An online bachelor’s degree in pharmacy may provide students with the skills and training needed to dispense prescription medicine to patients. Students enrolled in these four-year programs may learn how to verify instructions from physicians, instruct patients on how to take prescribed medication, and keep records and other administrative tasks. Coursework within these programs may include general education courses, science-based electives, and major-specific classes, such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, and organic chemistry.

Upon graduation, students may seek entry-level employment or further their education and enroll in a graduate-level program. Baccalaureate-level graduates may find employment opportunities in retail, healthcare, and medicine.

Program Overview

• Prerequisite: High School Diploma or GED
• Program Length: Four years to complete
• Post-Grad Options: Entry-Level Employment or Master’s / Doctoral Program
• Projected Employment Growth: 25% (2010-2020)*

Program Coursework

The curriculum within an online bachelor’s degree in pharmacy may combine general education requirements alongside science-based electives and major-specific courses. In these four-year programs, students may study the technical aspects of pharmacy production, control, and development as well as medicinal and analytical chemistry. Core pharmacy courses may include the following:

• Anatomy and Physiology
• Organic Chemistry
• Patient Care
• Pharmacology
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Pharmaceutics
• Healthcare Administration

Career Options

Graduates of online baccalaureate-level programs in pharmacy may find careers in healthcare, retail, and medicine. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for pharmacists are expected to increase by 25% from 2010-2020.*

Possible careers include:

• Pharmacist
• Pharmacy Technician
• Biochemist
• Medical Scientist
• Biophysicist

Continuing Education

Upon graduation, students may pursue additional education and enroll in a graduate-level program in pharmacy. These upper-level programs may provide students additional training in pharmaceutical distribution as well as knowledge on policies and regulations pertaining to patient care.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook