Pharmacology Studies in USA: Requirements and admission

Previously, we have learned about studying medicine in USA. Additionally, we will discuss in this article about how to study pharmacology in the USA.

Table of Contents

How many years does it take to study pharmacology in the USA?

The Ph.D. program in Pharmacology in USA (Pharm D), requires at least two years of pre-professional coursework (undergraduate). After that, the students pursue 4 academic years (or 3 calendar years) of professional study.

A degree in Pharmacology is no longer available in the United States.

Admission process

At the present time, the Pharmacology admission process is very competitive for all applicants. The classes required for admission vary depending on pharmacy schools.

In addition, the majority of Pharmacology certification programs in the USA, require all applicants to apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS).

Restrictions for applicants from outside the USA

In reality, some US pharmaceutical institutions, do not consider applicants for admission from outside the United States (international students). Hence, international applicants may compete for a limited number of positions or may be ineligible for admission depending on institutional and state policies.

Private Colleges for Pharmacology in USA

In general, private Pharmacology institutions generally provide non-US citizens with more positions within the program, compared to state-supported public institutions. Indeed, international students should visit the PharmCAS directory or the website of each US pharmaceutical school to determine their eligibility for admission.

When non-US citizens are admitted to the US institution, the applicant must have met the same minimum admission requirements as other (U.S.) students. Including basic course requirements, and standard tests.

Moreover, applicants who have completed a pre-pharmacy study outside the United States will be required to submit original foreign copies, or an external copy assessment report in accordance with the school policy course. Some pharmacy schools do not accept pre-pharmacy courses at a foreign institution. It may require completion of pre-pharmacy courses at an accredited US university.

TOEFL Language Test

In case, English is not the main language of the applicant, any school of Pharmacy may require English proficiency tests:

Test of English as a Foreign Language(TOEFL)
The Spoken English Test (TSE)

Pharmacology practice in the United States

Foreign Pharmacology graduates who wish to pursue a career in the USA must complete a bachelor’s degree certificate in foreign pharmacy (FPGEC®). This certificate (FPGEC) provides a means of documenting the educational equivalency for foreign pharmacy education to the candidate.

Questions regarding FPGEC, certification and licensing of foreign pharmacy graduates should be directed to the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

However, many states have additional testing requirements. You should then contact your pharmacy board in case you are willing to practice, in order to learn more. NABP provides contact information to communicate with the Council of each state.

Pharmacology PhD programs in USA for international students

At last, If you have already completed a degree in Pharmacology at a foreign institution, and would like to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy (Pharm.D.) in the United States, you may consider post-pharmacy degree programs (B.S.).

There are some colleges and schools of pharmacy that accept graduates of foreign pharmacy programs for admission to post-pharmacy degrees (B.S.): Doctorate of Pharmacology Pharm D.

Universities that offer masters in pharmacology study programs in USA

Here are some of the best pharmacology study programs you can find in the USA.

University of Southern California School of Pharmacy: pharmacology and toxicology

The School of Pharmacy of USC offers a master of science in molecular pharmacology and toxicology. It targets candidates with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in pharmacy, chemistry, biology and other related majors. The program focuses on research in biochemical and oxidant toxicology, molecular and neuro-pharmacology, and receptor pharmacology.

Apart from academic excellence and a good command of the English language, students must provide documents that will help the school’s admission committee to evaluate their candidacy. These documents include their research and professional experience and a personal statement describing their career objectives, research interests and published manuscripts.

University of Florida Online

The university offers an online master degree in medical physiology and pharmacology with emphasis on human systems. It’s a one-year master, in which students can study at a full-time or part-time pace.

Wright State University

Students who graduate from Wright State University’s MS in Pharmacology and Toxicology are trained to work in the industrial, governmental, medical, educational and research sectors. They can also pursue further studies. What stands out with Wright University’s program is that their students come from universities worldwide, as well as in the military, medical and industrial field.

University of the Sciences in Philadelphia

This program trains students to get a 360-degree view of how drugs work in the body. Students will benefit from teaching from lead researchers, cutting edge facilities and small classes. Graduates from this pharmacology study program in the USA will have career opportunities in academia, in the public service as well as the industrial field.

Harvard University’s Pharmacology programs

In terms of pharmacology study, Harvard University offers a few online degrees as well as physical classes in the field. The most famous renowned would be the HMX Fundamentals Pharmacology program, which is a foundational course on how drugs act in the body.