Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a doctoral level degree in the US that prepares students for professional pharmacy practice and licensure.
Careers open to pharmacy graduates
Institutions awarding this level in pharmacy (145)
Source: IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education). IPEDS records the field and level of each award, not its exact title.
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences · Boston
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine · Erie
- University of Florida · Gainesville
- Nova Southeastern University · Fort Lauderdale
- University of Southern California · Los Angeles
- Long Island University · Brookville
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick · New Brunswick
- The University of Tennessee Health Science Center · Memphis
- St. John's University · Queens
- University of the Pacific · Stockton
- University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences · Albany
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis
- Shenandoah University · Winchester
- Purdue University West Lafayette · West Lafayette
- Temple University · Philadelphia
- Auburn University · Auburn
- Midwestern University · Downers Grove
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center · Lubbock
- University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy · Saint Louis
- Xavier University of Louisiana · New Orleans
- University of Georgia · Athens
- Roseman University of Health Sciences · Henderson
- University at Buffalo · Buffalo
- University of Kentucky · Lexington
- Creighton University · Omaha
- Duquesne University · Pittsburgh
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus · Denver
- University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City
- University of Wisconsin–Madison · Madison
- Midwestern University-Glendale · Glendale
- Ferris State University · Big Rapids
- Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus
- University of Houston · Houston
- University of Arizona · Tucson
- University of Rhode Island · Kingston
- Washington State University · Pullman
- University of California-San Francisco · San Francisco
- Western University of Health Sciences · Pomona
- Samford University · Birmingham
- Ohio Northern University · Ada
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus · Pittsburgh
- The University of Texas at Austin · Austin
- Mercer University · Macon
- University of Kansas · Lawrence
- Saint Joseph's University · Philadelphia
- University of South Carolina-Columbia · Columbia
- University of Iowa · Iowa City
- Texas A & M University-College Station · College Station
- California Northstate University · Elk Grove
- University of Maryland, Baltimore · Baltimore
- Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University · Tallahassee
- Butler University · Indianapolis
- University of Washington-Seattle Campus · Seattle
- Wayne State University · Detroit
- Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond
- University of Mississippi · Oxford
- University of Toledo · Toledo
- Northeast Ohio Medical University · Rootstown
- Northeastern University · Boston
- University of the Incarnate Word · San Antonio
- South College · Knoxville
- West Coast University-Center for Graduate Studies · Los Angeles
- Idaho State University · Pocatello
- Binghamton University · Binghamton
- Chapman University · Orange
- University of Cincinnati · Cincinnati
- University of North Texas Health Science Center · Fort Worth
- Pacific University · Forest Grove
- University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor
- University of Connecticut · Storrs
- University of Louisiana at Monroe · Monroe
- University of South Florida · Tampa
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences · Little Rock
- Fairleigh Dickinson University-Florham Campus · Madison
- West Virginia University · Morgantown
- Campbell University · Buies Creek
- North Dakota State University · Fargo
- Oregon State University · Corvallis
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine · Philadelphia
- Belmont University · Nashville
- University of New Mexico-Main Campus · Albuquerque
- Touro University California · Vallejo
- Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston
- Wingate University · Wingate
- South Dakota State University · Brookings
- Drake University · Des Moines
- Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville
- Lipscomb University · Nashville
- Wilkes University · Wilkes-Barre
- East Tennessee State University · Johnson City
- Howard University · Washington
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University · Weatherford
- University of Oklahoma-Health Sciences Center · Oklahoma City
- Texas Southern University · Houston
- Manchester University · North Manchester
- St. John Fisher College · Rochester
- High Point University · High Point
- Thomas Jefferson University · Philadelphia
- Keck Graduate Institute · Claremont
- Roosevelt University · Chicago
- Appalachian College of Pharmacy · Oakwood
- Palm Beach Atlantic University · West Palm Beach
- University of California-San Diego · La Jolla
- University of Utah · Salt Lake City
- Loma Linda University · Loma Linda
- Notre Dame of Maryland University · Baltimore
- Marshall University · Huntington
- The University of Montana · Missoula
- The University of Texas at El Paso · El Paso
- University of Nebraska Medical Center · Omaha
- Concordia University Wisconsin · Mequon
- Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science · North Chicago
- Touro College · New York
- D'Youville College · Buffalo
- Marshall B. Ketchum University · Fullerton
- The University of Texas at Tyler · Tyler
- Regis University · Denver
- South University · Savannah
- Western New England University · Springfield
- University of Puerto Rico-Medical Sciences · San Juan
- Larkin University · Miami
- University of Charleston · Charleston
- University of Findlay · Findlay
- William Carey University · Hattiesburg
- Cedarville University · Cedarville
- Presbyterian College · Clinton
- University of Hawaii at Hilo · Hilo
- Harding University Main Campus · Searcy
- University of New England · Biddeford
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore · Princess Anne
- University of Saint Joseph · West Hartford
- Sullivan University · Louisville
- Medical College of Wisconsin · Milwaukee
- Union University · Jackson
- University of Wyoming · Laramie
- Chicago State University · Chicago
- California Health Sciences University · Clovis
- American University of Health Sciences · Signal Hill
- Husson University · Bangor
- Hampton University · Hampton
- Oregon State University Cascades · Bend
- University of Oklahoma · Norman
- Fairleigh Dickinson University · Teaneck
About
The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a doctoral level degree, representing the highest academic qualification in pharmacy education in the United States. It is designed for students aiming to become licensed pharmacists and engage in various healthcare settings. The PharmD is offered primarily by accredited four-year institutions and some community colleges with articulation agreements. This degree integrates scientific knowledge with practical skills to prepare graduates for patient care, medication management, and healthcare collaboration. It is essential for those who want to pursue licensure exams such as the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX). The PharmD plays a critical role in the healthcare system, combining rigorous academic study with clinical experience.
- Degree awarded at the doctoral level
- Offered by accredited four-year institutions
- Prepares for pharmacy licensure exams
- Combines scientific and clinical education
- Requires clinical rotations in healthcare settings
- Supports careers in patient care and medication management
How to get in
Admission to PharmD programs typically requires completion of prerequisite coursework, often fulfilled through community colleges or university studies. Applicants usually submit their application via platforms like the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), which includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores such as the PCAT, although some programs have become test-optional. Selection is competitive, focusing on academic performance (GPA), relevant experience, and motivation for pharmacy practice. Candidates often have backgrounds in sciences and healthcare-related fields. Financial aid options like FAFSA are available to support students during their studies.
- Prerequisites include science coursework
- Application through PharmCAS platform
- Selection based on GPA and experience
- Some programs accept test-optional applications
- Requires letters of recommendation
- Financial aid available via FAFSA
Format and schedule
The PharmD program usually spans four academic years beyond prerequisite studies, structured to include classroom learning and extensive clinical rotations. The curriculum is designed to balance theoretical knowledge with practical experience in various pharmacy settings such as hospitals, community pharmacies, and clinics. Students engage in supervised internships that develop patient care skills. Evaluation methods include exams, practical assessments, and performance during clinical rotations. The program demands full-time commitment and follows the academic calendar of the institution.
- Program length is four years post-prerequisites
- Includes classroom and clinical training
- Requires multiple clinical rotations
- Assessment via exams and practical evaluations
- Full-time study with structured academic calendar
- Hands-on experience in various pharmacy settings
What next?
Graduates with a PharmD are eligible to take the NAPLEX and other state-specific licensure exams to become licensed pharmacists. The degree opens pathways to careers in community pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical industry, and research. Some graduates pursue residencies or fellowships for specialization or continue education in related healthcare fields. The PharmD is widely recognized across the US, supported by regional accreditation of institutions. Transfer agreements may facilitate further studies or specialization. The degree equips students for a professional role with significant responsibilities in patient care and medication safety.
- Leads to pharmacy licensure eligibility
- Career options in community and hospital pharmacies
- Pathways to residencies and fellowships
- Recognized by accredited institutions
- Supports specialization and advanced studies
- Enables roles in pharmaceutical industry and research
Frequently asked questions
What prior education is needed to enter a PharmD program?
Applicants must complete specific prerequisite courses in sciences, often at community colleges or universities, before applying to PharmD programs.
Is the PharmD degree required to become a licensed pharmacist?
Yes, the PharmD is the required doctoral level degree to sit for pharmacy licensure exams in the US.
How competitive is admission to PharmD programs?
Admission is selective, based on academic performance, relevant experience, and sometimes standardized test scores.
What kind of practical experience is included in the PharmD?
Students complete clinical rotations in various pharmacy settings to gain hands-on patient care experience.
Can I transfer credits from other institutions into a PharmD program?
Some programs have articulation agreements allowing transfer of prerequisite credits, but policies vary by institution.
What careers are available after earning a PharmD?
Graduates can work as licensed pharmacists in community or hospital settings, pursue residencies, or enter pharmaceutical research.
Are there financial aid options for PharmD students?
Yes, students can apply for federal aid through FAFSA and may access scholarships or loans specific to pharmacy education.
Do PharmD programs require standardized tests for admission?
Some programs require the PCAT, but many have adopted test-optional policies recently.