Pharm.D. Program Structures

Accelerated Pharm.D. Programs – also known as 3 or 3.5-Year Pharm.D. Programs

OVERVIEW:

These programs allow students to earn their Pharm.D. in a shorter time frame - typically 3 years or 3 ½ years - after either earning a bachelor’s degree or completing the required number of undergraduate prerequisite courses.

STRUCTURE:

• Intensive Curriculum: Classes are more condensed, and students often take courses year-round, including summers.
• Years 1-2: Focus on pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical care. Students also learn about ethics and healthcare systems while completing introductory experiences in real pharmacy settings.
• Years 1-2: Focus on pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical care. Students also learn about ethics and healthcare systems while completing introductory experiences in real pharmacy settings.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Suitable for students looking to enter the workforce more quickly and who may already have some background in science or healthcare.

PRE-PHARMACY COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS:

It varies! The best places to look are the Enrollment Options table or the PharmCAS School Directory. These resources will help you determine if a program requires, does not require, or prefers a bachelor’s degree.

MORE INFORMATION:

See 3-year programs here and 3.5-year programs here.*

OVERVIEW:

Most Pharm.D. programs are designed to be completed in four years after either earning a bachelor’s degree or completing a certain number of undergraduate prerequisite courses.

STRUCTURE:

• The Pharm.D. curriculum is scheduled over four academic years with breaks for summer and winter.
• Years 1-2: Focus on foundational courses in pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical care. Students also learn about healthcare systems, ethics, and patient care while completing introductory experiences in real pharmacy settings.
• Years 3-4: Emphasis on learning how to manage diseases and provide care to patients in real and simulated environments such as advanced pharmacy practice experiences, including clinical rotations in various settings such as hospitals, community pharmacies, and outpatient clinics.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Ideal for students who have completed their undergraduate education or are nearing completion and are looking for educational options that allow for breaks in learning.

PRE-PHARMACY COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS:

It varies! The best places to look are the Enrollment Options table or the PharmCAS School Directory. These resources will help you determine if a program requires, does not require, or prefers a bachelor’s degree.

MORE INFORMATION:

See 4-year programs here.*

OVERVIEW:

 These programs combine undergraduate education with professional pharmacy training, allowing students to complete their Pharm.D. in six years without first obtaining a bachelor's degree.

STRUCTURE:

• Years 1-2: Students typically complete pre-pharmacy coursework, which includes general education and foundational science courses.
• Years 3-6: The curriculum shifts to professional pharmacy courses, culminating in clinical practice experiences in the final years.

TARGET AUDIENCE: 

Ideal for high school graduates who are committed to pursuing pharmacy and want a streamlined path to their Pharm.D. Some programs award an undergraduate degree along the way to earning their Pharm.D. degree.

 PRE-PHARMACY COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS:

Students complete their pre-pharmacy coursework during the first 2 years of the program.

MORE INFORMATION:

See 0-6-year programs here.

OVERVIEW:

 Extended 6-year Pharm.D. programs offer a more gradual pace, allowing students to complete their degrees while balancing additional commitments such as work or family.

STRUCTURE:

• Years 1-2: Students focus on pre-pharmacy and foundational courses.
• Years 3-6: Students proceed through professional coursework, but the curriculum is spread out over six years, allowing for more flexibility in course load and scheduling.
• Part-Time Options: Some programs may offer part-time enrollment, letting students take fewer courses each semester.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Suitable for students who may need more time to adjust to the rigors of pharmacy education or those who have other life commitments.

PRE-PHARMACY COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS:

Students complete their pre-pharmacy coursework during the first 2 years of the program.

MORE INFORMATION:

See “other” list in the PharmCAS Directory here and review specific school’s profile for more information.*

OVERVIEW:

Some universities offer early assurance programs for high school students, allowing them to secure a spot in a Pharm.D. program before completing their undergraduate studies, provided they successfully complete all admissions requirements such as interviews and prerequisite courses.

STRUCTURE:

• Pre-Pharmacy Coursework: Students usually complete a specified set of undergraduate courses to maintain their place in the Pharm.D. program.
• Guaranteed Interview: Students who meet the program's academic requirements are assured an interview to the Pharm.D. program after completing their undergraduate degree, providing a high likelihood of admissions if they have successfully completed all admissions requirements.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Designed for high school students who are committed to pursuing pharmacy from an early stage.

PRE-PHARMACY COURSEWORK REQUIREMENTS:

It varies! The best places to look are the Enrollment Options table or the PharmCAS School Directory.

MORE INFORMATION:

On the Enrollment Options table and refer to the column labeled “Early Assurance” to determine which universities offer early assurance programs. The programs who offer this enrollment option have a “Yes” in that column. By downloading the excel sheet at the top of the page, you can also filter the list and view only those programs who offer this option.*