If you wish to study pharmacy in 2023 then you may as well wish to study in one of the best pharmacy schools in the US.
Studying in the US comes with its own box of advantages as the United States of America is home to some of the best pharmacy schools in the world.
Each school offers different programs that you can choose from, especially if you wish to specialize in a particularly sub-niche.
In this article, you’ll get to see a detailed list of the 10 best US Pharmacy Schools in the US in 2023, their acceptance rate, the programs they offer, admission requirements, tuition, and the official link to the school website.
You will also see a detailed guide on how to become a pharmacist, how long it takes to become one, and how much pharmacists are paid in the US.
If this excites you already, then continue reading to learn more.
Read also, Top Ten Pharmacy Schools in Canada for Masters 2023.
How to become a Pharmacist in 2023
Like every other profession in life, you have to start by attending a Pharmacy school. This is where Pharmacy students will expect to take courses in drug design, evaluation of, and the effect of drugs on the human body.
Immediately after school (when you have received your PharmD), you will most likely go through a residency program in order to gain hands-on experience and further your education.
These residencies are divided into two major categories: Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) and Post Graduate Year 2 (PGY2).
How long does it take to be a pharmacist?
It can take anything between 4 – 6 years to become a pharmacist. The length of time will be determined by which pathway the student chooses.
Ideally, there are two main pathways that students follow toward becoming a pharmacist. The first pathway is through a normal undergraduate program. Students who go through this pathway, spend at least two years studying as an undergraduate, but most will earn a 4-year bachelor’s degree to be competitive applicants to graduate pharmacy programs and complete all pre-requisite courses.
The second pathway is a combined program, where the student can earn both a bachelor’s degree and a PharmD over the course of the program. Dual degree pharmacy programs are also commonly referred to as “0-6” programs because they typically last six(6) years; the first two (2)years are spent on pre-professional study and are followed by four years in a professional pharmacy degree program.
How well are pharmacists paid in 2023?
Pharmacists receive good pay, notably in the United States of America, like the majority of other occupations in the health sector.
This is due to the importance of their position and the vast amount of training required to attain it.
In 2020, the US Bureau of Labour Statistics announced that the average pharmacist earned $128,710 annually.
The region a pharmacist works in and the amount of experience they have will also affect their earnings.
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Best Pharmacy School in the US 202
1. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill2
Acceptance Rate: 24%
Graduation Rate: 90%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 93%
Programs
The University of North Carolina is first on our list of best pharmacy schools in the US in 2023. There are three distinctive degree programs available at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy:
- Doctor of Pharmacy
- Pharm.D. program
- Ph.D. program
The doctor of pharmacy is for those who want to become a pharmacist.
The Pharm.D. is a professional degree similar to the doctor of medicine (M.D.) for physicians or a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) for dentists.
The Ph.D. program specialization in health-system pharmacy administration prepares pharmacists to be leaders in health care. It combines classroom instruction with a two-year residency.
The program also prepares tomorrow’s scientists for basic or clinical research. Their Ph.D. program has four concentrations that reflect their collaborative approach to science.
Admission Requirements
The first step in the application process is to complete and submit an online application to PharmCAS. For the autumn semester after that, you must submit your PharmCAS application by March 2. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure an earlier review by the Admissions Committee.
You must submit your PharmCAS application before starting your supplemental application.
The PharmCAS application includes the following:
- PharmCAS application fee
- Biographical data
- Postsecondary institutions attended
- Academic course history
- Work experience
- Extracurricular activities
- A personal statement
- Official transcripts from all accredited U.S. institutions attended
- PCAT score
- Two letters of recommendation
Tuition
Pharm.D. Tuition and Fees range for N.C. Residents and Non-N.C. Residents.
For N.C. Residents’ Tuition is $11,193.50 per semester and fees are $970.82. While for Non-N.C. Residents the Tuition is $22,474.00 per semester and the fees are $970.82.
2. University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
Acceptance Rate: 16%
Graduation Rate: 93%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 94%
Programs
The school offers a wide range of diploma and certificate programs, from the school’s largest, the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), and its many possibilities for joint and dual degrees, to master and doctoral programs. considered. The residency and scholarship opportunities offered by the school are also numerous.
The USC School of Pharmacy is organized into four university departments, each known for its exceptional faculty and leadership in pharmaceutical education and research. They are;
- The Titus Family Department of Clinical Pharmacy
- the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Faculty in the Department of Pharmaceutical Health Economics based at the USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics
- Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences.
Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s degree completed prior to entrance into the USC PharmD program.
Minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in all college work and pre-pharmacy requirements at an accredited two- or four-year college or university—with all pre-pharmacy required courses preferably taken at four-year institutions. Pre-pharmacy courses from vocational or technical schools are not accepted.
Distance learning or online coursework is not acceptable for prerequisite courses in calculus, biology, and chemistry.
All pre-pharmacy courses must be completed before you enter our program. Pre-pharmacy requirements in the following areas must be repeated if they were taken before fall 2011 for 2020 application: human physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry. It is recommended that all prerequisites be completed at a four-year college/university. Biochemistry MUST be completed at the upper-division level at a four-year college/university.
Cost and Financial Aid
The total tuition and fees for a program at the USC School of Pharmacy are $64,632.
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3. University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy
Graduation Rate: 97%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 98%
The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy was founded in 1892. For over 125 years, it has been at the forefront of preparing pharmacists to become leaders in healthcare and society and is regularly recognized as One of the Best pharmacy schools.
The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy has improved the health of Minnesotans and around the world through innovative education, pioneering research, and the development of interdisciplinary practices.
Programs
The College of Pharmacy offers PharmD, Ph.D., and MS programs at the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. Teachers and staff are shared between the two campuses, which also share the same program. ITV technology is used to keep campuses connected.
Admission Requirements
- Description of research experience (500-word limit).
- Personal statement (2-page limit; see an application for statement details).
- Diversity Statement (1-page limit; see the application for statement details).
- CV/Resume upload.
- Transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended should be uploaded into your online application. Unofficial transcripts are accepted during the application process. An official transcript will be required of all students accepted into the program.
- Three letters of recommendation. You will be asked to provide contact information for your references, and they will be asked to submit their letter through the online application.
- An application fee ($75 domestic, $95 international students).
All international students who are non-English speakers are required to submit TOEFL or IELTS scores. However, applicants who have completed 24 quarter credits or 16-semester credits within the past 24 months in residence as a full-time student at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States or other English-speaking countries before entering the University of Minnesota are generally exempted from this requirement. ETS will download your TOEFL or IELTS score directly into your online application.
All non-Pharm.D. applicants and all international Pharm.D. applicants are required to submit GRE scores. The University of Minnesota institution code is 6874 and the department code is 2013. Admissions decisions are communicated via the online application system.
Cost and Financial Aid
For Residents, the tuition is $27,864/year. While for Non-Residents the tuition is $40,800/year.
4. University of Michigan College of Pharmacy
Acceptance Rate: 27%
Graduation Rate: 95%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 95%
The College is located on the central campus of the famous University of Michigan and is minutes from a major life science institute, a teaching hospital, and a leading medical and medical center. ” a full range of schools, university departments, and national institutes.
Programs
Their well-earned reputation for academic and research excellence makes Michigan’s PharmD and Ph.D. programs among the most sought-after in the U.S. in 2023.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the BSPS program are invited to apply as either a transfer student from a college/university other than the University of Michigan or as a cross-campus transfer student from within the University of Michigan.
This distinction is important as there are different application forms depending on the type of transfer.
Applicants must have completed at least one full semester of college courses at an accredited 2-year or 4-year institution.
They don’t accept applications from students directly out of high school. The College of Pharmacy only accepts students for Fall Term entry.
Cost and Financial Aid
For Michigan residents, the Tuition is $7,615 per semester and fees are $164. While for Non-Michigan Residents the Tuition is $25,436 per semester and fees are $164.
Also, check out these Pharmacy Colleges That Do Not Require PCAT.
5. University of Illinois College of Pharmacy
Graduation Rate: 98%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 87.73%
Achievements
The UIC College of Pharmacy is the top-ranked college of pharmacy in Illinois according to US News & World Report.
Programs
The college offers the following joint degree options;
- PharmD/Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy), PharmD/MSHI (Master of Science in Health Informatics),
- PharmD/MBA (Master of Business Administration),
- PharmD/MS CTS (Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science).
Students have the option of pursuing one of four Ph.D. programs available: Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacognosy, and Pharmacy Systems, Outcomes, and Policy.
There is also a Master of Science (MS) in the Forensic Science program.
Admission Requirements
To gain a chance for admission into the PharmD program at the Rangel College of Pharmacy, applicants must check the details from the link below to find out.
Cost and Financial Aid
For Residents, the Tuition is $12,522 per semester. While for Non-Residents the Tuition is $20,281 per semester.
6. Texas A & M University Rangel College of Pharmacy
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Graduation Rate: 96%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 87%
The Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy offers a Pharm.D. program for individuals who wish to become pharmacists.
Programs
They also offer a dual Pharm.D./MBA degree. The college has an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which will ensure that all students receive individual attention, and the program provides opportunities for students to gain experience in the pharmacy field as early as the second year of study.
Admission Requirements
To gain a chance for admission into the PharmD program at the Rangel College of Pharmacy, applicants must:
- Have a cumulative GPA, as determined by PharmCAS, of 2.75 or higher.
- Complete all prerequisite coursework by Summer Session I in the year of matriculation.
- Earn a preferred composite PCAT score of 40 or higher and a preferred PCAT writing score of 3.0 or greater.
Tuition And Financial Aid
Despite the low cost associated with the Doctor of Pharmacy program, students do have options in terms of financing their pharmacy school education, including loans, scholarships, grants, and other sources.
Visit the school website here.
7. University of Florida
Acceptance Rate: 42%
Graduation Rate: 87%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 89%
The University of Florida College of Pharmacy has national recognition for its advanced pharmacy education programs. They offer these programs for new or advancing students, working pharmacists, or other health science students to prepare them to excel in an evolving healthcare environment.
Programs
The College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree in two programs. One program is for students who are seeking their first professional PharmD degree, while another program, the Working Professional PharmD (WPPD), is for licensed pharmacists seeking to advance their bachelor’s degree in pharmacy.
Also, the college has joint degree programs with other schools in the university that allow PharmD students to complete dual degree programs such as PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH, and PharmD/Ph.D.
Equally, the College of Pharmacy has five major areas of graduate concentration: Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacodynamics, Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, and Pharmacotherapy & Translational Research.
Visit the school website here.
8. West Virginia University School of Pharmacy
Acceptance Rate:72%
Graduation Rate: 56%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 87%
West Virginia University School of Pharmacy is one of the best schools in the US.
Programs
The school consists of three departments: Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy. A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is available.
Admission Requirements
WVU School of Pharmacy employs a holistic admissions process that looks at overall GPA (OPGA), prerequisite GPA (PPGA), and PCAT scores. As well as letters of recommendation, personal statements, personal interviews, honors and awards, service, and employment.
While there is no set GPA or PCAT score, typically a PCAT at the 50th percentile or above and OPGA and PPGAs of at least 3.0 stand out in competition with others.
Cost and Financial Aid
For Residents, the Tuition is $9,672 per semester. While for Non-Residents the Tuition is $26,016 per semester.
Visit the school website here.
9. University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
Acceptance Rate: 54%
Graduation Rate: 94%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 95%
The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy offers a Doctor of Pharmacy professional degree.
Based in Athens, Georgia, and affiliated with Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta, the college admits around 145 students a year.
Programs
The Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences is part of UGA’s College of Pharmacy. Also, the department offers a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, which began in the fall of 2013 semester.
In addition, the college offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences. And graduate studies in disciplines associated with pharmacotherapeutic research, clinical work, and administration.
Equally, the College of Pharmacy offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Three graduate programs in the following areas of concentration are available: Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, and Regulatory Affairs & Clinical Trials.
Admission Requirements
Applicants should endeavor to review the Admissions Procedures and Frequently Asked Questions before applying.
Visit the school website here.
10. The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy 2023
Acceptance Rate: 36%
Graduation Rate: 94.4%
Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 98%
Last on the list of best pharmacy schools in the US in 2023 is the University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. The university is one of the premier institutions of pharmaceutical education and research in the country. Pharmacists have significant responsibility for managing drug therapy, counseling on medication use, and monitoring drug therapy outcomes.
Programs
The College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas in Austin offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program as well as a joint PharmD/Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) degree. The college also offers a program of studies leading to a Master of Science (MS) degree through its Pharmacotherapy Division and the Health Outcomes and Pharmacy Practice Division.
Equally, the college has a Ph.D. program that allows students to choose from six available tracks: Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmacotherapy, Health Outcomes & Pharmacy Practice, and an Interdisciplinary track.
Cost and Financial Aid
The College of Pharmacy has worked in partnership with generous donors to establish a wealth of scholarship opportunities. The College of Pharmacy scholarship application is now open.
Visit the school website here.
FAQs on Best Pharmacy School in the US
The University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill
There are 141 U.S.-based colleges and schools of pharmacy having recognized (full or candidate status) professional degree programs as of January 2023, and 1 institution with precandidate status. Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Yes, Pharmacists are doctors. Since 2004, candidates for the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy tests must hold a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degree. And passing such tests is necessary to practice as a pharmacist in the US and dispense drugs.
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education-accredited pharmacy programs can help you earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, or Pharm (ACPE). Although some colleges offer accelerated degrees that last just three years, these programs typically require four years to complete.
Obtain a Pharmacy Degree in the United States. In order to get a degree in the US, one must first complete at least two years of pre-professional (undergraduate) education, in addition to four academic years (or three calendar years) of professional study.
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