Pharmacists are healthcare professionals who focus on the safe and effective use of medication
Types of pharmacists
Community or retail pharmacists, the most type of pharmacist, dispense medication from within retail establishments like drug stores and grocery stores, and as a result often have a more customer service and commercial focus
Hospital pharmacists work within hospitals to allocate medications and often have more complex clinical responsibilities
What is pharmacy school?
Pharmacy school is a program that provides the necessary professional education and training for students to become pharmacists
Most programs are four years in duration, although some may be a short as two or three years
In the United States, students graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), while European institutions instead grant a Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm.)
What are the costs associated with pharmacy school?
Pharmacy school tuition varies, but most programs cost about $45,000 per year
In-state tuition at public schools is often cheaper (~$20,000)
The average GPA for an admitted student is ~3.4. For a complete list of average GPAs for admitted Pharm.D. students, click here.
Most pharmacy schools expect high scores on the PCAT or on the TOEFL. For a list of which schools require testing, visit the PharmCAS application service website.
What can I do to ensure that I’ll be a competitive pharmacy school applicant?
Demonstrate academic success in biology, physics, chemistry, and mathematics courses
Score highly on the PCAT
Have rigorous volunteer or paid experience in a pharmacy or health-related setting