Pharmacy is one of the highest-respected and highest-paying careers in America, boasting an average salary of $128,710 USD* per year – making it highly coveted among prospective pharmacists. Students interested in studying this field in the USA will have access to world-class facilities and curriculum when enrolling for degrees.
An American pharmacy program typically entails four years of undergraduate pre-professional coursework, followed by a minimum four year professional degree program that covers both academic research and vocational skills such as how to effectively prepare medication for patients, in addition to learning about relevant laws and regulations.
At the conclusion of a pharmacy degree program lies the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). Students should consult their state board of pharmacy regarding licensure requirements.
Many students studying pharmacy in the US choose a combined degree path, earning both a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy simultaneously. This option can save both time and money. Students choosing this route should note that both degrees must be earned within one academic year and that their individual requirements must be fulfilled for both programs.
According to each school’s policy, international students may need to complete prerequisite coursework at a US university or have their undergraduate coursework evaluated using the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). Furthermore, many schools require that all applicants provide evidence of financial support for tuition and living expenses for the entirety of their program.