However, there are advanced study options that *build upon* a PharmD and often require it as an entry condition:
* Residency Programs (Pharmacy): These are post-graduate programs offering specialized training in various areas like hospital pharmacy, ambulatory care, oncology pharmacy, etc. A PharmD is absolutely required.
* Fellowships (Pharmacy): These are even more specialized, typically research-focused post-graduate training programs. Again, a PharmD is mandatory.
* Master's or Doctoral Programs (Pharmaceutical Sciences, related fields): Some graduate programs in areas like pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacogenomics, or health policy might accept PharmD graduates and build on their knowledge. However, they're not universally required. The PharmD could give you a competitive edge in admission, but isn't always strictly necessary.
* MBA Programs: Some pharmacists pursue MBAs to gain business skills relevant to pharmaceutical management or entrepreneurship. The PharmD is not a formal prerequisite, but it makes an applicant's background significantly stronger.
* Law School: While not directly related, a PharmD could be a beneficial background for someone interested in pharmaceutical law, patent law, or healthcare regulation. A JD (law degree) is the primary requirement.
In short, the PharmD is the foundation for a career as a pharmacist. Further studies build upon that foundation, but don't themselves *require* a PharmD as a direct prerequisite in the same way a bachelor's degree might be needed for a master's program. Instead, the PharmD is typically a highly valued and often essential component of the application.