Ever wondered what goes inside the medicines we take? Breaking Bad has definitely striked a cord there, but seriously - have you wondered the science, the chemistry and other factors of medicines? If you have, and want to unravel the myserties from an academic point, you’ve landed on the right page!
Doctor of Pharmacy or Pharm.D. courses in the USA pave the way to becoming pharmacists. You need to have a background in chemistry, physics and biology to pursue PharmD courses in the USA. Pharmacists are responsible for dispensing medicines to patients and also guiding them for safe use. After completing the Pharm D program, you will have to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE) or other state-specific exams, as well as complete certain hours of internship, before finally being able to work as a pharmacist.
Gathering information about courses and the top universities that offer that particular course can be a huge task in itself. But Yocket Premium is here to save you from all such confusion.
Experts at Yocket help simplify every step of the process of applying to a university abroad. Not only can Yocket Premium help you with things like LOR,SOP, etc., but it also helps with shortlisting the best universities for you as per your requirements. So, what are you waiting for? Book your very own personalized counseling session with one of our experts right away!
We bring to you this blog to give you context about PharmD colleges in the USA and complete details related to course structure, eligibility criteria, admission process, tuition fees, scholarships, Pharm D scope in USA, jobs after Pharm D in the USA, and a lot more!
Why Study Pharm D in USA?
Given the amount of time and money that needs to be invested to pursue Pharm D courses in the USA, students often look for reasons that assure them they have made the right choice. Before discussing the best Pharm D colleges in USA, let us throw some light on why study Pharm D courses in USA:
- There are 67 US universities that have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 for pharmacy and pharmacology.
- Remarkably out of the 67 universities, 21 have secured a place in the top 100 globally for pharmacy.
- The profession yields high returns which forms a great return on investment with an expected median pay of USD 128,570 (INR 1,07,19,320) per year.
- The healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing in the USA and professionals in this field are always in demand.
Course Curriculum for Pharm D Courses in USA
Having adequate knowledge about the course curriculum before enrolling in any Pharm D courses in the USA is necessary. Usually, the Pharm D course can be completed in 4 years while some universities offer a 3-year fast track option or even admit graduates from high school for a complete 6-year program.
We have summarized the course curriculum for Pharm D programs in the USA for international students In the following table:
|
Course Duration |
4 years |
|
Course Content |
Courses in pharmacology, chemistry, medical ethics, pharmaceutics, drug development, etc. |
|
Course Alternatives |
PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, PhD in Clinical Pharmacy |
5 Best Pharm D Universities in the USA
US universities are globally recognised for their excellent infrastructure and groundbreaking research and innovation. There is an array of coveted Pharm D universities in USA of which we bring to you a curated list of 5 best Pharm D colleges in USA:
- John Hopkins University
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
- Purdue University
- University of Minnesota Twin Cities
- University of Pittsburgh
Take a look at the key details of each of these universities:
1. John Hopkins University
The Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences at the John Hopkins University offers the PhD in Pharmacology along with several other PhD programs in Biological Chemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Immunology, Pathobiology, etc. The program offers financial support to students covering tuition, living costs and medical insurance.
|
University Type |
Private |
|
QS World University Rankings 2024 |
24 |
|
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Pharmacy and Pharmacology) |
8 |
|
Program Offered |
PhD in Pharmacology |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
USD 59,700 (INR 49,77,390) per year |
2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
The PharmD program at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor is housed within the College of Pharmacy. There are multiple PharmD scholarships awarded by the university to meritorious students and it is named among the top 10 most affordable pharmacy schools in the USA.
|
University Type |
Public |
|
QS World University Rankings 2024 |
25 |
|
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Pharmacy and Pharmacology) |
19 |
|
Program Offered |
PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, PhD in Clinical Pharmacy, Postdoc in Clinical Pharmacy |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
USD 39,950 (INR 33,30,770) per year |
3. Purdue University
The Purdue College of Pharmacy at Purdue University accepts applications through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PCAS). It is to be noted that the university does not consider PCAT scores for evaluation, whereas value is given to community volunteer service as well as leadership experience.
|
University Type |
Public |
|
QS World University Rankings 2024 |
127 |
|
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Pharmacy and Pharmacology) |
24 |
|
Program Offered |
Pharm D |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
USD 20,280 (INR 16,90,810) per year |
4. University of Minnesota Twin Cities
The University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy offers a PharmD professional program as well as unique dual degrees such as PharmD/ MBA, PharmD/ MHI or PharmD/ MPH dual degree programs.
|
University Type |
Public |
|
QS World University Rankings 2024 |
184 |
|
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Pharmacy and Pharmacology) |
43 |
|
Program Offered |
Pharm D professional program |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
USD 40,800 (INR 34,01,630) per year up to 3 years; USD 61,200 (INR 51,02,450) for the 4th year |
5. University of Pittsburgh
The Pitts PharmD program at the University of Pittsburgh is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The program requires all students to complete a minimum of 2 years of pre-professional study at any accredited institution before being accepted into the professional program.
|
University Type |
Public |
|
QS World University Rankings 2024 |
181 |
|
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 (Pharmacy and Pharmacology) |
91 |
|
Program Offered |
PharmD |
|
Average Annual Program Fees |
USD 39,970 (INR 33,32,430) per year |
Suggested: How to shortlist a university?
Eligibility Criteria for Pharm D Courses in USA
The eligibility criteria to pursue Pharm D courses in the USA are more or less similar for every university. The score requirements may vary from university to university. Here are the requirements to be fulfilled for admission to PharmD programs in the USA:
- Master’s degree
- PCAT scores
- English language proficiency test scores
Let us take a look at how you can fulfill these eligibility criteria one at a time:
1. Master’s degree
A completed master’s degree in pharmacy with subjects such as chemistry, biology or physics is required, with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.
2. PCAT scores
US universities may also ask for scores on the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), although not compulsory.
3. English language proficiency test scores
If you are an international student whose native language is not English, you must submit IELTS or TOEFL scores as proof of English language proficiency. A minimum IELTS score of 6.5 or a TOEFL-iBT score of 90 or above is recommended for admission.
Suggested: Masters university finder
Documents Required to Apply for Pharm D Colleges in USA
To complete your application for Pharm D programs in the USA for international students, you must keep the following documents handy while applying:
- Copy of official academic transcripts
- Proof of degree completion
- PCAT scores
- English language proficiency test scores
- Letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose
- Updated CV
- Copy of passport
- Proof of sufficient finances
How to Apply for Pharm D Courses in USA?
- Prepare a list of shortlisted Pharm D colleges in the USA at least 8-10 months before the application process starts.
- Visit the official university website and look for application details, including eligibility criteria, requirements, application deadline, fees, scholarships, etc.
- Complete the online application and submit the necessary application fee.
- Upload the supporting documents required to complete your application, along with the translations and evaluations, if required.
- After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email along with a link to track the status of your application.
- Wait until the admission decision is announced, and if you are accepted, confirm your seat by depositing the tuition fee.
- Once you receive your letter of acceptance, start the process to apply for the F-1 student visa in your home country.
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Also Read |
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Cost of Studying Pharm D in USA
Considering the cost of studying is essential for every international student. Education in USA is a costly affair, and in order to determine your expenses, you need to consider the tuition fees as well as the cost of living, as discussed below:
Tuition Fees
On average, the Pharm D in USA fees for international students is around USD 25,000 (INR 20,84,330) - USD 55,000 (INR 45,85,540) per year. If you compare the Pharm D course fees in the USA at public universities to that of private universities, public universities are much more affordable. At the same time, private universities offer a range of financial aid opportunities to international students that make up for the high fees.
Suggested: Cost of Studying in the USA
Cost of Living
The Cost of Living in the USA is expensive compared to several other study abroad destinations. The monthly average living expenses for an international student in the USA is somewhere between USD 1,000 (INR 83,370) - USD 1,500 (INR 1,25,060), which may increase further depending on the type of accommodation, transportation, food and personal expenses. Therefore, apart from the Pharm D in USA fees, you will need at least USD 12,000 (INR 10,00,480) - USD 18,000 (INR 15,00,720) per year to meet the cost of living.
Scholarships for PharmD Programs USA
Understanding the financial burden that the tuition fee can impose on PharmD USA international students, universities offer a variety of scholarships. The amount awarded to you as scholarships may cover 25% to 100% of your tuition fees based on academic excellence or financial need. In order to get access to the best scholarship, you are encouraged to apply for admission early.
Take a look at the table below to learn more about the scholarships awarded by Pharm D colleges in USA:
|
Scholarship Name |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Pharmacy Scholarship (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) |
USD 8,000 (INR 6,66,990) per year for 3 years and USD 12,000 (INR 10,00,480) in the 4th year |
|
Scholarships for Highest Distinction in Academic Performance (University of Michigan - Ann Arbor) |
USD 1,000 (INR 83,370) - USD 4,000 (INR 3,33,490) per year depending on GPA achieved |
|
Fred and Dee Lyons Leadership Scholarship |
USD 10,000 (INR 8,33,730) |
|
Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) Scholarships (Purdue University) |
USD 500 (INR 41,690) - USD 2,000 (INR 1,66,750) per year |
|
Dean’s Nonresident Scholarship (University of Minnesota) |
Covers the difference between resident and non-resident tuition fees |
What are the Job Scope After Pharm D in USA?
Pharm D is the highest level of qualification in the field of pharmacy and will lead you to job opportunities with lucrative packages. Pharmacists are largely employed in pharmacies and drug stores and some at hospitals and healthcare facilities. The top jobs after Pharm D in USA, along with expected annual salaries, have been discussed in the table below:
|
Job Title |
Average Annual Salaries |
|---|---|
|
Pharmacist |
USD 115,860 (INR 96,59,640) |
|
Pharmacy Manager |
USD 136,000 (INR 1,13,38,780) |
|
Clinical Pharmacist |
USD 119,600 (INR 99,71,460) |
|
Pharmacy Director |
USD 147,920 (INR 1,23,32,590) |
|
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist |
USD 123,060 (INR 1,23,59,930) |
Suggested: How to find jobs in the USA?
From the Desk of Yocket
With this we come to the end of our discussion on Pharm D colleges in the USA. After getting your Pharm D degree in the USA, you can also take continuing education courses to advance in your career and stay updated with the latest changes in pharmacological sciences. To broaden your Pharm D scope in the USA, you can further complete the 2 year residency program and develop your area of specialty.
If you are still confused as to which university to choose for your Pharm.D degree, explore Yocket Premium. It can enhance your pursuit of a Pharm.D. degree in the USA by providing valuable insights and resources. With access to personalized guidance, you can make informed decisions about choosing the right university, preparing for standardized tests, and understanding the admission process. Yocket Premium provides updates on application timelines and relevant information, streamlining your journey towards earning a Pharm.D. degree in the United States.
