Pharmacy Schools

Working in a pharmacy requires knowledge and skill. As a pharmacist, you will need much of the same knowledge that doctors have about drugs and their interactions, as well as a knowledge of chemistry and general science. To acquire that knowledge, you’ll need to go to pharmacy school. But, how do you choose among pharmacy schools? Here are some factors that will help you make that decision:

Cost: Can you afford the tuition of a pharmacy school? Before you decide that you can’t, look at the high number of ways in which you can fund your education. Many organizations, particularly the United States government, make grants, scholarships, and loans available to prospective students who meet specific requirements and follow application procedures. Go to the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) Web site and fill out the FAFSA form. After that, you are automatically considered for a large number of funding options. If you receive a loan offer, bear in mind that student loans will need to be paid back after graduation (though the interest is usually low). On the other hand, grants and scholarships are essentially free, so make them your first priority.

Location: Where are the pharmacy schools that you are interested in? Perhaps you have a job that you need to keep or another reason to stay close to home. In that case, you’ll need to find a pharmacy school within easy commuting distance—less than an hour’s drive each way is advisable. (You don’t want to use up all of your studying time driving to and from classes.) If you can afford to move away from home, choose a school in a place where you’d like to live.

Prestige: Do the pharmacy schools that you are considering have strong reputations? Will that name on your résumé open doors for you with employers? The more prestigious a school is, the more you’ll pay in tuition. However, the prestige of the school will also help you find a higher-paying job that will more than pay off the extra expense. And, it may speed up the transition to your career as a pharmacist if the school is well known.

Staff: Are the teachers at the pharmacy schools well respected? These, after all, are the people who will help you find your first job and give recommendations to prospective employers.