your research. Choose accredited online PharmD programs that fit your needs and career goals.
GetEducated is the best resource for finding and comparing the best online PharmD programs. With a wide range of programs and helpful information on accreditation, tuition costs, and program details, GetEducated can help you find the right program to fit your needs and budget.
In summary, begin your career with one of many pharmacy programs online! You can start pursuing your dreams today with GetEducated.