University of Wisconsin–Madison

Pharmacy

About Pharmacy

Pharmacists are highly trained medication experts who play a vital role on healthcare teams in providing patient care. When patients receive a diagnosis, medication is often the most common course of treatment. Pharmacists, who understand the most about the complexity of drug therapies, are important to patient recovery.

Pharmacy is practiced in a wide range of settings: community pharmacies, hospitals, outpatient clinics, specialty pharmacies, long term care facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, mail service, managed care, government agencies, research, and more.

Pharmacists are important members of the health care team. They make a difference in their communities–from treating diabetes and heart conditions to developing new medications.

Learn more about Pharmacy careers at pharmacyforme.org. For the most up-to-date salary information, visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.

Note: In addition to the resources below, we encourage you to connect directly with staff at UW’s Pharmacy program. While Pharmacy programs are not among CPHA’s primary areas of advising expertise, we are here to support you in exploring the career, building helpful experiences, and navigating some aspects of professional program applications. Talk with us if you have questions!

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Degree/Certification Paths

PharmD

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is an approximately 3-4 year professional degree. PharmD degrees do not require a bachelor’s degree first, but you do need to complete a set of college prerequisite courses and a specific number of college credits to apply. Graduates will need to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and also be assessed in the laws and regulations of each state in which they practice by taking the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Learn more about both exams on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy website. Some Pharmacists will pursue additional residency or fellowship training after Pharmacy school.

Dual Degree Options (ex. PharmD/MPH or PharmD/MBA)

Some Schools of Pharmacy offer opportunities for students to earn a dual degree (i.e. PharmD/MPH or PharmD/MBA). Dual degree programs give students additional training in fields like public health or business that can then be applied to their Pharmacy practice. 

M.S. or Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science

These degrees prepare students for careers in academic medicine or research. Graduates might work on developing new medication or improving medication delivery. Learn more at pharmgrad.org and on the UW-Madison Pharmaceutical Sciences Division website. 

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The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is an approximately 3-4 year professional degree. PharmD degrees do not require a bachelor’s degree first, but you do need to complete a set of college prerequisite courses and a specific number of college credits to apply. Graduates will need to take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and also be assessed in the laws and regulations of each state in which they practice by taking the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Learn more about both exams on the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy website. Some Pharmacists will pursue additional residency or fellowship training after Pharmacy school.

Some Schools of Pharmacy offer opportunities for students to earn a dual degree (i.e. PharmD/MPH or PharmD/MBA). Dual degree programs give students additional training in fields like public health or business that can then be applied to their Pharmacy practice. 

These degrees prepare students for careers in academic medicine or research. Graduates might work on developing new medication or improving medication delivery. Learn more at pharmgrad.org and on the UW-Madison Pharmaceutical Sciences Division website. 

Explore Your Interest in Pharmacy

Shadowing & Informational Interviews

An excellent way to explore your interest in pharmacy is by observing providers. Shadowing pharmacists shows you what their day is like and how they work with patients and others within the healthcare team. Conduct informational interviews with providers and ask them how pharmacy has changed since the start of their practice.

Learn more about Shadowing & Informational Interviews

Volunteering

Pharmacy programs look for applicants who demonstrate a sustained commitment to serving others. Learn more about opportunities to volunteer in clinical and non-clinical settings. Consider volunteering with a charitable pharmacy such as the St. Vincent de Paul Charitable Pharmacy.

Learn more about Volunteering

Jobs & Certifications

Getting a job in a pharmacy setting is a great way to learn about the practical aspects of the field. Consider pharmacy tech positions at hospitals, retail pharmacies, and community pharmacies. Confirm that this work is something you enjoy!

Learn more about Jobs & Certifications
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Consider taking Pharmacy 225: Pharmacy Exploration Seminar

  • Seminar format with guest speakers, readings, videos, discussions, participation and reflective assignments related to the following topics – pharmacy education process from admission to advanced training; contemporary pharmacy practice, career pathways, and postgraduate opportunities; medical terminology, common drugs, and diseases; public health, health literacy, and communication; interprofessional health provider practice; pharmacist impact on patient care. 
  • You’ll build connections with UW School of Pharmacy students, faculty, and staff; take field trips to pharmacies; and learn about the application process.

UW-Madison’s PharmD program has helpful videos about the profession on their YouTube channel as well as opportunities to connect with a PharmD student.

Preparing for a Pharmacy Program

Find a Program & Apply

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) has a school directory with information on pharmacy programs in the US, Puerto Rico, and Lebanon (including those that do not participate in PharmCAS and PharmGrad). 

Most accredited PharmD programs use a centralized application called PharmCAS, which typically opens in mid-July. Many schools utilize a rolling admissions process which typically includes priority and final deadlines. The entire process takes about a year!

The PharmCAS Help Center shares more information about application components and fee waiver program.

Learn more about Applying

Resources

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