If you’re interested in a rewarding career in clinical pharmacy, consider enrolling in one of the best online Doctor of Pharmacy programs.
The programs on this list equip licensed, practicing pharmacists with advanced knowledge in clinical pharmacy. Unlike retail pharmacists, clinical pharmacists provide direct patient care to promote health and wellness and optimize the use of medication.
You’ll study biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and clinical sciences. Courses examine drug information, research methods, pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy, and the skills you’ll need to effectively assess, monitor, and communicate with patients.
The best part? These programs are online, so you can advance your career without having to take time off work. You can complete program requirements according to your schedule and from the comfort of your home.
What kind of Doctor of Pharmacy degree should you get?
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Since working as a pharmacist has highly specific requirements, most Doctor of Pharmacy degrees cover similar material. Look for a program that fits your timeline and budget. Some programs will allow you to use prior experience to meet requirements, which can accelerate the process. You should also review the list of courses to ensure that the program fits your interests and goals.
In addition, these programs are available both on campus and online. There are benefits to both traditional and online formats. Online programs, however, allow you to continue working while pursuing your degree. If you’re interested in online higher education but unsure if pharmacy is right for you, browse our list of the Best Online Colleges and Universities.
How much money do people make with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for pharmacists is $126,120. The highest 10% earned more than $161,250.
Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, which is about as fast as the average job growth for all occupations. While demand will decrease in some retail settings, it will increase by up to 16% in hospitals and clinics.
You may also choose to go into research and academia. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that postsecondary teachers earn a median salary of $78,470 annually. Teachers in the health specialties, however, earn closer to $97,000, and the highest 10% earn more than $175,000.
What can you do with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree?
With a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, you can work as a pharmacist in a variety of settings. These include hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and community pharmacies. You can also work in research, academia, for government agencies, or as a consultant.
Some Doctor of Pharmacy graduates work in home healthcare, managed care, pharmacoeconomics, legal practices, veterinary pharmacy, mail order, and pharmaceutical development and marketing. Earning a Doctor of Pharmacy may give you more career options than you expect.
What are the requirements for an online Doctor of Pharmacy degree?
For most of these programs, you will need to be a licensed and practicing pharmacist, although Creighton’s program is entry level. You may need to submit a copy of your license, letters of recommendation from pharmacy colleagues, a resume, and/or a statement of goals. For some programs, an interview is required.
Depending on your schedule and preferences, an online Doctor of Pharmacy degree may take 2-6 years to complete. You’ll take courses in basic sciences, clinical sciences, and patient care. In addition, you will complete Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE). Some of these programs have brief residential requirements, typically for orientation and Executive Weekends.
What are the best online Doctor of Pharmacy degrees?
To help you advance your education and career opportunities, we’ve compiled a list of the five best online Doctor of Pharmacy programs. We define “best” based on factors like program reputation, tuition costs, overall return on investment, and accreditation.
All Colleges Rank data comes from trusted sources such as:
Bureau of Labor Statistics PayScale U.S. News and World Report Princeton Review Official college and university websites and course catalogs
If you’re looking for a convenient way to take the next step in your pharmacy career, you’ve come to the right place. All five of these programs offer advanced degrees that you can earn from wherever you are, whenever it fits into your schedule.
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