Compare online PharmD programs

What is a PharmD degree? 

A PharmD (abbreviation for Doctor of Pharmacy) degree is the starting point of the pharmacist's journey in the healthcare field. Typically spanning four years, this rigorous program combines theoretical learning and practical clinical training to equip learners with an in-depth understanding of pharmaceutical sciences, patient care, and ethical healthcare practices. Beyond the foundational curriculum, PharmD graduates can delve into a specialization through postgraduate residencies or fellowships. These specialized pathways enable you to gain expertise in areas such as clinical pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, or pharmaceutical research. 

PharmD requirements for admission

Admission requirements for online Doctor of Pharmacy programs vary by university and degree type. You may need to provide a high school diploma or GED, a minimum GPA score, and ACT or SAT scores for an online bachelor's degree. Usually, an online master’s program requires a completed bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. Other common PharmD requirements include: 

• Official transcripts

• Résumé

• Personal statement

• Letters of recommendation

• Demonstration of industry experience

• GRE scores*

*Note that some programs may not require GRE scores to apply, so check your preferred program’s requirements. It also may be necessary to note any prerequisite courses on more technical subjects.

How to apply

If you’ve decided to pursue a PharmD program online, you’ll need to complete the interest form on the program page so an admissions counselor can contact you. Once you’ve connected with your counselor, you’ll be able to discuss the program, admissions requirements, and your career goals.

What you’ll learn

Your experience in an online Doctor of Pharmacy program will be similar to that of a traditional, on-campus PharmD curriculum. Throughout your studies, you’ll learn about medicine and discover the scientific skills you need to become a patient-centered pharmacist. You’ll then have the opportunity to progress by applying your newfound knowledge in clinical rotations at different care settings. 

Throughout your healthcare learning, you’ll:

• Take courses in the pharmaceutical sciences.

• Develop clinical skills through didactic and group-based coursework.

• Learn how prescription drugs affect the body.

• Examine the administrative aspects of pharmacy and healthcare while emphasizing professionalism, integrity, and diversity.

• Learn about biology, anatomy, and physiology.

• Develop specialized knowledge of pharmacology and medicinal chemistry.

This online experience will provide an interactive learning journey where you can actively participate in classroom discussions, collaborate on projects, deliver compelling presentations, and engage in group activities — just as you would in a traditional program. Additionally, you'll benefit from scheduled office hours with your instructors and the freedom to reach out, connect, and seek assistance whenever you have questions or require support. 

Many online PharmD programs also offer experiential learning in the community and during on-campus immersions. During these on-campus immersions, you’ll benefit from invaluable networking opportunities, engaging group projects, and meaningful real-world problem solving.

One of the key benefits of taking an online PharmD program is the invaluable flexibility. You’ll have the liberty to manage your coursework on a schedule that suits your needs, allowing you to pursue your education while maintaining your professional commitments and personal or family responsibilities. To further enhance the flexibility of our online PharmD programs, edX offers part-time and full-time enrollment options, and ensures all course materials are readily accessible to learners worldwide. No matter where you plan to practice in the U.S., you will be required to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) .

Online Doctor of Pharmacy specializations

A PharmD program typically provides a broad foundation in pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences. However, many PharmD programs offer the opportunity for students to concentrate on different types of PharmD specializations. The availability of specializations may vary between schools, but some common areas of concentration within PharmD programs include:

• Acute Care involves managing medications for critically ill patients. This concentration will prepare you for high-stress, fast-paced clinical environments like ICU and emergency care.

• Ambulatory Care emphasizes pharmaceutical care in outpatient settings, focusing on providing care in community pharmacies or primary care clinics.

• Managed Care concentrates on pharmaceutical management within healthcare systems, equipping you to develop pharmacy benefits, implement evidence-based clinical programs, and enhance the quality and cost-effectiveness of treatments.

• Geriatric Pharmacy addresses the healthcare needs of elderly patients and the unique medication challenges faced by this population.

• Pediatric Pharmacy focuses on pediatric patients and deals with pediatric drug dosages, formulations, and specialized pediatric healthcare.

• Oncology Pharmacy concentrates on cancer treatment, teaching you how to manage chemotherapy medications and provide care to cancer patients.

• Psychiatric Pharmacy deals with psychotropic medications and other treatments pertaining to mental health issues.

• Nuclear Pharmacy allows you to work in areas like diagnostic imaging and cancer treatment, and focuses on the compounding and dispensing of radioactive medications.

• Pharmaceutical Research and Drug Development has a research focus. With this concentration, you’ll be able to develop new drugs and pharmaceuticals.

It’s important to note that the availability of these concentrations can vary between online PharmD programs, and some programs may offer additional specialized tracks or concentrations based on their unique curriculum and faculty expertise.

What can you do with a PharmD?

An accredited online PharmD program can open doors to various rewarding PharmD jobs. Doctor of Pharmacy graduates stand at the intersection of medical expertise, technology, ethics, and business and can leverage their newfound knowledge of medication, clinical options, and drug interactions and side effects in a variety of career paths:

• Pharmacist: Dispense medications, offer medication counseling, and promote patient wellness in various settings, including community pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics.

• Clinical Pharmacist: Work in healthcare teams to provide direct patient care, optimize medication therapy, and ensure safe and effective drug use.

• Consultant Pharmacist: Offer expertise in medication management, particularly in long-term care facilities, to optimize patient outcomes and minimize drug-related problems.

• Professor: Educate future pharmacists and contribute to academic research, shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

• Pharmaceutical Researcher: Conduct research to develop new drugs, improve existing medications, and advance pharmaceutical knowledge, often in collaboration with the pharmaceutical industry.

Online PharmD degree salary and job outlook

Salaries for professionals in the pharmaceutical industry may vary based on location, employer, job title, and industry. A candidate’s qualifications and collective years of experience may open the door for higher-paying positions. 

The median annual wage for pharmacists is substantial, usually paying a fair amount more than the salaries of other diagnosing or treating health practitioners.^{Footnote 1}