Online Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs
are designed for working pharmacy professionals seeking an advanced
degree to become registered pharmacists. Course topics include
pharmacokinetics, dosage calculation and experimental medicine. Most
programs can be finished in 3-6 years.
Overview of Online Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Programs
Pharmacists are responsible for counseling patients, monitoring
prescriptions and collecting medical information. A Doctor of Pharmacy
(Pharm.D.) degree enhances the skills of a practicing pharmacy
technician or
pharmacy assistant and prepares him or her for work in critical and long-term care facilities as well as private and public health clinics.
Most online Pharm.D. programs have extensive prerequisites, including
courses like English, anatomy, biology and calculus. Related degrees
are available to students interested in becoming pharmacy technicians or
aides.
Because class lessons and tests are available online in common audio
and video formats, a computer with Internet access is required. Most
programs also have a substantial in-person component. Students are
expected to participate in at least five clinical rotations to receive
their degree.
A mentor is assigned to each student for personal training and
guidance. A typical online program takes 3-6 years to complete,
depending on whether a student has full- or part-time enrollment status.
List of Common Doctor of Pharmacy Courses
General education courses are often included as prerequisites for
admission to Pharm.D. programs. Once enrolled, students focus on
coursework directly related to the pharmaceutical profession.
Health Disorders Course
Disorders involving the respiratory, endocrine and reproductive
systems are discussed. Students examine the pharmacist's role in
treating these illnesses.
Advanced Pharmaceutical Techniques Course
A pharmacist uses problem-solving skills to create and monitor a
patient's drug regimen. In this course, students explore advanced
problem-solving techniques like dosage evaluation and biological data
analysis.
Pharmaceutical Ethics Course
The ethical concerns of a working pharmacist are discussed. Case
studies are used to introduce topics including patient confidentiality
and professional judgment.
According to
Payscale.com, pharmacists typically earned
between $81,000 and $115,000 in 2009. The U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics reported that increased demand for pharmaceutical care was
expected to drive a 17% increase in employment of pharmacists between
2008 and 2018.
To become licensed pharmacists, Pharm.D. graduates take the North
American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX). Many schools offer the
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree to
graduates interested in academic or research-based careers, rather than
the clinical practice of pharmacy. Ph.D. programs are often campus-based
with minimal distance learning options.
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