Pursuing a career in pharmacy can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor. But before you decide on the right school for you, it’s important to make sure it’s the perfect fit for your education, budget and lifestyle.
Here’s everything you need to know about the top pharmacy schools in California.
California has a multitude of pharmacy schools from which to choose, and each one offers a unique experience. As you weigh your options, consider the following list of the top pharmacy schools in California, as ranked by U.S. News and World Report.
University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA) – USC School of Pharmacy is ranked
Pharmacy is an excellent career choice. It’s a respected field that offers job security and high salaries. Additionally, pharmacy offers the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in pharmacy, California is one of the best places to do it. The state has some of the top pharmacy schools in the country and sets the bar for quality education and innovative research.
California’s pharmacy schools are both reputable and affordable. Most offer financial aid and scholarships for those who qualify, so don’t let tuition costs deter you from applying to these programs.
If you’re looking to be a part of California’s next generation of pharmacists, here are some of the best pharmacy schools in California:
The University of California, San Francisco is a top school for pharmacy. Its top-ranked schools include the UC Berkeley School of Public Health, the UC Los Angeles School of Medicine, and the UC Davis School of Medicine.
Founded in 1873, UCSF is a world-class institution for research, teaching and clinical care. The university offers a range of programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Located in San Francisco’s Mission District, UCSF has eight campuses located throughout the state. In recent years, UCSF has become one of California’s most distinguished institutions with a reputation for its innovative programs in health care and medicine.
The University of the Pacific in Stockton, California, is the top school in the state for those looking to become pharmacists. The University of California-San Francisco and Touro University California are also high-ranking schools for aspiring pharmacists.
Consider one of these well-regarded schools if you’re interested in studying pharmacy.
University of the Pacific
Stockton, California
This private institution has a campus size of 150 acres. The school has both a bachelor’s degree completion program and a professional degree program that lead to a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. The minimum requirement for admission into the PharmD program is 90 quarter units or 60 semester units from an accredited college or university. In addition to general education requirements, coursework includes topics in anatomy, physiology and pharmaceutical calculations. Applicants must complete an interview after being accepted into the professional degree program.
University of California–San Francisco
San Francisco, California
The School of Pharmacy at this university offers a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program with an emphasis on prescription drugs and their use. Applicants must have completed at least 60 quarter units before submitting their applications. Course topics include biochemistry, microbiology and anatomy; admission requires a personal interview with
Pharmacists are in demand throughout the country. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the job outlook for pharmacists will grow 6 percent between 2016 – 2026. This rate is as fast as average when compared to all occupations in the United States.
However, jobs will be more plentiful in certain states. California, for example, has a large number of people who need prescription drugs and over the counter medications. This means that there will always be a demand for pharmacists in this state.
The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1880, it is the oldest private research university in California. USC has historically educated a large number of the region’s business leaders and professionals. In recent decades, the university has also leveraged its location in Los Angeles to establish relationships with research and cultural institutions throughout Asia and the Pacific Rim. An engine for economic activity, USC contributes $8 billion annually to the economy of the Los Angeles metropolitan area and California.
The University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) is a public institution that was founded in 1864. It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,547, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 135 acres. It utilizes a quarter-based academic calendar. The University of California at San Francisco’s ranking in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is National Universities, 10. Its tuition and fees are $11,502 (in-state) and $26,682 (out-of-state).
UCSF is one of 10 campuses that make up the University of California system. Students can choose from over 200 degree programs across six schools: dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, graduate studies and public health.