Pharmacy school

Pharmacy school is an educational institution, or part of such an institution, that is devoted to instruction in the field of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences. This includes the application of medical principles to the science of pharmacology and the therapeutic use of drugs.

History

The first pharmacy school in the United States was established in 1821 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Today, there are over 130 pharmacy schools in the U.S., each offering a unique curriculum and training experience.

Curriculum

Pharmacy school curriculum typically includes courses in pharmacology, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacy law, pharmacy practice, pharmaceutics, toxicology, pathology, medical ethics, and physical chemistry. Some schools also offer courses in pharmacy administration, public health, and research methods.

Admission

Admission to pharmacy school is competitive and requires a strong academic background in the sciences. Most schools require applicants to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), and many also require interviews.

Degrees

Upon successful completion of the pharmacy school curriculum, students are awarded the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Some schools also offer dual degree programs, such as a Pharm.D./Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Pharm.D./Master of Public Health (MPH).

Licensing

After earning a Pharm.D. degree, pharmacists must pass two exams to become licensed to practice pharmacy. These exams are the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).

Careers

Pharmacists can work in a variety of settings, including community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, clinical pharmacies, long-term care facilities, pharmaceutical industry, academia, and government agencies.

See also

• List of pharmacy schools
• Pharmacy education
• Pharmacist
• Pharmacy