In this article, we quickly take a look at the 30 best pharmacy schools in US. This is useful information for those seeking to start an undergraduate degree, a master’s, or a doctorate in any Pharmacy program.
Links are provided to see programs available in each school, entry requirements for pharmacy schools in the US and also tuition for these pharmacy schools.
Pharmacy is a fascinating, vibrant field of medicine. Pharmacists are knowledgeable about all types of medications.
Pharmaceuticals, nuclear pharmacy, mental pharmacy, transplant medicine, and many other fields offer jobs for pharmacists. The majority of pharmacists express high levels of satisfaction in their work.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, From 2020 to 2030, there will be a 2% reduction in pharmacist employment.
Despite a decline in employment, pharmacist job opportunities are expected to increase by 11,300 annually on average over the next ten years. All of those positions are anticipated to become available as a result of the need to replace workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.
In May 2021, the average yearly salary for pharmacists was $128,570. The middle 10% made less than $76,840, while the top 10% made more than $164,590.
Continue reading for more information.
Degrees in Pharmacy Education
B.pharm
A bachelor’s degree in pharmacy is the equivalent of an undergraduate degree. This degree is frequently a requirement for registration to practice as a pharmacist.
PharmB and PharmD are identical because they are both requirements for obtaining a license in most western nations.
M.pharm
The typical master’s program in pharmacy is the Master of Sciences in Pharmacy. Given that it takes five years to complete, it is the most senior honorary diploma that the European Colleges of Pharmacy have ever granted.
It is built on a credit structure that is more advanced than the typical Bachelor of Pharmacy degree.
Pharm.D
To become a pharmacist, you must have a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited university. You can practice pharmacy in the United States after earning a PharmD degree and passing the necessary licensing tests.
What is a PhD in Pharmacy?
A PhD holder would be qualified to teach and conduct pharmacy-related research development, as well as to work in regulatory affairs, consulting, science editing, and clinical trial management.
Career Paths In Pharmacy And Complete Path to Become A Pharmacist In US
I urge you to read more about these career specialties if you are considering a career in the sector in order to determine which one is the greatest fit for you.
1. Ambulatory Care Pharmacist
One-on-one consultations with patients and their carers about the safe and effective use of drugs are conducted by ambulatory care pharmacists.
2. Cardiology Pharmacist
Cardiology pharmacists participate in patient rounds with other healthcare providers and are experts in pharmaceuticals intended for patients with or at risk for cardiovascular disease.
3. Community Pharmacist
The members of the healthcare team that are easiest to reach are community pharmacists. In addition to preparing and dispensing prescriptions, they utilize their knowledge to counsel patients about the safe and proper use of pharmaceuticals, ensure that the medications and doses are suitable given the patient’s health and other variables, and prevent drug interactions.
4. Compounding Pharmacist
When a patient’s specific needs are not met by commercially available medicinal products or in response to a prescription, compounding pharmacists create customized or personalized drugs.
5. Geriatric Pharmacist
Senior care or consultant pharmacists, commonly referred to as geriatric pharmacists, are experts in treating older people who may use a number of medications to treat a variety of chronic health disorders like diabetes, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, pain, or other aging-related conditions.
How To Become A Licensed Pharmacist In The United States
- To practice, a pharmacist needs to hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Many students only complete two or three years of undergraduate study before enrolling in Pharm.D. programs.
- Find a Pharm.D. program that has been accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education before applying.
Concentrate on getting good grades in the prerequisite undergraduate courses including biology, calculus, statistics, human anatomy and physiology, organic chemistry, biochemistry, general chemistry, and more.
- All states require pharmacists to have a license before they may work. The North American Pharmacist Licensing Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multi-State Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) are typically required for licensure in addition to completing an accredited Pharm.D. program.
The List of 30 Best Pharmacy Schools In US
In the United States, becoming a pharmacist requires three to four years of undergraduate pre-professional (prerequisite) study, followed by four academic years in the professional degree. The majority of students require four years to finish their prerequisite courses. As a result, earning a Pharm normally requires eight years of undergraduate education.
Also, in the United States, there are over 120 pharmacy schools. As a result, selecting the finest pharmacy school requires caution. Without further ado, these are the top 30 pharmacy schools in US in no particular order.
1 University of North Carolina—Chapel Hill
They are on a path of educational innovation at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, breaking down boundaries in research and enhancing human health around the world. Every day, they strive to help individuals live longer, better lives. They are working together to advance life-saving medicine.
At the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, they offer a Pharm.D. degree program as well as two dual-degree programs.
Click here for more information.
2 University of California—San Francisco
The UCSF PharmD degree program academically prepares you for a broad career in pharmacy practice while also supporting your professional progress and well-being as a student.
Their one-of-a-kind three-year, year-round program is founded on scientific thinking. Coursework is linked across academic areas, and students learn in groups on a regular basis. You’ll build the basic knowledge, pharmacy practice abilities, and patient care experiences you’ll need for a future in pharmacy as a caring, patient-centered expert in the safe and effective use of medicines on this foundation.
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3 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
The PharmD and PhD programs at Michigan are among the most sought-after in the country thanks to their well-deserved reputations for academic and scientific excellence. Their illustrious track record of teacher and alumni accomplishment helps to explain their standing.
The College is just minutes from a significant life sciences institute, a top-rated teaching hospital and medical center, and a wide array of nationally-ranked schools, college departments, and institutes. It is situated on the central campus of the renowned University of Michigan. There is no better place to go if your objective is to receive a one-of-a-kind education than the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy.
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4 University of Minnesota
In Minnesota, there is only one pharmacy college. They can better serve Minnesotans, particularly those in rural areas, thanks to its campuses in the Twin Cities and Duluth.
The University of Minnesota Academic Health Center, a building complex created expressly for health education, research, and practice, is where the college is located. Modern classrooms, laboratories, and more than 350,000 volumes of pharmacy reference books are all available to pharmacy students.
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5 University of Florida
The University of Florida College of Pharmacy has been training future leaders in pharmacy practice and science for nearly a century and is currently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 pharmacy college in Florida and in the Top 5 nationally. Award-winning academics at campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orlando work to advance clinical innovation, pharmacy education, and high-impact research to improve the health of Floridians and people everywhere.
The University of Florida College of Pharmacy offers three exciting cities where students can choose to study pharmacy, with campuses in Gainesville, Jacksonville, and Orlando. Pharm.D. students at all three campuses follow the same course of study, and cutting-edge videoconferencing enables classmates and professors to collaborate in real time.
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6 University of Kentucky
The UKCOP Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Program is committed to a comprehensive, learner-centered training model that offers its students instruction, advice, and mentorship in three domains: breadth (across pharmaceutical sciences disciplines), career (focused on real-world skills and experiences, driven by individual student goals), and scientific depth (project-based research to achieve expertise and rigor).
They prepare students to become rigorous scientists with an emphasis on medications and drug therapy and who are capable of leading in the fields of academics, medicine, business, and society.
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7 Ohio State University
The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, which was founded in 1885, is a world authority on pharmaceutical education, research, and clinical practice.
The college, which is a part of one of the largest health science campuses in the country, is home to top-notch instructors, committed researchers, and outstanding students who are setting the standard for patient care results.
According to U.S. News & World Report, the college’s professional program is currently ranked seventh nationwide.
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8 Purdue University
Three departments make up the College of Pharmacy, some of which provide MS and PhD graduate programs:
- Industrial & Physical Pharmacy: The focus of this department is on industrial pharmacy, biopharmaceutics/pharmacokinetics, and physical pharmacy, with work in all areas of pharmaceutics. This department also conducts research and provides services in these three interrelated areas.
- Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology: To advance human health, this department seeks to understand the fundamental chemical and biological sciences.
- Pharmacy Practice: This division houses the country’s oldest pharmacy administration program as well as a clinical pharmacy that specializes in two fields: clinical science and educational evaluation.
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9 University of Illinois—Chicago
Chicago and Rockford are the two campuses where the UIC College of Pharmacy is situated. The campuses are around 90 miles apart, but the most advanced distance learning technologies and a shared goal to develop the next generation of pharmacy executives keep them continually connected.
The PharmD curriculum at UIC places a strong emphasis on a practice-ready, patient-centered program of study that also fosters interprofessional teamwork abilities. The program offers eight distinct concentrations that let students focus on subjects related to their professional aspirations.
UIC PharmD students transform throughout the course of the four-year program into adaptable, thoughtful, and analytical practitioners who are ready for leadership roles in delivering high-quality care in a variety of settings.
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10 University of Texas—Austin
One of the nation’s top centers for pharmaceutical education and research is the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. Pharmacists are heavily involved in overseeing drug therapy, providing medication use counseling, and tracking the results of drug therapy.
Future practitioners are equipped by their doctor of pharmacy curriculum to take on these difficulties as lifelong learners and leaders in drug therapy management. In addition to the inter-institutional Ph.D. program in translational research, they offer graduate programs leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees in pharmacy with a research emphasis.
An outstanding faculty oversees student learning experiences in both patient care and research, bringing leading edge research and clinical knowledge to the classroom.
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11 University of Washington
In order to assure the safe, sane, and economical use of medications, the University of Washington School of Pharmacy is dedicated to training the next generation of professionals in pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, and healthcare.
They train aspiring pharmacists to collaborate with other medical specialists to deliver integrative, accessible, and caring pharmaceutical treatment with the aim of improving patient outcomes. Additionally, they provide top-notch graduate and post-graduate programs that are designed to give students the basic and advanced training they need in the fields of pharmaceutical, clinical, and health outcomes sciences.
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12 University of Wisconsin—Madison
For more than 135 years, the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy has produced some of the best scientists and pharmacists in the world. Future healthcare leaders are developed in the students through their adaptable curricula, celebrated educational innovation, and dedication to experiential learning.
Their programs are based on the most recent developments in biological, pharmacological, sociological, and clinical knowledge as well as practical clinical skills to improve patient care for a range of groups.
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13 University of Pittsburgh
Unique, highly motivated people can receive graduate-level training from the School of Pharmacy. Their goal is to prepare the next generation of decision-makers and leaders who want to improve community health via excellent basic and clinical research.
Major advantages include cutting edge technologies, diversified training opportunities, and highly talented, well-funded research professors.
Click here for entry requirements and tuition details.
14 University at Buffalo—SUNY
The world-renowned researchers, nationally renowned educators, and clinicians at the UB School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences inspire intellectual curiosity, push the boundaries of science, and inspire students to become the next generation of leaders advancing health care through innovative medication management and drug discovery.
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15 University of Maryland—Baltimore
The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy is a national and international leader in pharmacy education, research, patient care, and community involvement. They encourage greatness in their students with a modern curriculum, cutting-edge learning opportunities, and wise professional connections.
The School of Pharmacy has 870 PharmD, PhD, and masters students enrolled, 6,000 School of Pharmacy alumni working and living all over the world, and it is the 4TH-oldest pharmacy school in the United States, having been established in 1841.
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16 University of Southern California
The school has supported ground-breaking projects in research, education, and practice since its foundation in 1905 while nurturing future generations of leaders. Innovative regulatory strategies, significant health policy changes, ground-breaking laboratory discoveries, and revolutionary partnerships in medication management and chronic disease prevention are just a few examples of their influence.
The first PharmD program, a doctorate in regulatory science, and programs in healthcare decision analysis are just a few of the advancements in the curriculum. According to data from the school’s Papadopoulos Lab, they are the eighth most innovative university, and they have four American Pharmacists Awards Pinnacle Awards (a national record)
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17 University of Utah
With the pharmacotherapeutic knowledge, professional skills, and social awareness needed to deliver the highest standards in pharmacy care and patient-specific drug therapy, the PharmD program produces highly qualified professional pharmacy practitioners.
In addition to academic, research, administrative, business management, legal, regulatory, and investment career tracks, the PhD programs aim to enable graduate students to work independently, professionally, and technically in a range of situations.
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18 University of California—San Diego
UC San Diego SSPPS offers students a cutting-edge and adaptable curriculum leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. The program is closely linked to the excellent clinical, research, and academic programs in the School of Medicine and is taught by a distinguished faculty in the health sciences. 280 Pharm.D. students are enrolled at steady-state.
UC San Diego is one of the top research-intensive universities in the country and provides outstanding possibilities for professional education and research in the health sciences.
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19 University of Iowa
The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy has led the way in pharmacy education, innovation, and healthcare delivery since 1885 by producing the best pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. They offer both the PharmD and PhD degree programs in this school.
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20 University of Arizona
The College of Pharmacy, which has a 75-year history, was the University of Arizona’s first college of health sciences. The college is now regarded as one of the best pharmacy schools in the country.
The University of Arizona (UArizona) College of Pharmacy aims to establish and support a culture that values and respects individual differences. In an ongoing effort to foster and uphold a sense of belonging and respect for all persons, the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy is dedicated to inclusiveness.
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21 University of Colorado—Denver
A four-year professional degree program called the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) can prepare you for a range of employment in the exciting field of pharmacy. They’ll train you to work in a range of healthcare settings as a medicine specialist who improves patients’ lives, from hospitals to pharmaceutical businesses.
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22 University of Tennessee Health Science Center
The only highly regarded pharmacy school in Tennessee has been fostering excellence in pharmacy practice, education, and research for more than a century.
The development of their clinical and research-intensive education programs continue to demonstrate why UTHSC remains one of the top 20 colleges of pharmacy in the country, especially with the implementation of a new curriculum focused on experiential learning, a $36.7 million multidisciplinary simulation center, and continuous growth of their Nashville campus.
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23 Virginia Commonwealth University
One of the top-ranked institutions in the country, the VCU School of Pharmacy has helped thousands of people establish successful careers in the health sciences.
The institution provides a rigorous curriculum with a strong emphasis on modern practice and pharmaceutical research to enhance patient care. Master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral programs all have students enrolled.
The VCU School of Pharmacy is located on the VCU Health campus in Richmond, Virginia, and is coordinated with the hospitals, clinics, and research of VCU Health. It also has satellite campuses at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and the Inova Health System in Northern Virginia. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education has granted the school accreditation.
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24 Rutgers University (Mario)
Their PharmD program features near 100% success rates on the pharmaceutical licensing exam, demonstrating the best caliber of instruction. Faculty members push the limits of pharmacy knowledge, and students learn about these discoveries in the classroom and in the lab.
They give access to more than 1,800 clinical practice sites through one of the most comprehensive rotation programs in the nation. Through practice and service, their students currently work to promote healthier communities using their expertise of pharmacy.
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25 University of Georgia
One of the greatest pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences degree programs in Georgia, the Southeast, and the country is provided by the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy.
The College of Pharmacy at UGA offers a top-notch education delivered by globally renowned faculty in a hands-on, research-based setting. Simply put, this is the best location to get ready for a career in pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy.
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26 University of Kansas
One of the top pharmacy schools in the nation, the KU School of Pharmacy is a top-tier research institution.
For students who want to work as pharmacists, their Pharm.D. Program offers a doctor of pharmacy degree. Students finish two years of pre-pharmacy coursework before beginning the four-year degree. Each year, around 150 applicants are accepted to the program, 20 of whom will attend the Wichita campus.
The KU School of Pharmacy is home to the Pharm.D. Program, the Neurosciences Program, the departments of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology & Toxicology, and Pharmacy Practice. Master’s and doctoral degrees are available from the departments of pharmaceutical chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology & toxicology.
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27 University of Mississippi
One of the most successful and highly regarded pharmacy schools in the nation is now the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy. Both notable researchers and working pharmacists have come from it. It started out with a small group of students and faculty and is now one of the university’s finest achievements.
Faser Hall, which is part of the Oxford Campus of the University of Mississippi, is where the School of Pharmacy is housed. The facility comprises 52,079 assignable square feet and houses academic offices, labs, and a skills lab. Each department has its own unique research tools.
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28 University of Nebraska Medical Center
Their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) professional program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmaceutical Education and is listed among the top colleges of pharmacy in the United States by U.S. News and World Report.
The Master of Science (MS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are available through their graduate program in pharmaceutical sciences.
In addition to medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, drug delivery, biophysics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, they provide graduate students with the opportunity to do research in a wide range of other fields as well.
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29 University of Connecticut
With their combined BS/Pharm.D., Ph.D., and dual degree programs get ready for a fulfilling career in healthcare.
A pharmacy education at UConn is distinguished by outstanding instructors, stimulating academic inquiry, ground-breaking research, and significant community involvement.
They give distinctive co-curricular tracks and independent study options that open up doors for flexibility, personalized education, and the development of students’ leadership skills in the pharmacy industry, which is constantly changing.
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30 University of Cincinnati
West of the Alleghenies, the Cincinnati College of Pharmacy was the first pharmacy school to open its doors.
The Ohio Legislature granted it a license in 1850, and it ran as a private college until July 1954, when it became a crucial component of the University of Cincinnati.
The PharmD program offers students a dynamic and demanding environment in which to obtain a PharmD degree and obtain their pharmacy license. The program is fully accredited through June 2022.
Intensive research Students in pharmaceutical sciences MS and PhD programs have the option of concentrating their study in one of three fields: bio-membrane science, experimental therapies, or health outcomes.
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FAQs
How many pharmacy schools are in the US?
There are 141 colleges and schools of pharmacy having accredited (full or candidate status) professional degree programs in the United States as of January 2022, and 1 institution with pre-candidate status.
How many years does it take to become a pharmacist in USA?
Pre-professional (prerequisite) education at the undergraduate level for three to four years is followed by four academic years of the professional program. To finish their necessary courses, most students need four years. In order to obtain a Pharm.D students often enroll in eight years of education.
How much does it take to study pharmacy in USA?
The cost of pursuing a master’s degree in pharmacy in the USA ranges from 28,000 USD to 103,000 USD. This primarily represents the program’s tuition costs. International students must have an additional $2,000 per month to cover living expenses in the United States.
Is pharmacy school Hard?
There is no doubt that pharmacy school is difficult, with required areas like as pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacokinetics. According to the American Associations of Colleges of Pharmacy, more than 10% of those who enroll in pharmacy school do not complete their studies.
What is the highest degree in pharmacy?
The professional Pharm.D degree is the highest degree available to practicing pharmacists, however a Ph.D is also available.
Is a PharmD worth it?
PharmD graduates may make $5.66 million to $6.29 million in net career earnings over their careers (up to age 67), according to models, nearly 3.15 times more than high school graduates and 1.57 to 1.73 times more than those with bachelor’s degrees in biology or chemistry.
Do you call a PharmD a Doctor?
A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is required to practice as a pharmacist. You can practice pharmacy in the United States after earning a PharmD degree and passing the necessary licensure exams.
What is the difference between PharmD and pharmacist?
In the United States, becoming a pharmacist requires a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). Practicing pharmacists often attend school for six years, including pre-pharmacy education, before passing needed exams and completing post-graduate training.
What are the requirements to study pharmacy?
A senior certificate or a degree in the field, with at least a D in higher-level English, math, physical science, or biology classes, or a B in standard-level classes. Applications that substitute Botany and/or Physiology for Biology will also be taken into consideration.
What is the salary of PharmD in USA?
The typical annual pay for pharmacists in May 2020 was $128,710, and a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree qualifies graduates for potentially lucrative positions in this field. Hospitals, long-term care facilities, and retail pharmacies all employ pharmacists.
How many years is master’s in pharmacy?
A master’s in the pharmacy program, sometimes referred to as an MPharm, is normally a five-year course of study intended to educate students for becoming licensed pharmacists in Europe and various other countries across the world. Do you have suggestions about these pharmacy schools in US? Please leave a comment below.