What Can a Doctor of Pharmacy Expect for Salary & Career
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You’re considering a career in the medical field because you’re passionate about helping people. However, you may need to weigh several factors to determine which pathway is best for you. Becoming a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy may be the best choice if you want to make an impact through direct patient care that blends science, technology and business. High Point University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program graduates confident and compassionate professionals ready to meet the future of healthcare.

You’re probably wondering “What is a Doctor of Pharmacy?” and “What can I expect in terms of PharmD jobs and salary?” We’ll examine the answers to these questions and explore what you should consider in choosing PharmD degree programs and careers.

What Is a PharmD Degree?

A Doctor of Pharmacy degree is a professional doctorate for pharmacists, equivalent to a Doctor of Medicine for physicians. Earning a PharmD, the abbreviation for Doctor of Pharmacy, is required to sit for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and represents the highest credential for practicing pharmacists.

You’ll build a solid medical knowledge through fundamental coursework and experience patient-centered clinical training to learn the skills to make critical decisions as part of a collaborative healthcare team.

How long does it take to get a PharmD? Students earn their Doctor of Pharmacy degree after four years of pharmacy school, after completion of a pre-professional track to build a strong foundation in the sciences. Because a bachelor’s degree may or may not be required for entry, most graduates can finish a PharmD degree in six to eight years.

What Does a Doctor of Pharmacy Do?

Being a pharmacist provides a fulfilling medical career. You’ll have the opportunity to improve patients’ lives through your focus on safe and effective use of medications. When you earn your Doctor of Pharmacy, you’ll build strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, analytical and organizational skills. What can you do with a PharmD? Your education, experience and expertise will qualify you for positions where you may:

  • Provide quality patient care and dispense medications
  • Consult with physicians on the selection and dosage of medications
  • Advise patients on general health topics and selection of over-the-counter medicine
  • Contribute to research and the testing of new drugs
  • Administer flu shots and other vaccinations
Choose an Extraordinary Career in Pharmacy
bottles of perscriptions
PharmD Job Opportunities With a Doctor of Pharmacy
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a growing need for highly trained healthcare workers across the country. So, what can you expect in terms of PharmD careers after graduation? Working as a pharmacist in a drug store chain may be one of the most common PharmD jobs, but is far from the only option. As some of the most trusted professionals in healthcare, pharmacists are compassionate and inspired healthcare leaders on the frontlines in many healthcare settings. After earning your Doctor of Pharmacy, apply your expertise in PharmD careers with organizations such as:
  • Hospitals and large healthcare systems
  • Government agencies
  • Managed care facilities
  • Pharmaceutical startups
  • Research centers
Pharmacy lab student studying
What Is the Average Doctor of Pharmacy Salary?
Even while considering the range of careers a Doctor of Pharmacy will open, it’s important to explore the return on investment of your education. You’ll be pleased to know that these opportunities can be as attractive financially as they are critical and fulfilling. So, how much do PharmD jobs typically pay? The median annual salary for pharmacists in 2020 was $128,710, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This puts Doctor of Pharmacy salaries at more than three times the average of all occupations.
Pharmacy lab instruction
Finding the Right Patient-Centered Doctor of Pharmacy Program for You
High Point University offers a Doctor of Pharmacy degree program that puts you first. Our student-centered educational model combines an industry-relevant curriculum and a collaborative interdisciplinary approach. High Point University is the premier life skills university: Mentorship matters here, and our PharmD program is no exception. We designed our program to be intentionally small, so you’ll form close relationships with our dedicated faculty and benefit from a personalized hands-on approach to clinical training. Our PharmD also offers the option of specialty certificate training in selected disease states such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease. Gain an edge building patient-centered skills with live patient opportunities in simulated healthcare environments beginning in your first year. Learn more about how High Point University’s Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy can prepare you to practice pharmacy at the highest level with our Doctor of Pharmacy degree.
This program prepared me to be competent, confident and versatile in an increasingly competitive job market. Throughout my time at High Point University I always felt supported but also challenged to continue to become a better version of myself.
Kelly Odegaard '20
PharmD/MBA
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