What You Need to Know About Online Pharmacy Schools
Pharmacy is a career field growing faster than average according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and a report released by the National Center Policy Analysis predicts a shortage of approximately 150,000 pharmacists by 2020. Such a shortage has led some educational institutions to develop online schools to become a pharmacist.
Schools
The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education lists all the colleges and universities in the United States that offer a degree in pharmacy. While online pharmacy schools and programs with distance learning opportunities aren't listed separately, students can contact the pharmacy schools in their area to see whether they offer course in a non-traditional format.
Accreditation
Pharmacy programs at colleges and universities are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, and this includes online pharmacy schools. States require applicants for a pharmacist license to provide proof of graduation from an accredited pharmacy school to get their license.
Length
The amount of time it takes to complete a degree through an online pharmacy school varies based on the number of credit hours required for the degree and a student's enrollment status. Obtaining a degree takes even longer if a student hasn't already completed the undergraduate education required for admission to an online pharmacy school.
Clinicals
Pharmacy students are required to complete clinicals at pharmacies in their state, even if they are enrolled in an online pharmacy school. Students must arrange and complete these clinicals as instructed to receive credit and earn their degree.
Drawbacks
Online learning can be difficult for students who lack self-motivation and discipline. Pharmacy can be a difficult subject to study online since many of the courses are heavily based in science. Students should carefully consider their ability to study and teach themselves before enrolling in an online pharmacy school.
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Comments
Excellent article that was well written, and provided me with some great knowledge that I didn’t have before.
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