Online Pharmacy School
Before modern medicine was developed, people would not have been able to go to their local drugstore and pick out medication to help their minor cold or flu go away. There also would not have been any regulatory system to circulate medicine safely to the general public.
Nowadays, pharmacists help people decide which medicine to choose from. They fill and dispense prescription medications and ensure that patients use these medications safely. Pharmacists also work more broadly to determine which medicines are safe and if they follow federal laws.
Aspiring pharmacists must earn a doctor of pharmacy degree to practice. This page offers a list of the most affordable online doctor of pharmacy programs. We included all of the schools on this list because of their quality teaching, low student indebtedness after graduation, and positive student outcomes.
What Kind of Doctorate in Pharmacy Should You Get?
People often confuse a doctor of pharmacy degree and a doctor of pharmacology degree. Future practicing licensed pharmacists who work directly with patients earn a doctorate in pharmacy. Pharmacologists who wish to work in academia, testing, and research earn a doctorate in pharmacology.
An online Pharm.D. program allows students to continue working in the daytime and take classes at night or on the weekends. Online courses often follow an asynchronous format, meaning that students do not need to meet at scheduled times. However, due to the clinical nature of the field, students may need to participate in some live classes. They may also need to visit campus or a local facility to learn skills in person.
Accredited Online College Programs
Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.
Best Online Doctor of Pharmacy Programs 2022
#1 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A top public college, the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus offers an online Doctor of Pharmacy. An online doctorate in pharmacy prepares graduates with the knowledge and skills required for careers in research, academia, and leadership. The online format allows working professionals to pursue a doctorate without quitting their jobs.
Study at the doctoral level incorporates advanced pharmacy knowledge, including theories, methodologies, and research. Candidates can often choose a specialized concentration that prepares them for a specific career field. At the end of the program, doctoral students participate in a dissertation defense to demonstrate their expertise.
University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus at a Glance:
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Admission Rate: 67%
Total Doctoral Programs: 39
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 6
Student-Faculty Ratio: 17-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $6,786
Graduate Tuition Out Of State: $22,590
Percent Awarded Aid: 82%
Percent Awarded Loans: 28%
Percent Online Enrollment
31%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#2 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs
Howard University
- Washington, DC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking an online doctoral degree can enroll in the Non-Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at Howard University, a private institution. This online doctorate builds expertise in pharmacy, preparing graduates for careers in research, academia, and management. The flexible format appeals to working professionals who want to maintain their work history while pursuing a PharmD.
Doctoral studies incorporate advanced pharmacy theories, methodologies, and research methods. Candidates meet with faculty advisors to discuss their specialization and career goals. Doctoral students showcase their pharmacy knowledge by writing and defending a dissertation.
Howard University at a Glance:
Location: Washington, D.C.
Admission Rate: 36%
Total Doctoral Programs: 42
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $31,309
Graduate Tuition Out Of State: $31,309
Percent Awarded Aid: 99%
Percent Awarded Loans: 56%
Percent Online Enrollment
11%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
#3 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs
Shenandoah University
- Winchester, VA
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
A top private college, Shenandoah University offers an online Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy. This online doctorate represents the highest degree in pharmacy, leading to career opportunities in research, academia, and management. The online format makes it possible for working professionals to continue working while pursuing a doctorate.
Doctoral studies incorporate advanced pharmacy theories, methodologies, and research methods. Candidates focus their studies on a subfield to prepare for specific career goals. At the conclusion of the program, doctoral students defend their dissertation to demonstrate expertise in pharmacy.
Shenandoah University at a Glance:
Location: Winchester, Virginia
Admission Rate: 74%
Total Doctoral Programs: 8
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Student-Faculty Ratio: 10-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $21,400
Graduate Tuition Out Of State: $21,400
Percent Awarded Aid: 100%
Percent Awarded Loans: 70%
Percent Online Enrollment
27%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Most Affordable Online Doctorate In Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Programs
Creighton University
- Omaha, NE
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students seeking an online doctoral degree can enroll in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at Creighton University, a private institution. This online doctorate is the terminal degree in pharmacy, preparing candidates for career paths in research, academia, and leadership. The online format appeals to working professionals interested in pursuing a PharmD while continuing to work.
Study at the doctoral level emphasizes theoretical and methodological issues in pharmacy. Candidates choose a specialization within the field to focus their studies and prepare for specific career paths. Doctoral students also complete a dissertation that contributes original research to the pharmacy field.
Creighton University at a Glance:
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Admission Rate: 74%
Total Doctoral Programs: 18
Total Online Doctoral Programs: 3
Student-Faculty Ratio: 11-to-1
Graduate Tuition In State: $16,128
Graduate Tuition Out Of State: $16,128
Percent Awarded Aid: 99%
Percent Awarded Loans: 48%
Percent Online Enrollment
38%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
How Much Does a Doctor of Pharmacy Make?
Being a pharmacist is not only a great career that directly impacts the health of others but it also offers great pay. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacists earn a median annual salary of $128,710. Those who work in outpatient care centers make the most, with a mean salary of $147,130 per year. The top 10% of earners make a median $164,980 salary annually. Alaska, California, and Oregon are the highest-paying states for this career.
What Can You Do With an Online Doctor of Pharmacy?
Graduates of online doctor of pharmacy degrees often pursue careers as pharmacists. They may be eligible for higher positions within their place of employment, such as being a manager or one who trains new employees. Degree holders can also pursue other positions, such as those listed below.
- Pharmacy school program developer
- Pharmacoeconomics professional
- Hospital pharmacist
- Government worker (i.e. Food and Drug Administration)
What Are the Requirements for an Online Doctor of Pharmacy?
An online Pharm.D. program generally takes full-time students four years to complete. Some programs may offer an accelerated option. Depending on the school, about half of the program consists of coursework on specific topics. Examples include pathophysiology, developing drug therapy plans for patients, and the history of pharmacy.
Because the Pharm.D. emphasizes practice over academia, students do not need to complete a thesis or research project, unlike in Ph.D. programs. Instead, learners must complete rotations that teach clinical skills, such as diagnosing patient symptoms. Rotations can occur online via live sessions. But students often need to visit campus or a local healthcare setting to train.
Before they can begin practicing, aspiring pharmacists must obtain state licensure after graduating. Pharmacists may also earn certifications to show expertise in a specific area, such as nutrition or diabetes.
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