Guide to Making the Most of Pharmaceutical Colleges and Universities

Find a college program in pharmacy that meets your unique needs

By Kristan Hart

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find a pharmacy college to obtain a pharmaceutical degree

Most pharmaceutical careers require a degree for you to obtain the job. Pharmaceutical colleges nationwide offer a variety of programs, from prepharmacy degree opportunities for first-time college students to doctor of pharmacy programs complete with a residency. Most pharmacy schools do have entry requirements, and make strong recommendations that you take advanced level math and science courses before entering the program.

I recommend: The Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences website details degree options and point of entry options for each stage of education. Prospective Idaho State University College of Pharmacy students can choose from four degree programs plus a residency program to obtain the pharmacy degree they want.

Use pharmaceutical universities for continuing education necessary in the pharmaceutical field

Changing technology and advancements in science require pharmaceutical professionals to continue learning. Pharmacy schools nationwide offer continuing education opportunities, from pharmaceutical courses to seminars, to help experts stay on top of the field.

I recommend: The University of Texas College of Pharmacy offers a variety of seminars and live conferences for pharmaceutical professionals. The University Maryland School of Pharmacy offers pharmaceutical courses for pharmacists.

Compare accredited pharmaceutical colleges that have pharmacy research programs

Top-notch pharmacy schools do more than require students to sit in a classroom. When comparing colleges of pharmacy, ask your pharmacy university representative about research opportunities. This not only gives the student valuable hands-on learning opportunities, it helps advance the research reputation of colleges with pharmaceutical programs.

I recommend: The Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy allows students to conduct research in various pharmaceutical fields. The Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy has numerous research centers where students can conduct research.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In addition to research programs, many pharmacy schools also have residency programs where you can interact with patients to learn about patient care.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate traditional programs that offer a college program in pharmacy

To obtain a degree in pharmacy, most people choose to attend a traditional pharmacy college or pharmacy university for their training. Some pharmacy schools offer pharmacy technician degree programs, and some offer the Doctor of Pharmacy degree (Pharm.D.). Other pharmacy schools even offer programs in pharmacology and biotechnology.

I recommend: Look for schools with a pharmacy technician program in your area. Find pharmaceutical colleges and pharmaceutical universities in the United States that offer the Pharm.D. degree. Search by state for pharmacy schools that have membership in the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). Find a variety of programs in the pharmaceutical sciences from Pharmacy Schools online.

Get information on rankings and ratings for colleges with pharmaceutical programs

Before deciding to apply to a particular pharmacy school, you should research its exact degree offerings, requirements, faculty and overall student satisfaction.

I recommend: Go online to obtain information, such as student survey results and admission requirements, on pharmacy school members of the AACP. Purchase U.S. News and World Report's Premium Online Edition to America's Best Graduate Schools to obtain the rankings and ratings of the top pharmaceutical colleges and pharmaceutical universities in the United States.

Consider online programs for obtaining a pharmacy degree

For the non-traditional student, online pharmacy degree programs often work well. Many online colleges and universities offer programs in the fields of pharmacy technician and pharmacy assistant. Even some traditional colleges and universities offer distance-learning programs in various pharmacy specialties.

I recommend: Seek online pharmacy technician programs by state. Find information about online pharmacy programs from World Wide Learn. Request information on the Biotechnology Distance Education program from the Johns Hopkins University Advanced Academic Programs.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure that you know all of the prerequisites for admission to the pharmacy schools that interest you.
• •  Do your best to anticipate all of the costs of attending pharmaceutical colleges or universities, not just the tuition. The website for the AACP has some useful information on financial aid and internships for pharmacy students.
• •  Consider the job placement rates for pharmacy graduates from any of the schools you consider. Most schools offer job placement assistance to graduates.

Guide to Pharmaceutical Colleges and Universities Basics

Pharmaceutical colleges and universities basics help you obtain the degree you need

By Kristan Hart

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider a pre-pharmacy degree through pharmaceutical universities

Just out of high school or looking for a career change later in life could mean you start from scratch on your college credits. Students interested in a pharmaceutical degree can start from the beginning with a pre-pharmacy degree.

I recommend: Campbell University School of Pharmacy offers a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Research as well as a premiere pre-pharmacy program. Florida A&M University College of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a pre-pharmacy program, but students must meet all minimum requirements to gain accepted into the program.

Work towards a graduate degree at the pharmacy college of your choice

After you receive a Bachelor's degree, consider furthering your education and obtaining a graduate degree. A graduate degree allows you to pursue studies in many areas of pharmaceuticals, including pharmacology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry and pharmacy administration.

I recommend: The Dual Pharm. D./MBA program at the Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences combines pharmacy courses with business courses for a well-rounded education. The Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy offers valuable research opportunities for graduate students.

Earn a doctor of pharmacy degree from a pharmacy university

Only students with a doctor of pharmacy degree qualify for some of the most elusive, and lucrative, pharmaceutical jobs on the market. It takes time and money to complete the program, but many students feel the benefits are worth it. Some doctor of pharmacy degree programs allow you to work with patients as well as legislators and other pharmacy professionals.

I recommend: Consider the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the Idaho State University College of Pharmacy or the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy. Both websites provide general information about admission requirements and curriculum for the respective program.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Pharmacy schools aren't available at every college and university. Call ahead to find colleges with pharmaceutical programs before you submit your application.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of how medicines and drugs are prepared and how they impact the body. Most pharmaceutical colleges and universities offer a range of programs in pharmacology.

I recommend: The University of Illinois at Chicago has a detailed definition of pharmacology and an explanation of pharmacology degrees.

Pre-pharmacy program

A pre-pharmacy program is the basic degree that candidates interested in pharmaceutical careers earn. A pre-pharmacy program can lead to a graduate program or to college certificate programs and a technician position.

I recommend: Campbell University School of Pharmacy has a detailed definition of the pre-pharmacy program, including details about which degrees can be pursued after completion of the program.

Pharmacy technician programs

Pharmacy technician programs prepare students for careers as pharmacy technicians, as well as for the certifications required to become pharmacy technicians.

I recommend: Pharmacy Technician Schools has a detailed explanation of what pharmacy technician programs and associated careers.

Pharmaceutical sciences degree program

Pharmaceutical sciences degree programs include MS (Master of Science), BS (Bachelor of Science) and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) programs. These programs teach students the skills needed to create and test new pharmaceutical products.

I recommend: Careers and Colleges has a comprehensive definition of pharmaceutical sciences, including details about job opportunities that come from pharmaceutical sciences degrees.

Clinical research administration degree

A clinical research administration degree prepares students for pharmaceutical research careers by teaching them how to help researchers conduct tests and trials for medications, medical devices and medical products. Professionals with clinical research administration degrees often manage and oversee these trial programs to ensure the best outcomes.

I recommend: Education-Portal.com has a comprehensive guide with information about clinical research administration degrees.

Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program is similar to an MD for doctors. It is not a graduate or undergraduate degree, but rather a professional degree.

I recommend: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a detailed explanation of the Pharm.D. degree, as well as details about admission requirements.