To become a really skilled and knowledgeable Pharmacist, it is best you attend one of the best pharmacy schools in the US, and some of these schools can be found in Arizona.
This is why this article talks about the best pharmacy schools in Arizona. Not only is this a list of Pharmacy schools in Arizona, but it also comprises entry requirements for pharmacy schools in Arizona.
Ensure you read till the end to understand why these schools are referred to as the best pharmacy schools in Arizona.
Career Paths For Pharmacists
There are many things you can do with a degree in pharmacy, I will list some of them below.
1. Emergency Medicine Pharmacist
Pharmacists that specialize in emergency medicine are vital contributors to the medical team. The illnesses that emergency pharmacists treat range from chest pains and gunshot wounds to bruises and colds.
Pharmacists who specialize in emergency medicine operate in a fast-paced environment with other medical professionals who rely on their knowledge to make timely and accurate drug decisions and guarantee the best possible patient care.
2. Veterinary Pharmacist
Veterinary pharmacists prepare, dispense, and administer pharmaceuticals to treat particular ailments in sick or hurt animals as well as to keep them healthy.
Animals can be impacted by a variety of human diseases, including diabetes, asthma, heart disease, cancer, and eye and eyelid issues.
While traditional pets make up the majority of a veterinary pharmacist’s “patients,” they have the option to specialize or care for a wide range of animals.
3. Psychiatric Pharmacist
The treatment of patients with mental illnesses like depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, developmental disabilities, substance misuse, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injuries is their area of expertise.
They are well-versed in neurology, abnormal behavior, emotional disturbances, and mental illnesses (e.g., disorders of the nervous system).
4. Poison Control Pharmacist
Poison control pharmacists frequently have to make snap judgments and provide concise answers to urgent inquiries concerning toxic substances, dangerous poisons, and dangerous prescription interactions.
5. Industry Pharmacist
Industry pharmacists might work on quality control in a drug production department, perform clinical drug trials in a research department, manage drug safety data in an epidemiology department, or design novel medications in a pharmaceutics department.
How Much Do Pharmacists In Arizona Make?
According to the Pharmacy technician guide, the Salary for pharmacists is mostly determined by their industry, job location, industry expertise, and work experience. Arizona pharmacists make an average of $122,310 a year.
In Arizona, the employment of pharmacists has increased by 36.33% over the past five years while salaries have increased by 2.27%.
According to BLS data, Arizona will have job growth of 18.03% during the next 10 years, adding 200 pharmacists annually.
Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale in Arizona has the highest employment rate, entry-level pharmacists make the most in Flagstaff, and seasoned pharmacists make the most in Yuma. Tucson has the second-highest concentration of pharmacists working there, but also the lowest annual compensation.
How To Become A Pharmacist In Arizona
According to Arizona Pharmacists Licensing Board, in Arizona, a license is required to practice pharmacy.
- Candidates need to be MPJE and NAPLEX-certified.
- The minimum required internship hours are 1500.
- Candidates must hold a diploma from a pharmacy school that is recognized.
- Candidates must submit two character references at the time of application.
- Candidates must not have any criminal history
- An applicant’s legal US residency must be verified.
The application additionally needs a $50 charge.
Additional requirements apply to foreign graduates and non-US citizens:
- Must pass FPGEE
- to pass the TOEFL
Arizona also permits reciprocal licensing. charges a $300 fee.
Every two years, pharmacists in Arizona must complete 30 CE (continuing education) credits in order to keep their licenses active. Pharmacy law education is required to make up three of the credits.
The List of Pharmacy Schools In Arizona
In reality, there are only 2 pharmacy schools in Arizona, however, these schools each have different degrees in pharmacy that they award and they each have different characteristics that may attract you to apply to any of them.
The national ACPE accreditation is accepted by the state of Arizona as the benchmark. Through initial and subsequent periodic examinations, a professional degree program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is determined to meet defined criteria and educational standards, and this is known as ACPE accreditation.
All of the programs that ACPE accredits must adhere to all 25 of its accreditation standards.
Without wasting any more of your time, these are the 2 best pharmacy schools in Arizona.
1 University of Arizona
Drug use is a major issue in today’s culture. The design, development, and delivery of novel drugs are all based on pharmaceutical sciences.
A Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) from the University of Arizona is a stepping stone to careers in pharmacy, medicine, biotechnology, drug development, and regulatory affairs. This degree can also be used to test and manufacture new medications.
To produce graduates who comprehend medication design, development, and regulation, the University of Arizona’s new four-year BSPS program was created by professionals in the pharmaceutical sciences.
The BSPS program will make you competitive as an applicant for post-baccalaureate study in a graduate or health-professional degrees as well as ready for immediate work in many biomedical research settings. In the Southwest of the US, it is the only degree of its sort.
This 120-unit degree program consists of 36 units of supporting scientific coursework and 36 units of pharmaceutical sciences curriculum.
Click here to see the requirements for the undergraduate program.
A PharmD versus a BSPS:
Graduates of the BSPS program are not eligible to sit for the state board exam to become registered pharmacists; instead, they must earn a DOCTOR OF PHARMACY (PHARMD) degree if they are interested in continuing this career path.
A BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences will prepare students to apply to PharmD programs with great competition.
Learning Results:
- The BSPS program’s overarching objectives are to produce graduates with the following skills:
- Increasing knowledge of chemical-biological interactions in relation to the development and discovery of novel medications;
- Demonstrate knowledge of how the medication development process is governed by the government, including the onerous requirement for tightly regulated research;
- Utilize the scientific method to fill up knowledge gaps by formulating hypotheses, gathering and analyzing evidence, and interpreting results logically;
- Recognize the methods, abilities, and contemporary equipment used in the pharmaceutical science industry;
- Effective written and oral presentation communication.
Minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Students who desire to emphasize drug design, development, and delivery in their academic plan might do so by minoring in pharmaceutical sciences.
In addition to being a great complement to many science majors, the Pharmaceutical Sciences minor may also be a suitable fit for any student with a passion for medicine, the pharmaceutical industry, biotechnology, or pharmacy practice.
Pharm. D.
As a PharmD student at the University of Arizona, you will use your understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to comprehend and monitor the molecular mechanisms of drug action, pharmacological uses, therapeutic roles, side effects, and potential drug interactions.
This information is utilized in clinical settings throughout your training, where you will get experience working in long-term care homes, community care settings, hospitals, and pharmacies.
Providing patient-centered care, protecting patient safety, enhancing community health, fostering regular team communication and collaboration, and quality improvement in all aspects of care are all core competencies addressed throughout your training.
Masters
An MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree is available from the UA College of Pharmacy.
While the PhD track offers rigorous scientific instruction, the MS programs have distinct academic prerequisites and less intensive research training. Two separate MS degrees are available from the College of Pharmacy.
- Health & Pharmaceutical Outcomes Graduate Program Track
The MS (thesis and non-thesis) program’s objective is to equip students with the fundamental knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to succeed in managerial and leadership roles in the fields of economic analysis, pharmaceutical outcomes, pharmaceutical services, and health care in healthcare organizations, governmental organizations, pharmaceutical companies, and academic institutions. An MS in pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on medical and pharmaceutical outcomes will be awarded to students. Read more.
- Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Science (MSPS) Program Track
For the spring of 2023, the MSPS program is presently accepting applications.
For individuals looking to develop in their professions or consider pursuing an additional degree, the MSPS degree offers a thorough background in pharmaceutical sciences.
This degree is perfect for those looking to transition into a PhD program, for professionals in mid-career seeking additional training in the field, for students seeking experience in a variety of pharmacy research areas, and for those pursuing degrees in medicine, pharmacy, or other advanced health sciences.
Students can choose to study courses in Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmaceutics, Health & Pharmaceutical Outcomes, and Drug Discovery & Development. Three semesters are required to finish this non-thesis program. Read more.
View requirements for the masters program.
Ph.D.
PhD programs in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacology and toxicology are available from the UA College of Pharmacy. There are four paths available for graduate programs, giving students their choice.
You will be immersed in well-funded research and educational opportunities in classrooms and laboratories at numerous locations during their graduate programs. Before choosing a research mentor who shares your interests, you will go through three to four rotations in the lab.
You will also take part in many seminars and symposiums throughout your program that are intended to improve your professional development abilities. It is encouraged to travel to scientific conferences, and annual funding helps cover expenses. The average length of time it takes to complete a PhD graduate degree is under five years.
- Drug Discovery & Development Graduate Program Track
Through this graduate program track, students learn how to use cutting-edge technology to develop novel molecular treatments that interact with particular biological targets that underlie human disease. Students who focus on drug discovery and development will graduate with a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences. Read more.
- Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics Graduate Program Track
Pharmaceutical dosage forms are developed and designed in pharmaceutics. Future scientists are taught in this graduate school track how to design formulations that best regulate the bioavailability of medications.
A PhD in pharmaceutical sciences with a focus on pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics will be awarded to graduates. Read more.
- Health & Pharmaceutical Outcomes Graduate Program Track
The purpose of the PhD program is to equip students with the advanced knowledge and strong research techniques they need to explore and evaluate the effects of pharmaceutical services and goods on healthcare systems.
There is a demand for people with advanced training in health and pharmaceutical outcomes research due to the extensive benefits of medicines in today’s society and the rising consumption and application of pharmaceutical services.
Students that focus on health and pharmaceutical outcomes will get a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences. Read more.
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Graduate Program Track
This graduate program track educates students to identify prospective therapeutic targets, characterize harmful effects of substances such as medications, industrial chemicals, and environmental contaminants, and determine mechanisms of action for pharmaceuticals. Students will acquire a PhD degree in pharmacology and toxicology. Read more.
Click here for more information.
Admissions: For consideration for admission to the College of Pharmacy PharmD program for the fall of 2023, prospective PharmD students may submit an application through PharmCAS starting on July 14, 2022.
November 1, 2022, is the priority application deadline. Meeting the priority deadline has the following advantages:
- Increased likelihood of earning an admissions offer through the rolling admissions process.
- Improved odds of earning an offer of admission to your selected campus, Phoenix or Tucson.
- Improved opportunities to win the $10,000 Coit Admissions Scholarship, a distinguished merit prize.
- Top candidates will receive Coit Admissions Scholarships on a rolling basis starting in January 2023.
- The ability to use Scholarship Universe, UArizona’s scholarship portal, to apply for College of Pharmacy scholarships.
The last day to submit an application is March 1, 2023.
To qualify, applicants must submit their applications by the priority deadline of November 1 and have PharmCAS verify their supporting documentation by December 31, 2022.
To gain access to the Scholarship Universe portal, applicants must accept their admissions offer within two weeks of receiving it and follow all instructions provided by the Office of Student Services. Every year, the scholarship application period for the College of Pharmacy runs from mid-February to mid-April.
Students must:
- Complete all prerequisite courses.
- Have a competitive GPA (minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale)
- Submit official transcripts
- Submit 3 letters of recommendation
Tuition for Pharm. D. program is $28,000.00 for in-state students and $48,200.00 for out-of-state students.
2. Mid Western University
The Downers Grove Campus of the College of Pharmacy has a strong emphasis on developing pharmacists who are caring and patient-centered.
Their three-year, student-centered curriculum blends the most recent advances in basic and pharmaceutical sciences while placing a strong emphasis on the clinical expertise and experiences you’ll need to succeed.
Your career as a pharmacist will be built by CPDG through the breadth of collaborations with the top hospitals, clinics, and a variety of pharmacies in the area, as well as through the successful track record of their alumni.
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program is available; it lasts three years full-time and has 125 students in the class.
Originally known as the American College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Midwestern University was established in 1900.
Since its founding in 1991, the College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove Campus (CPDG) has been training patient-centered pharmacists for a variety of practice settings.
This lovely gated campus, which is 25 miles west of Chicago and has 105 acres of wooded terrain, offers students first-rate living and educational options.
PCAT scores are no longer required as part of the admissions process (though you are welcome to submit them if you wish to enhance your application).
You will take part in interactive lectures, labs, workshops, clinical simulations, and introductory pharmacy practice experiences over your first two years in the program.
The students’ safety is given first importance in these settings. Interactive technology is therefore seen as necessary, along with limited group sizes and other safety precautions.
You will take part in advanced pharmacy practice experiences during your senior year, where you will learn outside of the classroom in a variety of healthcare settings.
They have long-standing relationships with the top hospitals, healthcare organizations, clinics, and a variety of pharmacies in the Chicago area, which enables them to provide you with a wide range of rotation sites as you learn about the various ways that pharmacists provide patient-centered care. Rotations with foreign, out-of-state, and government organizations are also possible.
Click here for more information.
Admission: Students applying to CPDG must provide the following supporting documentation:
- Completion of 62 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of necessary non-remedial courses from recognized postsecondary Canadian institutions or regionally accredited U.S. colleges or universities that employ English as its principal medium of instruction and documentation.
- A minimum cumulative GPA and science GPA of 2.50 on a scale of 4.00 is preferred.
- “C” or better grades in necessary courses (grades of C- are not accepted)
- For entrance, a PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) score is not necessary. However, the submission of PCAT scores is preferred to strengthen the application if the applicant’s cumulative and science GPAs are below 2.75.
- Demonstrate you are a people- or service-oriented mindset through extracurricular activities or community service.
- Through prior employment, volunteerism, or other life experiences, demonstrate motivation for and dedication to the pharmacy profession.
- Communication abilities, both verbal and written, are needed while interacting with patients and coworkers.
- Finish the CPDG on-campus interview procedure (by invitation only). Virtual interviews may be conducted if necessary.
- satisfactory criminal history check from Midwestern University.
- The Midwestern University’s commitment to upholding its drug-free workplace and substance abuse policy.
Click here to apply.
FAQs
How many pharmacy schools are in Arizona?
There are now 2 schools in Arizona that are acknowledged as ACPE-accredited that provide the PharmD. Midwestern University’s pharmacy school and the pharmacy school of the University of Arizona.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist in Arizona?
Students are prepared for entry into the pharmacy profession through the Pharm. D. program.
Five years of study are needed for the full degree, including two years for pre-requisite coursework at a college and three academic years at a College of Pharmacy.
How do I become a pharmacist in Arizona?
Applying to the state board for licensure as a pharmacist in Arizona must be done no later than 30 days before graduation.
After that, you must sign up at the NABP website for the NAPLEX and MPJE tests. The NABP website typically updates with exam results 48–72 hours after the exam.
Does ASU have a pharmacy school?
Yes, ASU gives pre-pharmacy students a range of benefits, including opportunities to meet with pharmacy school admission counselors and practice pharmacy school interviews, and does a good job of preparing students for pharmacy school.
What degree does a pharmacist need?
A minimum of two years of specialized undergraduate college study are required for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program, which is followed by four academic years (or three calendar years) of professional pharmacy education.
Typically, students who have completed three or more years of college enroll in a pharmacy degree program.
What subjects are needed to become a pharmacist?
Students should enroll in advanced-level biology, chemistry, physics, and math classes. Good written and verbal communication skills are a key tool for pharmacists because, in addition to having science abilities, they must impart their understanding of medications to patients and medical professionals.
How long does it take to become a pharmacy technician in Arizona?
The amount of time spent in training ranges from 100 to 750 contact hours, or 2 to 10 months.
How do I become a pharmacist?
Verify that you have completed all necessary courses as well as the criteria for pharmacy school. Take the test for admission to pharmacy school (PCAT).
To obtain a doctorate (PHARM D), submit an application to a pharmaceutical school. Make that the pharmacy program has the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education’s seal of approval.
How many pharmacists are in Arizona?
In Arizona, hospitals employ 2,050 pharmacists and pay them $125,090 a year, whereas retail pharmacies employ 3,500 pharmacists and pay an average of $119,780.
Is a degree in pharmacy worth it?
One of the main benefits of pharmacy school is that graduates make a lot of money immediately out of college.
The average annual salary for pharmacy professionals is $128,710, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
How much do pharmacists tech make in Arizona?
In Arizona, a Pharmacy Technician can generally expect to make $37,500 per year on average, or up to $18.03 per hour if they choose to work part-time.
How hard is the pharmacy tech exam?
Your performance on the PTCB exam will be influenced by a number of variables, such as your test-taking skills, the amount of preparation you did, and the questions you are given. Between 1995 and 2020, the PTCE had an average pass rate of 72%. 70% of test takers in 2020 successfully completed the exam.