If you are wondering “How to Become a Pharmacist in the USA?”, this guide will tell you exactly how. Pharmacists are health professionals who contribute to patient care by safely, appropriately, and effectively using medications.
A degree in Pharmacy revolves around the physical, biological and chemical aspects of the entities that make up a drug. It also encompasses cutting-edge technology and lab work to test which medications work and which do not. At the core, this degree is about ensuring the potency, safety and stability of people's medications.
The tuition fees for this course range from USD 11,000 per year to USD 50,000 per year in most universities. This course is generally 3 to 4 years long. A Bachelor of Pharmacy in the USA is offered as a bachelor of science in pharmacy, pharmaceutical sciences, etc.
A Bachelor's degree in Pharmaceutical Science prepares students to work in entry-level technical positions in the pharmaceutical, government, and academic research industries.
This degree is ideal for those who want to pursue a career in drug research and development, pharmaceutical marketing, drug manufacturing, medicine marketing, pharmaceutical sales, drug analysis or regulation.
The salary for entry-level positions in these sectors ranges from USD 40,000 to USD 100,000.
Why study Pharmacy in the USA?
- Many scholarships for deserving international students.
- Affordable tuition fees
- Can study with GPA as low as 2.4.
- Some of the best US Universities, like the University of Pittsburgh, University of California Davis and Purdue University, offer this course.
- Ample job opportunities with reasonable pay rates upon graduation.
- No SAT
Top Universities for Bachelor of Pharmacy in the USA
- University of California, San Diego
- University of Wisconsin, Madison
- University of California, Davis
- Ohio State University
- Purdue University West Lafayette
- University of Delaware, Newark
- University of Buffalo at Buffalo
- University of Rhode Island, Kingston
- University of Minnesota
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Florida
- University of Michigan
- University of Washington
- South Dakota State University
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Tuition fees for a Bachelor of Pharmacy in the USA
University |
Approximate Annual tuition fees (USD) |
University of Toledo |
11,356 |
University of Dayton |
45,000 |
West Texas A& M Unversity |
14,000 |
High Point University |
18,567 |
Asbury University |
16,042 |
University of California San Diego |
29,754 |
Western New England University |
15,000 |
University of Pittsburgh |
35,000 |
University of Florida |
32,000 |
Pharmacy/ Pharmaceutical Sciences courses in the USA
- Bachelor in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- BSc in Biochemistry-Pre Pharmacy
- BSc in Medicinal Pharmaceutical Chemistry
- BSc in Pre Pharmacy
- BS in Pharmaceutical and Health Care Business
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Alchohol and Drug Studies
- Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Admission Requirements for a Bachelor of Pharmacy in the USA
Other than the academic requirements, applicants from English-non-speaking countries need to offer English test scores to score secure admission into the College of Pharmacy in the USA.
South Dakota University
- Course name: Pharmaceutical Sciences (BS)/ Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Course duration: 4 years
- Academic Requirements: Applicants must pass the intermediate level with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Other Requirements: Official transcripts, completed application, 2 references, ACT/SAT/ PCAT Scores, English test scores essay on “Why I want to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree at SDSU.”
University of Minnesota- Twin Cities
- Applicants must pass the intermediate level with a minimum of 3.0 per annum.
- SAT Scores: A minimum of 21.
- Application fees: USD 55
- English Test Scores: A minimum of 6.5 with 6.0 in the field.
University of Florida
- All applicants must pass the intermediate level with a minimum cumulative GPA of C.
- SAT/ACT Scores
- IELTS/TOEFL Scores
- Official Transcripts
- 2 references
University of Toledo
- Course Name: Bachelor of Sciences in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Course duration: 4 years
- Academic Requirements; 2.5 GPA or 20 ACT/1030 SAT
- SOP
- Letter of Recommendations
- Official academic transcripts
- English Language Requirements:
- TOEFL IBT: 71
Dyouville School of Phramacy
- Course Name: Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS)
- Course duration: 4 years
- Academic Requirements: A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Other documents: Official transcripts of all colleges and universities attended before.
- These documents are not required, but they boost the profile of students:
- Standardized ACT/SAT Scores
- Admission Essays
- Letter of Recommendation
Bachelor of Pharmacy Scholarships for International Students in the USA
University |
Scholarship |
Scholarship Value and eligibility |
University of Toledo |
Toledo Excellence and Rocket Nation Scholarships |
Eligibility: GPA 4.0 and more Value: USD 14,000 |
Regents and Rocket Nation Scholarships |
Eligibility: GPA 3.75-3.99 Value: USD 13,000 |
|
Trustees and Rocket Nation Scholarships |
Eligibility: GPA 3.4-3.74 Value: USD 11,500 |
|
Rocket Nation Scholarships |
Eligibility: GPA 3.0 and above Value: USD 8000 |
Other popular scholarship includes:
- International student merit scholarship
- Global Excellence Scholarship
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Scope and Career Opportunities
As a part of the curriculum, students will be exposed to fields of pharmacy like the chemistry of medicines, drug discovery, product development, and ethical considerations in research and practice. Graduates will have gained skills to use basic chemistry, mathematics, and biological training in a wide range of specialized research opportunities
As a pharmacist, you will find jobs in spaces like
- Research facilities
- Pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies
- Universities
- Government agencies (such as the Food and Drug Administration)
- Laboratories (such as the National Institutes of Health)
These are some popular recruiters for pharmacy professionals.
- Avera Health
- Sanford Health
- Mayo Clinic
- VA Health System
- Walgreens
Job Title |
Range |
Average |
Pharmacist |
$88k - $138k |
$117,684 |
Pharmacy Director |
$118k - $176k |
$144,258 |
Pharmacy Manager |
$106k - $152k |
$132,669 |
Clinical Pharmacist |
$102k - $147k |
$121,344 |
Staff Pharmacist |
$87k - $141k |
$116,923 |
Pharmacist in Charge |
$73k - $148k |
$110,114 |
Regulatory Affairs Manager |
$83k - $165k |
$121,291 |
Senior Regulatory Affairs Specialist |
$73k - $111k |
$90,863 |
Clinical Pharmacy Specialist |
$115k - $161k |
$135,624 |
Senior Product Development Scientist |
$62k - $123k (Estimated *) |
$86,454 |
Medical Affairs Director |
$117k - $221k (Estimated *) |
$169,245 |
Research Scientist |
$53k - $111k (Estimated *) |
$79,505 |
Hospital Pharmacist |
$96k - $156k (Estimated *) |
$120,642 |
Project Manager (Unspecified Type / General) |
$47k - $121k (Estimated *) |
$76,002 |
Other career opportunities include:
- Drug analyst
- Manufacturing/production technologist
- Quality control inspector
- Technical writer
- Research associate in the pharmaceutical or cosmetic industry, hospitals and universities
- Product developer
- Research consumer safety officer
- Ingredient formulation specialist
The alternative route for graduates is pursuing graduate school or progressing into professional degree programs such as pharmacy, medicine, allied health, or the law.