Did you know that it takes between six and eight years to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree? The 2+4 route consists of two years of pre-pharmacy coursework and four years of a PharmD program. For the 4+4 route, it’s a four-year bachelor’s degree program followed by a four-year PharmD program.
Does it seem like a long time to spend 6-8 years in college? If it does, then consider accelerated pharmacy programs for non-traditional students. Candidates enjoy faster time-to-completion than with traditional PharmD programs.
Featured Programs
When we say “non-traditional students,” we mean:
- Career changers
- Working professionals/adults
- Returning students
Regardless of their reasons for pursuing a PharmD degree, they have one thing in common. They want to become licensed pharmacists ASAP.
If you’re also interested in earning a PharmD degree in less time, read on. Here, we’ll explore the best accelerated pharmacy programs for non-traditional students. You’ll also learn about their admission requirements, financial aid, and career prospects.
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What Are Accelerated Pharmacy Programs?
Every accelerated PharmD program has unique features, from admission requirements to graduate outcomes. But they share similarities, too, including:
- Shorter time frame, usually 2-3 years, to earn the pharmacy degree
- Condensed curriculum that results in fast-paced courses and clinical training
If you’re a candidate, you must be aware of the academic challenges and time constraints. You’ll find that earning an accelerated PharmD degree isn’t for the weak. But if you have effective time management and study skills, you’ll likely thrive.
Again, these programs cater to non-traditional students like:
- Career changers from fields like healthcare, biology, or business
- Adults returning to school after a career break
- Working professionals looking for flexible programs
If you’re a fresh college graduate with a non-pharmacy degree, you can also apply. But, like all applicants, you must meet strict admission requirements.
Key Features of Accelerated Pharmacy Programs
Accelerated pharmacy programs for non-traditional students have these key features. First, you must check for the university’s regional accreditation. Check with the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA.
Then, check the PharmD program’s programmatic accreditation. In the U.S., it’s only the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) that grants it.
Year-round curriculum
Fast-track PharmD programs for career changers have year-round courses. You and your peers don’t have summer breaks since the coursework is in a continuous format. Full-time commitment is a must because of the intensive schedule.
Online and hybrid learning options
But you may also be balancing work and education. In this case, consider online and hybrid accelerated pharmacy programs. Some programs offer online courses and in-person clinical rotations.
Clinical rotations and hands-on training
The best accelerated pharmacy degrees for working adults meet the required number of hours of clinical training for licensure. State licensure requirements vary, but 1,500-2,000 hours are common. Most programs include 1,500-plus clinical hours.
You’ll gain practice experiences in hospitals, retail pharmacies, and research settings.
Specializations and career pathways
You can choose from many specializations and career pathways, too. Of course, it’s crucial to choose based on your interests and goals as a licensed pharmacist.
Popular pharmacy school options for non-traditional students include:
- Clinical pharmacy
- Retail and community pharmacy
- Pharmaceutical research and industry
- Geriatric and pediatric pharmacy
Indeed, earning an accelerated PharmD degree means faster entry into a high-paying job. But you must first overcome its challenges.
Admission Requirements for Accelerated Pharmacy Programs
Be mindful of these common admission requirements for fast-track PharmD programs. This way, you can make proper preparations well ahead of the application deadline.
Bachelor’s degree requirement
Applicants must have earned their bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. Your bachelor’s degree can be in a non-STEM or STEM field. But check with the program coordinator first since there may be a preference.
Prerequisite courses
Your completion of prerequisite courses depends on your bachelor’s degree. If your previous coursework didn’t include them, you must complete them first.
Common prerequisite courses include:
- Human anatomy and physiology
- General and organic chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Statistics
In doing so, you’re creating a strong foundation to thrive in the program.
GPA requirements
Most programs have a minimum 3.0 GPA requirement. If you have a lower GPA, look for programs that consider strong work experience. Your work experience must be healthcare-related for admission purposes.
Letters of recommendation and personal statement
You can highlight your academic achievements and commitment to pharmacy here. If you have work experience in lab research or pharmacy tech, highlight them, too.
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) was discontinued in January 2024. Pharmacy schools have instead focused on academic performance and work experience, among others.
Top Accelerated Pharmacy Programs for Non-Traditional Students
University of the Pacific – Accelerated PharmD
- Location: Stockton, CA
- Program Length: 3 years
The Pacific offers the country’s oldest accelerated PharmD program (1955). It’s also among the most affordable accelerated pharmacy programs for career changers. Financial aid, including federal aid and automatic scholarships, is available.
The program features strong clinical partnerships with California hospitals and pharmacies. Working students also enjoy flexible schedules.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Accelerated PharmD
- Location: Boston, MA | Worcester, MA | Manchester, NH
- Program Length: 3 years
MCPHS offers among the best pharmacy degree options for returning students. Candidates choose from either the on-campus or hybrid learning formats. Regardless of your choice, you’ll receive world-class academic instruction and clinical training.
Candidates can also earn dual degrees, such as PharmD and MS in Clinical Research. No wonder its program has high job placement rates.
Midwestern University – Chicago College of Pharmacy
- Location: Downers Grove, IL
- Program Length: 3 years
MWU’s accelerated program is among the shortest pharmacy programs for adult learners. The program also offers early assurance for career changers.
The program includes hands-on learning throughout the curriculum. You’ll gain practical skills in a wide range of healthcare settings. Faculty mentors and a vast alumni network are yours to enjoy, too.
University of Florida – Hybrid PharmD
- Location: Online + Florida-based clinical rotations
- Program Length: 3 years
Gators in its hybrid PharmD program attend online classes for their didactic courses. Then, candidates complete in-person clinical rotations in Florida-based facilities.
If you’re a working professional or career changer, you’ll love its flexibility. Plus, it offers affordable tuition rates.
Roseman University of Health Sciences – Accelerated PharmD
- Location: Henderson, NV | South Jordan, UT
- Program Length: 3 years
Roseman’s accelerated PharmD program has high NAPLEX pass and job placement rates. These are the main reasons for its strong popularity among aspiring pharmacists. Candidates can also earn an MSPS degree along with their PharmD degree.
The program features a block curriculum model. You can focus on one subject at a time.
Cost and Financial Aid Options
You’re probably asking, “How to become a pharmacist through an accelerated program?” Apply to your preferred programs, get accepted, and complete the program. Then, apply for licensure.
Sounds easy enough, right? However, you must consider that earning an accelerated PharmD degree is expensive.
The average tuition is between $90,000 and $160,000 for an entire program. But that’s only for tuition and fees.
You must also consider indirect costs. Add your room and board, books and supplies, and living expenses, and it’s a significant investment.
So, explore every financial aid opportunity available, including:
- Federal and state aid (FAFSA)
- Pharmacy-specific scholarships (e.g., APhA Foundation, Walgreens Diversity Scholarship)
- Employer tuition reimbursement for pharmacy technicians and healthcare workers
- Loan forgiveness programs for pharmacists in underserved areas
While you’ll still have out-of-pocket costs, you can enjoy significant savings.
Career Prospects After an Accelerated Pharmacy Program
The significant investment in time and money pays off, too. Pharmacists are in demand, with a 5% projected job growth (BLS, 2023-2033).
Their median wage of $136,030/year also justifies their significant monetary investments. The top earners rake in over $168,650/year (BLS May 2023).
You can also choose a specialization, such as becoming a:
- Retail pharmacist (Earn $129,410/year median salary)
- Clinical Pharmacist (Work in hospital settings, $140,000/year)
- Pharmaceutical industry and research (Earn over $100,000/year in biotech and pharma companies)
- Long-term care and geriatric pharmacist (Rake in $120,000/year and enjoy high demand due to the aging population).
Licensing requirements vary between states. However, all states require pharmacists to have a valid license to practice.
You must first pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX). Then, depending on the state, you must also pass the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE). There may also be a state-specific test on its pharmacy laws.
Conclusion
In conclusion, accelerated PharmD programs provide a fast-track path for non-traditional students. Online, hybrid, and on-campus options make it easier for them to balance education and life.
Be sure to look for accredited programs with robust coursework and clinical rotations. Furthermore, consider their job placement rates, career services, and industry connections.
In the end, it’s your job to choose the right accelerated pharmacy program. Your reward is faster entry into a high-demand, high-salary occupation.
