In this article, we quickly take at the top pharmacy schools in Colorado, which happen to also be the only pharmacy schools in Colorado. We take a look at the programs offered by these schools and the entry requirements for pharmacy schools in Colorado.
A pharmacist is a member of the medical profession who has received special training in handling, preparing, and dispensing various drugs.
They are crucial in informing patients on how to take or administer their drugs. Additionally, they work as a “last check” to guarantee that dosages are accurate and that a patient won’t suffer any unfavorable or dangerous drug interactions.
The possibilities for pharmacy schools in Colorado are excellent. We have the data you need to make the best choice for you, whether you live in Colorado or are considering moving to the Midwest for the greatest education.
You can quickly and easily choose the ideal pharmacy school for you with the help of this extensive database of pharmacy programs.
How To Become A Licensed Pharmacist In Colorado
According to the Colorado pharmacists licensing board, In Colorado, a license is required to practice pharmacy.
Requirements consist of:
- Candidates need to be NAPLEX-certified.
- Candidates need to be MPJE-certified.
- Candidates need 1500 hours of the internship experience.
- Candidates must hold a diploma from a pharmacy school that is accredited.
- Candidates must be free of any criminal history.
- An application fee of $234 is also necessary.
- A duplicate of a government-issued ID.
Additional requirements apply to foreign graduates and non-US citizens:
- FPGEE and TOEFL scores are requirements.
Colorado also allows licensure by reciprocity.
Every two years, pharmacists in Colorado must complete 24 CE (continuing education) credits in order to keep their licenses active.
How Much Do Pharmacists In Colorado Make?
The average annual salary for a pharmacist in Colorado is $118,370 as of August 30, 2022. That comes out to about $56.91 an hour, in case you need a quick pay calculator. This amounts to $2,276 every week or $9,864 per month.
Despite the fact that there are reports of wages as high as $138,564 and as low as $45,876, the bulk of pharmacist salaries now falls between $97,369 (25th percentile) and $117,967 (75th percentile), with the highest earners (90th percentile) in Colorado making $129,202 yearly.
The wide range of average salaries for pharmacists (up to $20,598) implies that there may be many potentials for wage increases and promotions based on experience, location, and skill level.
The Colorado pharmacist job market is not extremely active right now because there aren’t many employers hiring, according to recent job posting activity on ZipRecruiter.
In terms of pharmacist salary, Colorado comes in at number five out of 50 states.
The List of Pharmacy Schools In Colorado
There are 2 schools in Colorado that provide some form of the pharmacy curriculum. You must obtain your PharmD degree from one of the Colorado pharmacy schools mentioned here that have been accredited by ACPE if you want to practice as a pharmacist (as opposed to a pharmacy technician or pharmacy tech).
The only thing left to do after finishing your graduate program at one of these institutions is to pass the NAPLEX and MPJE exams and submit an application for a license.
1. Regis University
The Pharm.D. program at Regis is anything but typical. Through a hands-on, interactive learning style, their students enter into the gratifying and flexible healthcare industry. Students get a first-hand view of what it’s like to be on the front lines of giving care and preserving patient health right away.
The program places a strong emphasis on social justice while also helping students grow as full people and preparing graduates to treat patients in a similar manner after graduation.
Graduates from Regis are uniquely qualified when they enter the workforce. They provide small class sizes and faculty committed to serving as mentors and educating skilled and sympathetic pharmacy workers.
Students gain the critical thinking and communication abilities necessary to contribute significantly to a health care team through the Team-Based Learning approach.
The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Regis University School of Pharmacy is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
The Pharm.D. curriculum at the Regis University School of Pharmacy includes experiential learning as well as traditional classroom instruction.
Students can choose from a variety of clinical education sites where they can gain practical experience while being supervised by qualified preceptors in hospitals, communities, and other clinic settings.
Click here for more information.
Admission: PharmCAS should be used to submit all materials for the Pharm.D. program, including:
- Online application
- One recommendation letter
- All college coursework official transcripts
- Application essay
- PCAT (optional)
It is not necessary to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). Prerequisite coursework can be recorded as “in progress” at the time of application but must be finished before matriculation.
All applications are initially evaluated on a rolling basis for proof of the fundamental requirements for admission to the Pharm.D. program, and those who meet the requirements will be invited for an on-campus interview.
All interviews will take place between October and April. Date and time information will be included in letters of invitation for interviews.
The applicant is in charge of making sure that all other obligations can be fulfilled on the designated day and time. Only a few virtual interviews will be conducted on an individual basis.
Start by submitting an application to the pre-pharmacy track within your Regis College academic program if you are a high school student interested in joining Regis University as a pre-pharmacy student to be considered for smooth admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
If newly matriculated first-year students at Regis University (specifically Regis College) successfully complete all guaranteed admission policy requirements upon entry into the PharmD program, they may be eligible for guaranteed admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program as a Pharmacy Scholar.
A chance to secure a position in the doctor of pharmacy program is guaranteed admittance. The criteria for eligibility are exceptionally high and rigorous:
- A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0;
- 3.0 and above cumulative math/science GPA;
- C or higher grades in all courses taken at Regis University;
- Recommendation of pre-professional advisor
Education Costs
The cost of tuition for the academic year 2022–2023 is $1,138 per credit hour.
150 program credits overall in this program.
Deposit for Enrollment: $500
If accepted, you will need to pay a non-refundable enrollment deposit to secure your spot in the Pharm.D. program. Your tuition will be covered by the deposit.
2. University Of Colorado
Students from all over the world study with award-winning experts in a top-notch medical setting at the Skaggs School of Pharmacy.
Practical training is interactive, cross-disciplinary, and career-focused. The curriculum is innovative and agile, preparing students to be leaders in the burgeoning pharmacy careers of the future, from the entry-level PharmD program to flexible online degrees.
Their four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum will provide you the skills necessary to succeed in a wide range of exciting occupations. It is the only degree that will equip you to work as a licensed pharmacist in the United States. This highly regarded PharmD course is now offered both on their top-notch medical campus and via a cutting-edge online format.
Online Programs:
For more than 20 years, the Office of Distance Degrees and Programs at CU Pharmacy has provided flexible degree programs for working professionals.
Although the early forms of online education have changed, the industry is still devoted to providing healthcare professionals with more career possibilities by providing flexible, creative, and engaging graduate degree and certificate programs.
To see all online pharmacy programs, click here.
Master of Science (MS) Degrees:
Looking to advance your career while learning from leading scientists and pharmacists? Your master’s degree alternatives from them can help you stand out.
They provide routes in clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, and palliative care. Each program is created for a specific group of students who want to advance their knowledge of pharmacy research or clinical practice.
Click here to find out more about the master’s program.
Ph.D. Program:
You’ll be prepared to explore highly specialized fields and contribute your own discoveries by working with top researchers. Their graduates have gone on to work in government positions, in the private sector, and for other prestigious colleges.
They provide Ph.D. programs with concentrations in molecular toxicology, clinical translational science, pharmaceutical outcomes research, and pharmaceutical sciences. Click here to find out more.
Click here for more information about the school.
Admission: The Pharmacy College Application Service, or PharmCAS, is a centralized application service for applying to numerous degree programs offered by schools and the college of pharmacy.
It can be used to apply to the Doctor of Pharmacy program. PharmCAS is intended for professional PharmD degree programs in their first year.
- Sign up for a PharmCAS account.
- On your application, indicate the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy.
- The deadline must be met with regard to applications, assessments, transcripts, and application costs.
FAQs
How many pharmacy schools are in Colorado?
Two institutions in Colorado offer the doctor of pharmacy programs.
How long does it take to become a pharmacist in Colorado?
Depending on the Pharm.D. program you select, it may take some time before you can start practicing. The majority of standalone Pharm.D. programs last four years.
It will take eight years to become a pharmacist if you finish your bachelor’s degree before beginning your program, but you can start working sooner if you enroll in a program after two or three years of undergraduate study.
Some Pharm.D. programs take six years to complete and accept students straight out of high school.
How do I become a pharmacist in Colorado?
In Colorado, a license is required to practice pharmacy.
- Passing the NAPLEX and MPJE are two requirements for the Colorado pharmacist license.
- 1500 hours of internship.
- A diploma from a pharmacy school with accreditation.
- Zero criminal history
How long is a pharmacy degree?
Although there are a few five-year sandwich programs that include a year of work experience, accredited pharmacy degree programs last for four years.
The course blends theoretical study with the development of practical skills.
Does CU Denver have a pharmacy program?
Yes, their four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) curriculum will provide you with the skills necessary to succeed in a wide range of exciting occupations.
How do you become a licensed pharmacist?
- Make sure you complete all necessary courses as well as the requirements for pharmacy school at the undergraduate level.
- Take the test for admission to pharmacy school (PCAT).
- To pursue a (PHARM D) degree, apply to a pharmacy school.
- Verify if the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education has accredited the pharmacy program.
Can pharmacists prescribe in Colorado?
In the state of Colorado, three statewide protocols have arisen and been authorized, including hormonal contraception, smoking cessation therapy, and self-administered HIV preventive medication. Pharmacists having the proper training may prescribe and administer drugs in accordance with certain state-wide regulations.
Does Colorado have a state-controlled substance license?
State Controlled Substance Licenses are not issued by the State of Colorado.
Does UCSD require PCAT?
Take science classes before applying, they strongly advise. They don’t require any standardized assessments as part of their program.
Is pharmacy hard to study?
In comparison to engineering and medicine, it is one of the simpler fields. Learning to become a pharmacist is a wonderful experience. In the second year, you will learn everything there is to know about math, engineering, chemistry, psychology, and—most importantly—biology, microbiology, and pharmacology of the human body and medications.