The specific requirements for a master's degree in pharmacy vary from program to program, but most programs require students to complete a bachelor's degree in pharmacy (B.S.Pharm.) or a related field, such as biology or chemistry. Some programs also require students to have a minimum grade point average (GPA) and to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT).
During pharmacy school, students take courses in a variety of topics, including pharmaceutics, pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and clinical pharmacy. They also gain clinical experience through rotations in various pharmacy settings, such as hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies.
After completing pharmacy school, students who want to pursue a master's degree must complete a residency program. Residencies are typically one to two years long and provide students with additional clinical experience and training in a specialized area of pharmacy practice.
Upon completing a master's degree in pharmacy, graduates are eligible to sit for the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination) and the MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination). These exams are required for licensure to practice pharmacy in the United States.