Colleges and schools of pharmacy offer the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program in various lengths and structures. Students in all programs begin the professional phase of the PharmD curriculum after they have successfully completed all pre-pharmacy coursework. Pre-pharmacy course requirements vary by institution. Pharmacy schools may give preference to pre-pharmacy students who are enrolled in the same institution and may offer the PharmD degree program in more than one structure, including “early assurance”. See the descriptions below.
0-6/7
Program structure includes 2-3 years of pre-pharmacy study followed by 4-years of professional study leading to a PharmD degree after a total of 6-7 years. Students are admitted directly from high school and may advance to the professional phase of the program via an expedited process, if they successfully complete all of the program’s pre-pharmacy and interview requirements. The majority of seats in the PharmD program are filled with students admitted via the 0-6/7 program. If not all PharmD seats are filled, regular applicants may also apply.
2-3
Program structure includes a minimum of 2-years of pre-pharmacy study followed by 3-years of accelerated professional study leading to a PharmD degree. The professional curriculum is scheduled year-round, so students may complete the PharmD degree within a shorter timeframe.
2-4
Program structure includes a minimum of 2 years of pre-pharmacy study followed by 4 years of professional study leading to a Pharm.D. degree.
3-4
Program structure includes a minimum of 3 years of pre-pharmacy study followed by 4 years of professional study leading to a PharmD degree.
4
Program structure includes 2-4 years of pre-pharmacy study followed by 4 years of professional study leading to a PharmD degree.
Early Assurance
Early assurance pathways are often offered in conjunction with other types of PharmD program structures (2-3, 3-4, or 4). Colleges and schools of pharmacy will generally invite selected students to participate or enroll in this pathway during their first 1-2 years of college. Early assurance students may advance to the professional phase of the PharmD program via an expedited process, if they successfully complete all of the program’s pre-pharmacy and interview requirements. Pharmacy schools do not typically fill all or the majority of seats in the PharmD program with early assurance students and will also encourage regular applicants to apply.