With the advancements in science and medicine, the demand for pharmacists is at an all time high. They hold a great deal of responsibility for not only the distribution of prescription drugs but the education of the public on the proper use of them.

Top Ranked Pharmacy Schools

Getting into a quality pharmacy school is a must. To help you in your search, the top 10 pharmacy schools as determined by US News & World Report are listed below.

1. University of California (San Francisco, CA)
2. University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
3. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis, MN)
4. University of Texas (Austin, TX)
5. Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
6. University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY)
7. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)
8. University of Washington (Seattle, WA)
9. Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN)
10. University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ)
11. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL)
12. University of Illinois (Chicago, IL)
13. University of Maryland (Baltimore, MD)
14. University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)

In order to become a pharmacist in the United States, you must have your PharmD degree from an accredited institution. A great place to look is the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). Their website details the schools that have the proper accreditation.

The particulars of a program will vary depending on the university. There are a few types of programs to choose from. Some pharmacy schools require that you have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution prior to enrolling. However, there are some programs that allow you to enter directly from high school. These are usually referred to as early assurance programs. Still other programs allow you to earn your master's or PhD while working on your PharmD.

Depending on the program you choose, a typical pharmacy program takes four years to complete. Although, there are a small number of universities offering accelerated programs that allow you to earn your degree in just three years. Most programs will also require that you perform a residency program that can last from one to two years.

While the road to becoming a pharmacist can be long and challenging, the benefits are well worth the work. Starting salaries can vary depending on the state and environment you are working in. However, on average pharmacists start out at a salary of $113,000. The employment outlook is favorable as well. According to the bureau of labor statistics, the career field is expected to increase faster than average well into the next decade.