Posted by In 2024, attending one of the best pharmacy school in the US is a good idea if you want to pursue a career in pharmacy.
The United States of America is home to some of the greatest pharmacy schools in the world, so studying there comes with its own set of benefits.
Particularly if you want to focus on a certain sub-niche, each school provides a variety of programs from which you can choose.
You’ll find a thorough list of the top 10 US pharmacy schools for 2024 in this article, with with information on their acceptance rates, the courses they provide, the requirements for entrance, the cost of tuition, and the direct website link for each institution.
In-depth information on how to become a pharmacist, how long it takes, and how much pharmacists are paid in the US is also provided.
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How to become a Pharmacist in 2024
You must first enroll in a pharmacy school, just like with any other career in life. Pharmacy students might anticipate taking courses on drug design, assessment of pharmaceuticals, and effects of drugs on the body in this area.
You’ll probably enroll in a residency program right out of college (after receiving your PharmD), which will give you practical training and advance your knowledge.
Post Graduate Year 1 (PGY1) and Post Graduate Year 2 residencies are the two main categories into which these fellowships fall (PGY2).
How long does it take to be a pharmacist?
The length of time it takes to become a pharmacist might range from 4 to 6 years. Depending on the student’s choice of path, the duration will vary.
There are ideally two primary routes that students take to become pharmacists. The first route involves enrolling in a typical college program. In order to be competitive applicants to graduate pharmacy schools and finish all prerequisite courses, students who choose to follow this road must spend at least two years in undergraduate studies. However, most will complete a 4-year bachelor’s degree.
The second route is a combined program wherein the student can complete both a PharmD and a bachelor’s degree in its entirety. Because they typically last six (6) years, dual degree pharmacy programs are also known as “0-6” programs. The first two (2) years are devoted to pre-professional study, and the remaining four (4) years are spent in a professional pharmacy degree program.
How well are pharmacists paid in 2024?
Like the majority of other jobs in the health industry, pharmacists earn well-paying salaries, particularly in the United States of America.
This is a result of the significance of their job and the extensive training needed to hold it.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pharmacist made $128,710 per year in 2020.
The area a pharmacist works in and their level of expertise both have an impact on their pay.
Best Pharmacy School in the US 2024
Here are some best pharmacy school in the US you need to know.
1. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill2
- Acceptance Rate: 24%
- Graduation Rate: 90%
- Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 93%
Programs
University of North Carolina is one of the best pharmacy school in the US. The University of North Carolina comes in first place. The Eshelman School of Pharmacy at the University of North Carolina offers three unique degree programs:
- Doctor of Pharmacy
- Pharm.D. program
- Ph.D. program
For people who desire to become pharmacists, there is the doctor of pharmacy degree.
Similar to the doctor of medicine (M.D.) for doctors and the doctor of dental surgery (DDS) for dentists, the Pharm.D. is a professional degree.
Pharmacists can become leaders in healthcare by specializing in health-system pharmacy administration during their doctoral studies. It combines two years of resident training with classroom instruction.
Future scientists can use the curriculum to get ready for either basic or clinical research. Four focuses in their Ph.D. program represent their team-based approach to science.
Admission Requirements
Filling out and submitting an online application to PharmCAS is the first step in the application process. You have until March 2 to submit your PharmCAS application for the subsequent fall semester. If you want the Admissions Committee to evaluate your application sooner, submit it as soon as you can.
Before beginning your supplemental application, you must submit your PharmCAS application.
The following is included in the PharmCAS application:
- 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
This is another best pharmacy school in the US. The school offers a wide variety of diploma and certificate programs, ranging from master’s and doctorate programs to the largest program, the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD), with its many opportunities for joint and dual degrees. considered. The institution also provides a large number of residency and scholarship possibilities.
Each of the four university departments that make up the USC School of Pharmacy is renowned for its outstanding professors and pioneering work in pharmaceutical teaching and research. They do;
- 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
completed a bachelor’s degree before applying to the USC PharmD program.
Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA (on a 4.0 scale) in all pre-pharmacy coursework at an approved two- or four-year college or university, with all pre-pharmacy prerequisite courses being taken at four-year institutions as much as possible. Vocational or technical schools cannot accept pre-pharmacy courses.
Calculus, biology, and chemistry preparatory courses are not acceptible for online or distance study.
Before enrolling in our program, you must successfully finish all prerequisite courses. If the prerequisite courses for 2020 application were taken before autumn 2011, human physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry must be studied again. All prerequisites should be finished at a four-year college or university, it is advised. At a four-year college or university, biochemistry MUST be completed at the upper-division level.
Cost and Financial Aid
The total tuition and fees for a program at the USC School of Pharmacy are $64,632.
3. University of Minnesota’s College of Pharmacy
- Graduation Rate: 97%
- Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 98%
Among the best pharmacy school in the US University of Minnesota college of pharmacy is one of them. Established in 1892, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy. It has been at the forefront of training pharmacists to lead in healthcare and society for more than 125 years and is frequently named one of the best pharmacy schools.
Through creative instruction, ground-breaking research, and the creation of integrative practices, the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy has enhanced the health of Minnesotans and people everywhere.
Programs
PharmD, Ph.D., and MS programs are offered by the College of Pharmacy at its Twin Cities and Duluth campuses. The identical program is offered on both locations, as are the teachers and personnel. ITV technology is employed to maintain campus connectivity.
Admission Requirements
- Describe your research-related experience (500-word limit).
- Personal assertion (2-page limit; see an application for statement details).
- Diversity Declaration (1-page limit; see the application for statement details).
- Upload a CV or resume.
- You must upload transcripts from every post-secondary institution you’ve ever attended to your online application. The application process accepts unofficial transcripts. All applicants who are accepted into the program must submit an official transcript.
- Three endorsement letters. Your references will be asked to send a letter through the online application once you give them your contact information so that they may reach you.
- A $75 domestic application fee and a $95 cost for foreign applicants.
English language proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, are required of all international students. Prior to enrolling at the University of Minnesota, candidates are generally exempt from this requirement if they have successfully completed 24 quarter credits or 16 semester credits in residence as full-time students at a recognized institution of higher learning in the United States or another English-speaking nation. Your TOEFL or IELTS score will be directly downloaded by ETS into your online application.
GRE scores are necessary for all non-Pharm.D. applicants as well as all overseas Pharm.D. applicants. The department code for the University of Minnesota is 2013, while the institution code is 6874. The online application system is used to notify applicants of admissions decisions.
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%
This is another best pharmacy school in the US. The College, which is part of the renowned University of Michigan’s central campus, is close to a number of schools, university departments, and national institutes as well as a major life science institute, a teaching hospital, and a premier medical center.
Programs
The PharmD and Ph.D. programs at Michigan will be among the most sought-after in the country in 2024 thanks to their well-deserved reputations for academic and research excellence.
Admission Requirements
Candidates for the BSPS program are invited to submit an application as either a cross-campus transfer student from inside the University of Michigan or as a transfer student from a college or university other than the University of Michigan.
A minimum of one full semester of college coursework at a 2-year or 4-year approved institution is required for applicants.
Directly out of high school applicants are not accepted. Only Fall Term entrance is permitted at the College of Pharmacy.
Cost and Financial Aid
The tuition and fees for Michigan citizens are $164 and $7,615 respectively per semester. While the tuition and fees for non-Michigan residents are $164 each class and $25,436 for each semester.
This distinction is crucial since the type of transfer necessitates a different application.
5. University of Illinois College of Pharmacy
- Graduation Rate: 98%
- Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 87.73%
Achievements
According to US News & World Report, the UIC College of Pharmacy is the best pharmacy school in the US in Illinois.
- 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).
The four Ph.D. programs in biopharmaceutical sciences, medicinal chemistry, pharmacognosy, and pharmacy systems, outcomes, and policy are accessible to students.
The Forensic Science program offers a Master of Science (MS).
Admission Requirements
Applicants must review the information from the link below to learn more in order to increase their chances of admission into the PharmD program at the Rangel College of Pharmacy.
Cost and Financial Aid
The semester tuition for residents is $12,522. While the tuition for non-residents is $20,281 per semester.
Recommended
6. Texas A & M University Rangel College of Pharmacy
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Graduation Rate: 96%
- Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 87%
For those who want to become pharmacists, Texas A&M Rangel College of Pharmacy offers a Pharm.D. program.
Programs
Texas A & M university Rangel college of pharmacy is among the best pharmacy school in the US. Additionally, they grant dual Pharm.D./MBA degrees. All students will receive individualized attention thanks to the college’s 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and the program offers opportunities for students to gain experience in the pharmacy field as early as the second year of study.
Admission Requirements
Candidates who want to be considered for admission to the PharmD program at the Rangel College of Pharmacy must:
possess a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher as determined by PharmCAS.
All prerequisite coursework must be finished by Summer Session I of the matriculation year.
Obtain a preferred PCAT writing score of 3.0 or higher, as well as a preferred composite PCAT score of 40 or higher.
Tuition And Financial Aid
Despite the low cost of the doctor of pharmacy program, there are still ways for students to pay for their pharmacy school education, including loans, grants, and other financial aid.
7. University of Florida
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Graduation Rate: 87%
- Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 89%
Florida university is one of the best pharmacy school in the US. National recognition for the advanced pharmacy education programs offered by the University of Florida College of Pharmacy. To help them prepare for success in a changing healthcare environment, they provide these programs for new or advanced students, practicing pharmacists, or other health science students.
Programs
The University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy provides two programs leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. The Working Professional PharmD (WPPD) program is for licensed pharmacists who want to advance their bachelor’s in pharmacy. One program is for students who are pursuing their first professional PharmD degree.
Additionally, PharmD students can complete dual degree programs like PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MPH, and PharmD/Ph.D. through joint degree programs the college has with other universities.
Likewise, the College of Pharmacy offers graduate degrees in five main areas: pharmaceutical outcomes and policy, pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, medicinal chemistry, and translational research.
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
Among the best pharmacy school in the US West Virginia university is one of them. Clinical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy are the three departments that make up the school. There is a degree known as the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD).
Admission Requirements
A comprehensive admissions process is used by the WVU School of Pharmacy, which considers PCAT results, prerequisite GPA, and overall GPA (OPGA). Together with letters of recommendation, resumes, interviews, awards, service, and employment, personal statements, and accolades.
A PCAT at the 50th percentile or above and OPGA and PPGAs of at least 3.0 often stand out in competition with others, while there is no predetermined GPA or PCAT score.
Cost and Financial Aid
The tuition for residents is $9,672 each semester. While the semesterly tuition for non-residents is $26,016.
9. University of Georgia College of Pharmacy
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 94%
- Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 95%
University of Georgia college is one of the best pharmacy school in the US. The University of Georgia College of Pharmacy confers the professional degree of Doctor of Pharmacy.
The college, which has its headquarters in Athens, Georgia, and is connected to Georgia Health Sciences University in Augusta, enrolls about 145 freshmen each year.
Programs
The UGA College of Pharmacy includes the Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences. A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program in Pharmaceutical Sciences is also available through the department; it debuted in the fall 2013 semester.
The university also grants a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences. and graduate work in fields related to administration, clinical practice, and pharmacotherapeutic research.
A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is also available from the College of Pharmacy. There are three graduate programs in the concentrations of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Regulatory Affairs & Clinical Trials, and Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy.
Admission Requirements
Before applying, candidates should make an effort to read the Admissions Process and Commonly Asked Questions.
10. The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy
- Acceptance Rate: 36%
- Graduation Rate: 94.4%
- Licensure Exam Passing Rates: 98%
The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy ranks last in the list of top pharmacy schools in the US in 2024. One of the top universities in the nation for pharmaceutical education and research is the university. Pharmacists are heavily involved in overseeing drug therapy, providing medication use counseling, and tracking the results of drug therapy.
Programs
This is one of the best pharmacy school in the US. The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program and the PharmD/Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) joint degree are both offered by the College of Pharmacy at the University of Texas in Austin. The college’s Pharmacotherapy Division and the Health Outcomes and Pharmacy Practice Division both provide a program of study leading to a Master of Science (MS) degree.
A Ph.D. program is also offered by the college, and students can select from six different tracks, including Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Pharmacotherapy, Health Outcomes & Pharmacy Practice, and Interdisciplinary.
Cost and Financial Aid
The College of Pharmacy has established numerous scholarship possibilities in collaboration with kind contributors. Applications for the College of Pharmacy Scholarship are now available.
Questions about the Best Pharmacy School in the US
Here are some basic question you need to know about best pharmacy school in the US.
What pharmacy school is the best in the US?
The North Carolina-Chapel Hill University
In the United States, how many pharmacy schools are there?
As of January 2024, 141 colleges and schools of pharmacy with U.S. locations have professional degree programs that are recognized (full or candidate status), and 1 institution has precandidate status. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education accredits programs (ACPE).
A doctor or a pharmacist?
Indeed, pharmacists are doctors. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has required a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degree for applicants since 2004. And passing these exams is required in order to work as a pharmacist in the US and dispense medications.
How many years is the pharmacy school program?
Pharmacy programs that have received accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education can assist you in obtaining a Pharm.D. (ACPE). Although while some universities offer three-year expedited degrees, these programs normally last four years.
How do I pursue pharmacy school in the USA?
acquire a pharmacy degree in the US. In order to obtain a degree in the US, one must first finish four academic years (or three calendar years) of professional study in addition to at least two years of pre-professional (undergraduate) education.
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