To be eligible for admission to a PharmD program, students must have completed a bachelor's degree in a related field, such as biology, chemistry, or mathematics. Some PharmD programs also require students to have completed an internship in a pharmacy setting.
The PharmD curriculum includes courses in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacy practice, and clinical pharmacy. Students also complete a series of rotations in various pharmacy settings, such as community pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics.
Upon completion of the PharmD program, students must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) in order to practice as a pharmacist. Some states also require pharmacists to complete a residency program before they can practice independently.
The PharmD is the only degree that allows individuals to practice as pharmacists in the United States. Pharmacists play a vital role in the healthcare system by providing patients with medications and counseling on how to use them safely and effectively.