Online Pharmacy School
Before modern medicine was developed, people would not have been able to go to their local drugstore and pick out medication to help their minor cold or flu go away. There also would not have been any regulatory system to circulate medicine safely to the general public.
Nowadays, pharmacists help people decide which medicine to choose from. They fill and dispense prescription medications and ensure that patients use these medications safely. Pharmacists also work more broadly to determine which medicines are safe and if they follow federal laws.
Aspiring pharmacists must earn a doctor of pharmacy degree to practice. This page offers a list of the most affordable online doctor of pharmacy programs. We included all of the schools on this list because of their quality teaching, low student indebtedness after graduation, and positive student outcomes.
What Kind of Doctorate in Pharmacy Should You Get?
People often confuse a doctor of pharmacy degree and a doctor of pharmacology degree. Future practicing licensed pharmacists who work directly with patients earn a doctorate in pharmacy. Pharmacologists who wish to work in academia, testing, and research earn a doctorate in pharmacology.
An online Pharm.D. program allows students to continue working in the daytime and take classes at night or on the weekends. Online courses often follow an asynchronous format, meaning that students do not need to meet at scheduled times. However, due to the clinical nature of the field, students may need to participate in some live classes. They may also need to visit campus or a local facility to learn skills in person.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
Best Online Doctor of Pharmacy Programs 2023
The school and/or program descriptions below were drafted using natural language generation technology and have been edited for clarity and accuracy. The data is primarily sourced from government databases such as IPEDS – see sources section for more details.
Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Erie, PA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The doctor of pharmacy program at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine provides specialized, advanced training in pharmacy. The private college features competitive doctoral programs in six subjects. Many of the doctoral programs offer both in-person and online enrollment options.
Candidates in the pharmacy program must meet coursework, research, and examination requirements. Throughout the program, learners work with faculty advisors to craft a dissertation that contributes original research to the pharmacy field. Doctoral students conduct independent research, present at conferences, and gain teaching experience. The comprehensive program prepares graduates for academic and research careers.
While academically rigorous, the program also promotes flexibility for degree-seekers. Candidates benefit from independent research and professional opportunities. Students also prepare for careers outside of academia by taking on industry-focused projects. Prospective applicants can contact the program to learn more about doctoral admission requirements.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Admission Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
8%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs
Shenandoah University
- Winchester, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
The pharm.D. program at Shenandoah University builds expertise in pharmacy. The private university offers eight doctoral programs for graduate learners. Many of the doctoral programs deliver online enrollment options.
The program incorporates doctoral classes, comprehensive examinations, and research projects. Learners propose, write, and defend a dissertation that contributes original research to the pharmacy field. Doctoral students often present their research at academic conferences, which helps them build their professional network. Graduates prepare for academic and research careers throughout the program.
While rigorous, the pharmacy program provides flexibility through its online modality. The program encourages candidates to strengthen their research and professional training. In addition to academic and research career paths, the program's industry-focused training prepares students for careers outside of academia. For more information about admission requirements and start dates, contact the program.
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
How Much Does a Doctor of Pharmacy Make?
Being a pharmacist is not only a great career that directly impacts the health of others but it also offers great pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacists earn a median annual salary of $128,710. Those who work in outpatient care centers make the most, with a mean salary of $147,130 per year. The top 10% of earners make a median $164,980 salary annually. Alaska, California, and Oregon are the highest-paying states for this career.
What Can You Do With an Online Doctor of Pharmacy?
Graduates of online doctor of pharmacy degrees often pursue careers as pharmacists. They may be eligible for higher positions within their place of employment, such as being a manager or one who trains new employees. Degree holders can also pursue other positions, such as those listed below.
- Pharmacy school program developer
- Pharmacoeconomics professional
- Hospital pharmacist
- Government worker (i.e. Food and Drug Administration)
What Are the Requirements for an Online Doctor of Pharmacy?
An online Pharm.D. program generally takes full-time students four years to complete. Some programs may offer an accelerated option. Depending on the school, about half of the program consists of coursework on specific topics. Examples include pathophysiology, developing drug therapy plans for patients, and the history of pharmacy.
Because the Pharm.D. emphasizes practice over academia, students do not need to complete a thesis or research project, unlike in Ph.D. programs. Instead, learners must complete rotations that teach clinical skills, such as diagnosing patient symptoms. Rotations can occur online via live sessions. But students often need to visit campus or a local healthcare setting to train.
Before they can begin practicing, aspiring pharmacists must obtain state licensure after graduating. Pharmacists may also earn certifications to show expertise in a specific area, such as nutrition or diabetes.
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