Pharmacy in the U.S is usually a profitable career but in California, it is much more profitable. The reason is that institutions in California offer top-notch education in the field of Pharmacy. These Pharmacy schools in California train pharmacists that are in-demand in the field of healthcare.
If you wish to develop modern skills in the field of Pharmacy in California, the schools that are contained in this article will get you there. Additionally, this article will give you details of all you need to know about pharmacy in California and how much you stand to make as a pharmacist in the state.
The table of contents below provides the highlights of this article.
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Why study Pharmacy in California?
Below are the reasons why students go to California to study Pharmacy:
In the United States, California is one of the states whose educational institutions offer high-quality medical degrees of which Pharmacy is one of them. In the same vein, the education offered will equip you with the modern skills and knowledge required to excel in the field anywhere in the world.
The cost of studying in a Pharmacy school in California is relatively affordable unlike other states in the U.S. Keep in mind that the affordable rates will also guarantee you high-quality education. Presently, the average tuition at a Pharmacy school in California ranges between $150,000 to $250,000.
Upon graduation and acquiring certification, pharmacists in California earn mind-blowing salaries. This is because the U.S is one of the world’s economic powers that are in demand of healthcare practitioners. The average salary of a Pharmacist in California is $154,901.
How many Pharmacy schools are in California?
Although there are several pharmacy schools in California, we are more concerned about those that are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Therefore, there are thirteen (13) ACPE accredited Pharmacy schools in California.
What are the requirements to study Pharmacy in California?
While applying to study in any Pharmacy school in California, there are certain requirements that you must meet before you can be offered provisional admission. The entry requirements vary depending on the Pharmacy school. So, it is advised that you check the requirements of your choice of institution before sending your application.
Generally, the requirements to study Pharmacy in California are as follows:
- Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Candidates who have earned a degree from a school outside of the U.S must have completed at least one year of full-time study at a university in the U.S prior to application.
- Applicants are not required to take P.C.A.T or G.R.E. exams.
- Candidates should posses a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.8. However, some institutions require more than this.
- Applicants must have successfully completed pre-requisite science coursework including biology, organic chemistry, physics, and chemistry.
- Candidates are required to provide an Immunization Requirement Form and a Tuberculosis Health Assessment Form completed and signed by their health care provider prior to matriculation.
- Applicants will have to be CPR certified before the commencement of the program.
With what GPA can I get into Pharmacy schools in California?
GPA requirements for the Pharm.D. program vary depanding on the Pharmacy school. Generally, you will need to possess a minimum GPA of 2.8 before you can get into any Pharmacy school in California.
How long does it take to become a Pharmacist in California?
To complete the pre-pharmacy curriculum, it will take you between two to four years of study. Studying to earn the Pharm. D. degree will take you between six (6) to eight (8) years of college study.
While pharmacy is a reputable medical course, you have to know that pharmacists are not doctors.
How much does Pharmacy schools cost in California?
The cost of your Pharmacy education in California will vary based on your in-state or out-of-state status. Hence, the tuition cost of Pharm.D programs in Pharmacy schools in California ranges between $150,000 to $250,000.
How much can I make as a Pharmacist in California?
Pharmacists in California make a huge amount of money. However, the salary ranges vary depending on the city in California, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years spent in the field.
Generally, pharmacists in California make an average salary of $154,901 but it ranges between $145,955 and $164,989.
List of Top Pharmacy Tech Schools in California
Below is the list of the top Pharmacy technician (tech) schools in California:
- Foothill College – Los Altos Hills
- Cerritos College – Norwalk
- Santa Ana College
- San Bernardino Valley College
- Carrington College – Sacramento
- Pima Medical Institute – Chula Vista
- American Career College
- Charles A Jones Career and Education Center
- North-West College
- Cosumnes River College
List of Cheapest Pharmacy Schools in California
Here, we compiled a list of the cheapest Pharmacy schools in California based on their tuition fees only. The cheapest Pharmacy schools in California include:
- UCSF School of Pharmacy – $7,628
- UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy – $41,419
- American University of Health Sciences – $45,000
- Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – $48,400
- California Northstate University College of Pharmacy – $49,000
- Marshall B. Ketchum University College of Pharmacy – $49,430
- Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy – $46,900
Top Pharmacy Schools in California
This secton contains the list and details of the best pharmacy schools in California. These schools were compiled based on their recent NAPLEX performances and ACPE accreditation.
Thus, the top Pharmacy schools in California include:
- USCF School of pharmacy
- California Health Sciences University
- California Northstate University College of Pharmacy
- Chapman University School of Pharmacy
- Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy
- UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Western University of Health Sciences
- West Coast University School of Pharmacy
- Touro School of Pharmacy
USCF School of Pharmacy
The UCSF School of Pharmacy, is the pharmacy school of the University of California, San Francisco and it was established in 1872.
UCSF offers a Pharm.D. program whose curriculum is science-based, tightly integrated, and experiential. The Pharm.D. program can be completed in three (3) years. Curriculum cuts across subject areas and students learn in groups.
Through the UCSF Pharm.D. program, students are offered the knowledge and skills that will help them to thrive well in pharmacy practice. UCSF School of Pharmacy also encourages their students after graduation to pursue post-graduate training, including licensure as an Advanced Practice Pharmacist.
California Health Sciences University
California Health Sciences University (CHSU) is a private, for-profit university in Clovis California that was founded in 2012.
CHSU offers two degree programs including a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Under the Pharm.D. program, students learn contemporary pharmacy practice and how best to offer primary patient care by partnering with physicians.
Students undergo clinical rotations to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of practicing pharmacists and physicians in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies.
California Northstate University College of Pharmacy
California Northstate University College of Pharmacy is a pharmacy school in Sacramento, California that was established in 2012.
According to California State Board of Pharmacy report, CNUCOP is ranked top 4 in California dues its passing rates on the recent California Practice Standards and Jurisprudence Examination for Pharmacists (CPJE). As a result, CNUCOP is regarded as one of the best Pharmacy schools in California.
The unversity offers students a four-year Pharm.D. program with coursework that is administered through its three fully equipped departments: Clinical & Administrative, Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences, and Experiential Education.
From the first year to the third year, students learn about cell & molecular biology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacoepidemiology, pharmacy law, and introductory level of pharmacy practices.
In the final year, students are exposed to advanced levelof pharmaceutical practices in hospitals, community, general medicine, and other patient-care facilities.
Chapman University School of Pharmacy
Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP) was founded in 1861.
CUSP trains students to become pharmacists and scientists that will make a difference in people’s lives by improving human health in our local communities and around the world.
The university offers five programs namely; an accelerated pharmacy doctoral program, a master’s degree in chemistry, a PhD in pharmaceutical sciences, the Freshman Early Assurance Pre-Pharmacy Program, and the first 4+1 integrated Master’s degree with the Schmid School of Science and Technology.
Curriculum and hands-on training are administered to students directly from distinguished world-class faculty including Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur fellows, published authors and Academy Award winners.
CUSP holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
Keck Graduate Institute School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The KGI School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences was founded in 2014. This institution offers its students the knowledge and skills required to be at the forefront of industry, technology, and patient care.
KGI offers three academic programs and there is a speculation of additional two programs to be introduced very soon. The programs include Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genetic Counseling, and Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomic Data Analytics.
KGI’s Pharm.D. curriculum focuses on enhancing students with diverse skills required for the evolving range of opportunities in the field of pharmacy. The curriculum comprises of four categories includng basic sciences, clinical skills, professional development, and experiential education.
Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy
Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy was established in 1905. It is part of of the higher education system of the Seventh-day Adventist system.
The institution offers exceptional training to pharmacists to enable them excel in the field. Under the Pharm.D. program, students take course work in the first year. Students begin to take clinical rotations in their second year. In their fourth and final years, they are required to take at least six rotations of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in their fourth and final year.
Loma Linda School of Pharmacy offers dual degree options while completing their studies including MA in Bioethics, MS in Health Professions Education, or MS in Health Informatics.
The university is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).
UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California San Diego is a public graduate-level pharmacy school that was established in 2002.
UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy offers five educational programs inclduing:
- Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)
- Joint Bachelor of Science (BS) in Chemistry and Pharm.D.
- Ph.D. in pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences
- Post Pharm.D. pharmacy practice and specialty residencies and research fellowships
- A continuing education program for practicing pharmacists.
Skaggs’ curriculum for the Pharm.D. program prepares students who will become exceptional pharmacists that will meet the challenges in hospitals, medical centers, community pharmacies, academia, government and the pharmaceutical industry.
During the first year, students take courses including anatomy, pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutics, bioinformatics, law and ethics, health policy, study design, biostatistics and an introduction to the practice of pharmacy.
In the final year, students devote their time to clinical clerkships in a variety of clinical settings including UC San Diego Medical Center – Hillcrest, UC San Diego Medical Center – La Jolla, etc.
UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy appears to be one of the best Pharmacy schools in California. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Western University of Health Sciences
Western University of Health Sciences is one of the best Pharmacy schools in California.
The university’s Pharm.D. programs prepares students who will become pharmacists that will meet the challenges of the rapidly changing healthcare field.
In the first and second years of the program, students are offered blcoking learning while they engage in intensive clinical rotations in the third and fourth year. Students are offered hands-on training in a wide range of clinical environments including county hospitals, private hospitals, V.A. facilities, and pediatric hospitals.
West Coast University School of Pharmacy
West Coast University School of Pharmacy offers students a Pharm.D. program which comprises of curriculum and hands-on training.
Faculty staff at the institution administer coursework and practicals to students with enhanced communication, advanced technology, and interprofessional education so that students can become team-oriented pharmacists that improve patients’ lives. This will help them to have a proper understanding of the healthcare field.
The Pharm.D. curriculum comprises Integrated Patient Care (IPC) courses that are drawn from pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and therapeutics concepts.
Touro School of Pharmacy
Touro School of Pharmacy is another Pharmacy school in California that stands out amongst all others. It is sponsored by the Jews.
The school is known for its 2+2 Pharm.D. curriculum. This means that, in the first and second years of the undergraduate program, students take classes in a didactic classroom environment. In the third and final year, students undertake clinical rotations whle completing the Pharma.D. program.
While undertaking clinical rotations, students are involved in several community-based initiatves like free clinics and health screenings.
Students may always choose to acquire a concurrent MPH while completing their Pharm.D. program at the institution.
Touro School of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.
Nice.. i really love how you break it down.. thanks.
Exactly, thank you.