United States Pharmacy Schools & Online Pharmacist Degrees, Colleges, Universities

In 1990, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy mandated that pharmacists hold doctorate degrees, so many schools in the United Schools have discontinued their Bachelor degrees in Pharmacy Science. As of 2008, there are 100-U.S. based colleges and schools of pharmacy with accredited professional degree programs and 6 schools with pre-candidate status.

Most top pharmacy schools prefer that applicants complete a traditional four-year undergraduate education before entering graduate studies. Including four years of graduate studies, it is very common for students to complete the Pharm. D. program in eight years. Students who want to achieve their doctor of pharmacy degree at a more accelerated pace can enter pharmacy studies right after high school and obtain their degree after a minimum of six academic years. Graduates must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) in order to obtain a pharmacist’s license.

Pharmacy technician training programs are offered by many institutions including hospitals, the military, proprietary schools, vocational schools, technical colleges, and community colleges. There are no U.S. federal mandates requiring that pharmacy technicians hold a certificate. Requirements for pharmacy technician jobs vary by state, but those who pass formal certification exams offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and the Institute for the Certification of Pharmacy Technicians generally have greater access to job opportunities in this field. Many pharmacies offer on-the-job training programs, and school training programs usually work in conjunction with pharmacies to provide real-word experience through externships. Technician training programs offered both online and on campus prepare students for entry-level positions in the pharmacy field.

Technicians are required to learn medication names, uses, and doses. Classroom and laboratory work focuses on medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy recordkeeping, pharmacy techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics.

Top 5 Online Pharmacist School Rankings

1. Kaplan

Kaplan’s Pharmacy Technician Certificate is designed to meet the demands of a fast-growing pharmacy field. Students will learn about medicine and the healthcare industry, and through externships, students will gain practical experience for a pharmacy technician career. Graduates of this program will be prepared to work directly under a Registered Pharmacist and sit for the Certified Pharmacy Technician Field.

2. Baker College

Students who want to become a Pharmacy Technician will benefit from the accelerated program at Baker College. Baker offers a Pharmacy Technician certificate and an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Graduates of both programs will be prepared to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board and fill positions in a wide variety of facilities including hospitals, retail pharmacies, nursing homes, assisted-living communities, and health clinics.

3. Grand Canyon

Students who want to pursue graduate studies in pharmacy will benefit from the Pre-Pharmacy undergraduate program at Grand Canyon. This rigorous program prepares students for doctor of pharmacy programs or continued medical education. Through small class sizes and mentorships at Grand Canyon, students are assured a top-notch education in pharmacy studies.

4. Everest University

Everest’s 8-month Pharmacy Technician training program provides hands-on education in pharmacy administration, pharmaceutical calculations, medical terminology, and more. Students of this program will develop strong interpersonal and communication skills as well as mathematics and organization skills that are essential to a pharmacy career.

5. University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix offers an Associate of Arts in Healthcare Administration/Pharmacy Practice Concentration. The coursework provides students with a foundation for further studies in healthcare or pharmacy. Students will learn medical terminology and basic pharmacy processes that will prepare them for a variety of fields in medicine and healthcare.

Pharmacy Schools by State