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Beyond directly treating patients, aspiring pharmacists aim to safeguard the health of many through the use of medicine. Among them are students aspiring to enter pharmacy schools, particularly those interested in drug development and careers with multinational pharmaceutical companies abroad. Today, let's explore the "PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) program" in the US and the subsequent steps needed for pursuing careers in pharmacy.



Top 3 Essentials for Practicing Pharmacy
 

What is PharmD?

Many countries worldwide offer the PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) program for the study of pharmacy. The PharmD program typically consists of a minimum of 2 years of undergraduate pre-professional coursework followed by 4 years of professional pharmacy education and training. In other words, PharmD is a professional degree that prepares individuals for careers across various sectors of pharmacy, including research, education, clinical practice, industry, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs.

While some schools accept applications from high school graduates, most pharmacy schools require completion of a bachelor's degree. Recent statistics indicate that 99% of incoming PharmD students had already completed their undergraduate degrees, suggesting that admission directly from high school is rare. PharmD is not only a requirement for licensure as a pharmacist in the US but also in many other countries worldwide. Graduates of PharmD programs are eligible to open independent practices and directly prescribe medications to patients.

 

1. Applying to PharmD Programs

To apply to PharmD programs in the US, all applicants must use the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). PharmCAS allows applicants to search for programs based on criteria such as program deadlines and location.
 

PharmCAS also requires applicants to register, provide details of their undergraduate education, including transcripts, and complete the application and personal statement requirements. Additionally, some schools may require results from the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, or other evaluations.
(※ Click here for more information.)

 

2. Residency Program

Residency programs typically last 1-2 years and are usually pursued during the final year of PharmD education. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) is a certifying body for residency programs, managing the Pharmacy Online Residency Centralized Application Service for residents.
(※ Click here for more information.)

 

3. NAPLEX Examination

The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is a component of the licensure process required for practicing as a pharmacist in the US. Only individuals with a PharmD degree are eligible to take the NAPLEX.
(※ Click here for more information.)

 

Overseas Graduates Pursuing Pharmacy Careers in the US

Graduates of foreign PharmD programs who wish to practice pharmacy in the US must also pass the Foreign Pharmacy Graduate Examination Committee (FPGEC) certification and obtain licensure. The FPGEC certification verifies that foreign-educated pharmacists have received education equivalent to that of U.S. students.
(※ Click here for more information.)