Finding the Best Online PharmD Programs
Is online pharmacy school right for you? Get the details on top online PharmD programs, including cost, learning methods, specializations, and flexibility, to help you determine if an online pharmacy program could fit for your schedule and career goals.
If putting on a white coat and dispensing life-saving medications appeals to you, earning a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) offers a clear path to that goal.
Pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system. As medication experts, they help patients use treatments safely and effectively, improve health outcomes, manage chronic conditions, and support care teams in treating illness and relieving symptoms.
Best Online PharmD Programs
Choosing the best online pharmacy school takes some attention to detail, as there are dozens of accredited programs through high-quality schools that offer a great education.
Think about what matters the most to you: tuition cost, time on campus, high-quality faculty, or maybe something else? We shine a spotlight on the top overall PharmD programs this year to help you see which ones stand out and why.
Howard University offers a nontraditional, cost-conscious doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD) for students who already have experience in the field. Along with traditional coursework, students complete 1,440 hours of clinical rotation, which can include hours worked at their full-time pharmacy job or hours spent in clinical rotations. A large portion of those hours comes from students' work in pharmacy and reflections on their work. To begin the degree, students complete three semesters of online, self-paced work and a three day in-person orientation. Since the courses are self-paced, they're easier to fit around a full-time work schedule. After that, the rest of the degree comes from work experience. Because the program is designed for those already working in pharmacy, it can be completed in as little as two years. Most students finish in a little over two years to almost four years.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Pharmacy
- Credits: 73
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $30,842/year
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
The doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD) online from St. John Fisher College is a student-centered, four-year degree . All coursework in this program can be completed online, with many courses in the evenings or on weekends to fit around a full-time work schedule. While coursework is online, there are campus immersion programs throughout the year, with students attending about one per semester. Along with these campus visits, students must also complete 2,000 hours of clinical rotations, which are done in-person at a pharmacy near them. In total, students complete six immersions and 11 clinical rotations by the time they graduate. When applying for the program, learners need two years, or 62 hours, of pre-professional higher education courses and two letters of recommendation.
Program Highlights:
Doctorate of Pharmacy
- Credits: 151
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $1,233/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio11
The University of Colorado Denver and the Anschutz Medical Campus offer a flexible doctorate of pharmacy designed for working professionals. This degree can be completed in as little as two years, depending on an applicant's educational background, and only requires 35 credit hours for those who qualify. According to the program website, 99% of the students are employed while completing this degree. To accommodate students, courses are designed for optimal flexibility. That means it's possible to complete this degree 100% online, with virtual classes being offered at times which work for many students' schedules. However, clinical rotations must be completed in person. They can be completed anywhere in the United States, not just within the state of Colorado. If students are employed in the field of pharmacy, they can also complete clinical rotations at work.
Program Highlights:
Doctorate of Pharmacy
- Credits: 35-65
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $979/crredit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
Auburn University offers a doctorate of pharmacy (PharmD) that can be paired with a PhD or master's of public health (MPH). On average, students in either program complete the program in four years. The curriculum consists of a mixture of traditional courses, classes with clinical components, and clinical rotations. All coursework can be completed online, or a student can decide to complete some classes fully in-person. Other classes may be completed in a blended format with lectures online and the clinical component and labs in person. While it is possible to complete all coursework online, students must complete clinical rotations in person. Students are able to complete their clinical rotations near where they live, so the program is accessible to those outside the state. For an increased layer of accessibility, out-of-state students pay the in-state tuition rate for online courses.
Program Highlights:
Doctorate of Pharmacy
- Credits: 42
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $5,283/semester
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio20
Students looking for a student-centered doctorate in pharmacy (PharmD) program that works with their schedule should consider the degree from Creighton University. The PharmD Distance Pathway is designed for students to get the most from their online pharmacy eduation. Over four years, students in the program take courses in pharmacy and complete clinical rotations. Not only is the program known for a high quality curriculum, it was also the first accredited distance learning program for a pharmacy doctorate. Because of this, the faculty understand what components contributed to a strong online program and have incorporated best online learning practices into each course. Creighton University offers asynchronous and synchronous distance learning courses and blended courses with some in-person components. Other than the clinical rotation component, it is possible to complete all other degree requirements fully online. The clinical rotation can be completed in person near the student, not on or near campus, for increased accessibility.
Program Highlights:
Doctorate of Pharmacy
- Credits: 146
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $39,128/semester
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio11
In Duquesne University's four-year doctorate in pharmacy program, students take courses in subjects such as pharmaceutical calculations and human physiology. After two years of foundational courses, students begin clinical rotations while also having the opportunity to take electives or concentrate in one area during their last three years of the degree. Available concentrations include acute care concentration, ambulatory care, community practice, entrepreneurial pharmacy, geriatric pharmacotherapy, and health service research and outcomes. All courses can be taken online, though students must complete clinical rotations in person. In addition to the university's accreditation, the program has accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Successful applicants often have an undergraduate degree in math or science and a strong GPA.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Pharmacy
- Credits: 142
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $1,842/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences offers a PharmD degree program that is divided into three phases. While not all program requirements are available online, some are. Phase one kicks off with an in-person orientation on MCPHS's Boston campus. After completing orientation requirements, students begin phase two, which includes five semesters of online lectures. In these lectures, students study subjects such as drug therapy and pharmacoepidemiology. Finally, students enter phase three, which consists of160 hours of clinical rotations. These hours take place over four weeks, and students rotate between different pharmacy workplaces, such as ambulances, health systems, and internal medicine. It is important to note this is a nontraditional program, meaning successful applicants already are licensed to practice pharmacy in the United States. Due to this fact, students can graduate in three years instead of the typical four to six years.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Pharmacy
- Credits: 43
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $1,380/credit
- Mode: Online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio12
Online PharmD Program Spotlight
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine’s four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program begins with foundational coursework before progressing to advanced pharmacy studies in years two and three.
During the fourth year, students complete six six-week clinical rotations in community and healthcare settings. Courses are delivered through a mix of asynchronous and synchronous learning, and students attend summer residencies in Bradenton, Florida, lasting one to three weeks each year.
All exams are administered through a virtual proctoring service.
Benefits of Online Pharmacy School
It’s a busy world out there, and colleges and universities are well aware that students need a variety of learning options. Most students in doctorate programs need to continue working full-time while they pursue higher education.
Some require the flexibility of online learning so they can attend class when it’s most convenient for them. When attending an online PharmD program, consider these benefits:
1
Saving on costs.
While tuition for online PharmD programs may be similar to on-campus options, students can often reduce other education-related expenses. Online learning can lower commuting costs, provide access to digital course materials, and make it easier to maintain full-time employment while earning a degree.
2
Customizing your pace.
Many online Doctor of Pharmacy programs allow you to customize your experience by allowing you to take one course at a time, take a few courses to be considered part-time, or dive right into the full-time status.
Accelerated programs can take as little as two years to complete, assuming you already hold a master’s degree; others can take as long as five or six years, allowing for maximum flexibility.
As online learning becomes more common, more PharmD programs are likely to turn to virtual learning to provide the best options for their students.
However, it’s important to understand the types of online programs out there before you choose your own Doctor of Pharmacy program.
Types of Online PharmD Programs
The online Doctor of Pharmacy program offers the option of a blended or hybrid education and a fully online education. It’s important to understand what those two options mean.
Keep in mind that the rigorous requirements for the PharmD program will require some in-person campus visits even if the program is billed as 100% online. There will also be a requirement to complete clinical rounds or internships, which are always completed in person.
Here’s what to expect from the different types of online programs.
Fully online
In a fully online PharmD program, most coursework is completed remotely, often through a combination of asynchronous and synchronous learning. Asynchronous courses let you complete assignments on your own schedule, while synchronous sessions require you to participate in live online classes or discussions at designated times.
Despite the name, fully online programs often include limited on-campus requirements. These experiences — sometimes called residencies, intensives, or immersions — typically last a few days to a few weeks and may occur once per semester.
Students must also complete clinical rotations in person, usually at approved healthcare or pharmacy sites near where they live.
Blended or hybrid
In this type of program, many courses can be completed online, but others are expected to be completed in person. These might include courses taken on weekends or evenings to allow for the busy schedules of those enrolled.
The in-person courses are often taken at the college or a satellite location, which means living within driving distance is a must. Hands-on requirements are completed in person as well, just as with the fully online programs.
Timeline: Online Pharmacy School
Though most online pharmacy school programs take four years and some might stretch to five, there are other options, such as an accelerated program that means you complete the work within two short years.
How long the program might take depends on various factors including the prerequisite courses you’ve already completed or the degree you already hold. For instance, those with a master’s degree will likely finish in a shorter amount of time than those who hold a bachelor’s degree.
The timeline below is an example of what a three-to-four-year program would look like.
Year
1
The first year typically focuses on foundational pharmacy coursework and any remaining prerequisite requirements. Common subjects include advanced assessment, biostatistics, biotechnology, literature evaluation, and pharmaceutical laboratory sciences.
Some programs also require short on-campus visits for orientations, intensives, or cohort-building activities, giving students the opportunity to connect with faculty and classmates in person.
Year
2
This year will introduce more in-depth topics, including courses in pathophysiology, pharmacology of infectious diseases, applied pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenomics, and more in-depth lab work.
This year will probably also include more on-campus visits of short duration, as well as the potential to start clinical rotations. You will work closely with your academic advisor to make sure you’re on the right path for graduation in the appropriate timeframe.
Year
3
For some, this year will be all about clinical rotations at various clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies in areas that are suitable for the student; some schools might require this study to occur at their preferred locations.
Coursework will now be all upper-level classes that drive home earlier lessons and dive deep into pharmacology in all its forms. If you’ve chosen a specialty, this is the year you’ll focus hard on that, as well as touch on the ethical, legal, and best professional practices of pharmacists. Some will graduate this year.
Year
4
If you’re still in the program, this year is likely focused on full-time clinical rotations and finishing up any final projects or collaborative efforts with your cohort. You might also begin preparing for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE).
If you are seeking to move into research or other advanced position, you’ll begin looking into the one- or two-year residency that you’ll be required to complete after graduation.
Before choosing a PharmD program, carefully compare factors such as admission requirements, residency expectations, program costs, and alignment with your career goals.
If you need additional information, reach out to an admissions advisor, faculty member, or program director. They can help clarify requirements and determine whether the program is a good fit for your academic and professional objectives.
Online PharmD Learning Outcomes
Though each school will set their own curriculum and approach their programs a bit differently, aspiring pharmacists all need to have the same base of knowledge and skills in order to maintain patient safety and lead a pharmacy.
To that end, each school will teach you certain things across the board, with some variations for those who choose a particular specialization. By the time you graduate, you will be able to fulfill these learning outcomes as you move into your new career.
1
In-depth knowledge of medications.
The goal of a pharmacist is to understand all medications, learn about emerging treatments, and be able to provide patients with a safe experience concerning those medications.
2
Excellent communication.
Communicating clearly with colleagues and patients is a vital part of any pharmacy practice.
This clear communication, especially with patients and the members of their healthcare team, can mean the difference between life and death.
3
Problem solving.
Pharmacists often encounter issues with patients who are prescribed a variety of drugs, perhaps from different prescribers, which could lead to complications or serious interactions.
Figuring out to how to solve those problems, who to contact, and what solutions might exist is a key part of the job.
4
Managing medical systems.
The vast majority of pharmacy work is computerized, and each pharmacy uses a variety of systems throughout a typical day.
Understanding the technology and keeping up with new developments can help you take care of patients appropriately.
5
Social and cultural awareness.
As a pharmacist, you will work with patients from all backgrounds and cultures.
Understanding the different views on medications, natural healing, and the sometimes contradictory beliefs between the two is important to navigate the communication with patients and ensure they are doing all the right things to stay healthy.
Expert Insight
It’s okay to look beyond pharmacy settings when exploring career paths. Pharmacists increasingly work in healthcare administration, informatics, regulatory affairs, pharmaceutical industry roles, and population health initiatives.
Specializing with Your Pharmacy Doctorate
The Board of Pharmacy Specialties recognizes 14 specialties for pharmacists. Some of these specialties are extremely specific, such as solid organ transplantation pharmacy, while others are much broader, such as pediatric pharmacy.
Choosing a specialization can allow you to tailor your education to work with specific populations or situations, which could lead to a rewarding career in a space you enjoy more than general pharmacy work.
Here are some of the specialties you can choose from:
- Geriatrics. This specialty focuses on dispending the proper medications for patients of an advanced age. Since many older patients might be on many medications at once, it’s important to understand how those medications can interact and help ensure patient safety.
- Oncology. This requires work with very specialized treatments for those with various cancers. The compounding of these medications often requires special instructions, precautions, and care.
- Ambulatory. The focus of this specialty is on those who need a wide variety of medications, such as the range of patients found in clinics, hospitals, and the offices of physicians. This includes some of the most common medications prescribed.
- Critical care. Some patients require medications that keep them stable during critical care treatment. This means their medications can be extremely time sensitive and great care must be taken to ensure no negative interactions occur.
- Psychiatric. This specialization looks at the specific medications given to those who have psychiatric or psychological issues that need treatment. Pharmacists in this focus must be very careful to ensure no medication interactions that could exacerbate a patient’s condition.
Accreditation & the Online Doctor of Pharmacy
When evaluating an online Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, accreditation should be one of your top considerations.
Institutional accreditation applies to the college or university as a whole. Accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education evaluate factors such as academic quality, faculty qualifications, student support services, and financial stability. You can verify a school’s accreditation through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.
Programmatic accreditation evaluates a specific academic program. For PharmD programs, the key accrediting body is the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Accreditation is especially important because graduates must earn their degree from an accredited PharmD program to pursue pharmacist licensure. Before applying, confirm that both the institution and the pharmacy program hold the appropriate accreditation.
Applying to an Online PharmD Program
When applying to a graduate program, there are certain things every school will look for, such as your GPA from previous schools, a written statement or essay, and an application that provides insight into your background.
More competitive programs like the PharmD might look for more information, such as your employment experience and prerequisite courses taken to prepare you for the program.
Here are some of the more unique points you might need to present when applying to the online PharmD program.
- Work experience. Those interested in programs with this requirement must show that they have some work experience in a pharmacy setting, commonly as a pharmacy technician.
- Interview. Many PharmD programs use interviews to evaluate applicants beyond their academic credentials. Depending on the program, interviews may be conducted virtually or in person.
- Prepare by reviewing common admissions questions and practicing your responses with an academic advisor, mentor, or trusted colleague.
- Pharmacy College Admission Test.This test replaces the GMAT or GRE for students going into the program. Schools place certain weight on these scores, just like they do the GPA, to help determine whether you are a good candidate for their program.
Paying for Online Pharmacy School
Though every school requires tuition and fees, online school can cut down on other costs. For instance, there’s no commute or very few visits to campus, which can result in significant savings on fuel, car maintenance, and even parking fees.
On the other hand, there might be some other expenses, such as keeping a working computer and internet coverage. The bottom line for affordability, however, always begins with tuition.
Let’s take a look at some of the tuition costs at schools across the country for the online PharmD program.
| School | Cost | Total Credits | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Howard University | $1,594/credit | 65 | $103,610 |
| Creighton University | $44,899/year (Avg) | 134 | $179,595 |
| St. John Fisher College | $1,233/credit | 151 | $186,183 |
| Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences | $1,160 | 64 | $74,240 |
NOTE: Keep in mind that some schools have tuition assistance, grants, scholarships, and other methods to help PharmD students pay for their degree. There might also be internship opportunities, fellowships, employer reimbursement programs, and more.
That means that the amount of tuition might be much less than what you see here or on a school’s tuition and fees page. To be sure of your options, always contact the financial aid office of the school you hope to attend and ask for specifics regarding tuition, fees, and the options for payment.
In the meantime, read through our guide to scholarships and grants to see what’s available and how to apply.
Pharmacist Salary Potential with a PharmD
A PharmD can help pharmacists expand their clinical expertise, pursue specialty practice areas, and prepare for leadership roles in healthcare organizations, academia, and pharmacy administration.
Graduates may advance into positions such as clinical pharmacy director, faculty member, specialty pharmacist, or healthcare consultant. Common specialty areas include oncology, infectious disease, critical care, and psychiatric pharmacy.
In addition to expanding career opportunities, a PharmD can increase earning potential, particularly for pharmacists working in hospital systems, specialty clinics, and academic medical centers.
Use the salary table below to compare pharmacist earnings across states and explore the financial outlook for pharmacy professionals.
Pharmacists
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $140,910 | $161,840 | $174,230 |
| Alabama | $134,630 | $151,700 | $161,940 |
| Alaska | $167,310 | $173,600 | $196,020 |
| Arizona | $146,930 | $161,970 | $171,660 |
| Arkansas | $136,060 | $154,540 | $164,940 |
| California | $164,610 | $197,860 | $213,820 |
| Colorado | $156,030 | $169,120 | $188,430 |
| Connecticut | $141,290 | $157,600 | $165,360 |
| Delaware | $152,880 | $165,170 | $178,760 |
| District of Columbia | $153,400 | $165,710 | $196,080 |
| Florida | $135,970 | $154,470 | $166,310 |
| Georgia | $137,120 | $158,880 | $170,110 |
| Hawaii | $163,220 | $171,510 | $177,290 |
| Idaho | $144,900 | $160,240 | $164,050 |
| Illinois | $139,080 | $162,280 | $169,430 |
| Indiana | $144,290 | $159,930 | $169,360 |
| Iowa | $138,860 | $157,880 | $164,520 |
| Kansas | $137,800 | $159,380 | $169,310 |
| Kentucky | $136,530 | $158,280 | $168,940 |
| Louisiana | $132,410 | $145,670 | $156,740 |
| Maine | $140,930 | $157,600 | $166,810 |
| Maryland | $138,990 | $158,150 | $169,890 |
| Massachusetts | $138,170 | $155,490 | $164,500 |
| Michigan | $137,860 | $157,610 | $168,540 |
| Minnesota | $159,740 | $169,140 | $174,660 |
| Mississippi | $133,230 | $147,820 | $158,230 |
| Missouri | $137,610 | $158,120 | $166,840 |
| Montana | $142,080 | $158,850 | $165,260 |
| Nebraska | $139,330 | $159,480 | $170,090 |
| Nevada | $140,030 | $158,970 | $168,600 |
| New Hampshire | $143,020 | $160,190 | $170,030 |
| New Jersey | $137,620 | $161,240 | $172,110 |
| New Mexico | $147,000 | $163,540 | $174,200 |
| New York | $142,090 | $163,510 | $174,550 |
| North Carolina | $138,860 | $159,010 | $169,820 |
| North Dakota | $142,040 | $156,370 | $167,940 |
| Ohio | $137,020 | $156,190 | $165,900 |
| Oklahoma | $135,140 | $152,370 | $162,070 |
| Oregon | $165,960 | $182,040 | $193,860 |
| Pennsylvania | $138,160 | $156,970 | $163,570 |
| Rhode Island | $128,180 | $133,700 | $161,090 |
| South Carolina | $135,700 | $158,210 | $170,270 |
| South Dakota | $146,790 | $155,260 | $166,340 |
| Tennessee | $133,390 | $153,380 | $164,430 |
| Texas | $138,260 | $160,080 | $170,170 |
| Utah | $144,240 | $163,560 | $172,440 |
| Vermont | $136,270 | $162,110 | $164,370 |
| Virginia | $144,060 | $161,600 | $173,550 |
| Washington | $160,610 | $179,480 | $205,210 |
| West Virginia | $133,430 | $154,830 | $166,020 |
| Wisconsin | $148,740 | $167,430 | $178,090 |
| Wyoming | $139,550 | $161,060 | $168,450 |
Source: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/pharmacists.htm
Showing 1 – 10 of 52 entries | Data does not reflect school-specific information.
Expert Insight
Treat every clinical rotation like an extended job interview. Many pharmacists receive residency opportunities, references, or employment offers because of the reputation they build during experiential training.
