A doctorate in pharmacy, also called a PharmD, is a doctoral degree that prepares graduates to work as pharmacists. Pharmacists provide patients with prescription medications, give directions on how to properly take medications and explain any side effects a patient may expect from medication.

If you’re interested in a pharmacy career, PharmD school can help you achieve your professional goals. Use this guide for tips to get into PharmD school as you research and apply to schools.

Doctor of Pharmacy programs typically include classroom instruction and clinical rotation experience so students can practice the field of pharmacy in real-life settings. Typically, a Doctor of Pharmacy degree program takes about four years to complete, depending on the program. Some schools admit high school graduates into a six-year program. A typical path might be at least two years of specific undergraduate work followed by several years of professional pharmacy study, which may include a residency at a clinical or commercial pharmacy.

Before entering pharmacy school, students will typically need to have completed prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, life sciences or other science-based courses. Using this foundation, students build upon those courses and learn more advanced pharmacology topics.

Pharmacy school curriculum includes courses on:

During advanced rotations, students will practice pharmacy work in real-life settings. Upon graduation from pharmacy school, a student will have a PharmD degree.

Pharmacy school prepares graduates to obtain state licensure to work as an entry-level pharmacist. To work as a pharmacist in the United States, you’ll need to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) to demonstrate competency to practice as a pharmacist.

You may be wondering what you need to become a PharmD student in a Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. You don’t necessarily need a master’s degree or even a bachelor’s degree to gain admittance into some online healthcare degree programs. School of pharmacy programs have different requirements, but typically you’ll need at least two years of post-secondary schooling with courses focused on science to meet prerequisite requirements.

There may be some pharmacy programs that accept high school graduates. These programs would last longer than four years; around six years total.

Some schools may also have testing, recommendation letter, interview and background check requirements when you apply. Consider the following so you can be prepared.

To get an idea of what’s required for pharmacy school, here are some of the typical application requirements you can expect.

Some pharmacy schools also may require that you complete an interview with staff or faculty during the admissions process.

Use this as an opportunity to express what makes you a good candidate for the program. The following tips won’t guarantee admission, but they may help you as you craft your personal statement.

Also, consider having a mentor read over your personal statement to proofread and provide advice before you submit it.

These tips won’t guarantee admission to a PharmD program, but they can help you obtain meaningful letters of recommendation.

Many PharmD schools require interviews to get an idea of how you’d fit into the program and to better understand you as a candidate. Since it’s normal to feel nervous before or during an interview, practice for the interview by reviewing the following questions. It may help to practice answering these with a mentor.

Be prepared for a mix of general questions about yourself and what you’re like as a student, as well as questions that relate to your interest in pharmacy school.

Use these general tips when preparing to apply to pharmacy school. They don’t guarantee entry into a program, but they may help position you as a qualified candidate.

You may also be able to get tips from the pharmacy school’s admissions advisors on how to position yourself as a standout candidate. Contact them as early as possible so you can prepare.

Besides advising people on the safe use of prescriptions, pharmacists may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations and offer advice on healthy living. If you enjoy science and working as a pharmacist appeals to you, PharmD school can help you achieve your career goals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a PharmD degree is required in order to be a pharmacist and get licensed.

Preparing for school as early as possible can help position you to succeed as an applicant. By focusing on grades, credentials, recommendations, experience and interviewing skills, you may successfully gain entry into pharmacy school.

Last updated February 2021