|
|
|
 |
 |
| | | Prospective pharmacy school students must first complete 2-3 years of college level pre-pharmacy studies in math and science. Competition for admission is tough, so about half of the applicants already have a bachelor's degree or higher. The Pharmacy College Application Service offers a a centralized application service for students interested in pharmacy studies. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Pharmacy school tuition through a public university costs around $3,000 -$20,500 per year for in-state residents or about $14,800 -$82,000 for the four-year program. Florida A&M University's College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has one of the most affordable programs at around $3,700 per year, while the University of San Diego in California hits the top of the scale. Because public schools are funded by local tax dollars, students from out of the area pay $9,950 -$32,800 per year.
- Students at private pharmacy schools pay $18,700 -$40,000 annually or $74,800 -$160,000 over four years. One of the least expensive is Albany College of Pharmacy in New York State at about $20,600 per year. On the other side of the continent, students pay about $38,000 per year at the University of Southern California.
Additional costs: | - The Pharmacy College Admissions Test costs $125.
- Books run about $300 -$600 per year, depending on the school and whether the books are new. Books are most expensive during the first year; least expensive for the fourth.
- Requirements for obtaining a license to use the title Pharmacist are different in each state. In New York, applicants must be of "good moral character, at least 21, meet educational and experience requirements and be a US citizen or have applied for permanent residency." The fee is $270.
- Fees vary by school and may include technical services, professional liability insurance and lab fees totaling near $1,800 per year.
- Students are required to either have their own health insurance or purchase it through the university at about $2,300 per year.
Discounts: | - The American Association of Pharmaceutical Education offers scholarships .
- Many pharmacies offer tuition reimbursement plans for current employees who are accepted into pharmacy schools. Some require a commitment to continue employment for up to two years. Walgreen's will reimburse up to $3,000 in tuition expenses. CVS may offer up to $5,000 per year to employees along with a commitment to remain with the company that varies depending on how long a student received funds.
Shopping for pharmacy school: | - The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy maintains an online list of US Pharmacy schools.
- US PharmRX has compiled a collection of pharmacy school backgrounds with in-depth program information including tuition fees.
|
| |
Article updated January 2009 |
|
Digg this
del.icio.us
E-mail
Post