Becoming a pharmacist requires several years of training. Some programs allow you to do a majority of this training online.
Below, we've broken down the basics of online pharmacy programs and how to choose the right one for you.
What Is an Online Pharmacy Program?
In order to become a pharmacist, you need to earn a doctoral degree, or more specifically a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an accredited pharmacy program. These programs are usually four years long.
An online or distance learning pharmacy program allows students to complete coursework and attend lectures virtually. Some programs may even offer virtual labs to students.
However, no Doctor of Pharmacy program can be taken exclusively online. These programs require clinical rotations that must be done in person.
A handful of universities in the United States offer online pharmacy degree programs. So, how do you choose the right one?
Below, we've broken down the steps you can take to determine which online pharmacy program is right for you.
Step 1: Assess Your Eligibility
Before looking for a pharmacy program, you need to assess your eligibility. This will help you figure out how likely you are to be admitted into a pharmacy program.
While every pharmacy school has different requirements, you will need to have some amount of undergraduate experience.
Some schools may also require that you've taken specific general courses as well as certain science and math courses.
Additionally, some programs still require you to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). This is a standardized test that assesses your readiness for pharmacy college.
This test is being phased out in 2024, but a high score can still prove that you're a good candidate for pharmacy school.
Step 2: Find an Accredited Program
To become a licensed pharmacist, the pharmacy school you attend must be accredited. Accreditation means the school has proven that its pharmacy program meets certain standards.
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education is the body that accredits pharmacy programs in the United States. You can find a full list of accredited programs on their website.
Some accredited universities that offer online pharmacy programs include:
- Creighton University in Omaha, NE
- Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA, and Bradenton, FL
- Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA
- St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY
Step 3: Determine the Format of the Program
Because all Doctor of Pharmacy programs require some amount of in-person learning, the format of these programs can vary. Not all formats work for all students.
There are two types of online courses: synchronous and asynchronous. Synchronous courses require you to be logged in at a specific time for virtual meetings and lectures.
Asynchronous courses allow you to do work on your own time. Your professor will post the assignments and it's up to you to get them completed before the due date.
Some programs may offer virtual labs, while others require you to do labs in person. Some schools partner with other schools or campuses that may be more convenient for you.
The same is true for clinical experience. Your program may have specific clinical sites that you must use, while others will let you find clinical sites near you if you don't live close to campus.
Knowing which options will work for you allows you to seek out programs that will best meet your needs.
Step 4: Consider Tuition and Financial Aid
Unfortunately, college costs money. Tuition can vary greatly among all the different schools and programs, so it's important to consider what you can afford.
Different programs may offer specific financial aid opportunities for pharmacy students. Doing a little research into what financial aid is available can help you make a decision.
Researching general financial aid opportunities outside of the school is a good idea as well. While the program itself may not offer financial aid, outside programs may offer aid that makes your tuition manageable.
Step 5: Evaluate Program Success
Most of the time, universities will post their departments' successes on the department page.
This can tell you things such as:
- the number of graduates practicing in their field
- the average salary of graduates
- the number of graduates that match with a residency or fellowship
This information can help you determine if the university is able to meet your career goals. If the information isn't available on the website, you can contact an admissions counselor as well.
Step 6: Investigate Program Offerings
Some universities include unique or innovative aspects that make its doctoral program stand out. This may include:
- specialties and concentrations
- dual degree options
- study abroad options
You may discover that something you had never considered intrigues you. Programs with some of the above options can broaden your horizon and give you new experiences.
While concentrations aren't as common within pharmacy programs, there are many ways to specialize your career path.
If you're considering going into a specific aspect of pharmacy, you'll want to find a program that can support that, either through concentrated classes or clinical placement opportunities.
Step 7: Apply to Multiple Programs
Pharmacy programs can be selective, and unfortunately, that means that they can't accept everyone.
To increase your chances, it's best to apply to several programs, even if they don't perfectly fit what you're looking for.
While you should still consider things like scheduling and cost, you may need to be flexible with things that are less important to you in order to be accepted into a program.
Become a Pharmacist
Several universities in the United States offer online Doctor of Pharmacy programs. Follow the steps above to find the right one for you.
