Are you considering a career as a professional pharmacist? If yes, you can begin your journey in one of the best pharmacy schools in South Carolina.
Pharmacy schools in South Carolina are well reputable. They produce knowledgeable and caring individuals in clinical medicine and pharmacy.
Their outstanding qualities have drawn students from different parts of the world. The list of these top schools is not far from your reach. Read through to see the details.
Pharmacy schools in South Carolina are very competitive but offer high acceptance rates. This means one can easily gain entry.
To get started, you must first know if the pharmacy profession is the best fit for you. The guide in this article will be of great help to you.
Table of Contents
What Is Pharmacy
Pharmacy deals with the discovery, production, control, disposal, safe, and effective use of drugs. A person who studies Pharmacy is called a Pharmacist.
According to Merriam-webster.com, Pharmacy is the art, practice, or profession of preparing, preserving, compounding, and dispensing medical drugs.
Pharmacy is a top-rated profession, and anyone seeking to be part of the industry will like to know what professionals in this field do. Let’s discuss this further.
What Does a Pharmacist Do?
Pharmacists are a link between patients and medicine. They work together with physicians to help a patient get well. After a patient visits the doctor and receives a prescription for medicine, pharmacists take over to make the drug available to the patient.
A pharmacist must be an expert on prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, understanding use, side effects, and medicine mixtures.
Where Do Pharmacists Work?
Pharmacists are essential for the daily operations of any healthcare system. They work in various environments, and their functions vary by the workplace.
A Pharmacist can get employment as a Dental Assistant, Medical Assistant, Medical transcriptionist, and many others.
Now that you’ve understood what Pharmacy is and what pharmacists do, We will explain how you can get a pharmacy degree without stress from an affordable yet reputable institution.
To gain more insight into this profession, read also; Pharmacology vs Pharmacy: Amazing Differences You Must Know
Why Attend a Pharmacy School In South Carolina?
Pharmacy schools in South Carolina may just be a few. Still, they have produced graduates who have helped revolutionize the quality of life for millions through their understanding of drugs and treatments.
These schools have experienced staff and the latest technologies for students to gain knowledge and experience.
They also rank in annual publications such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, US News rankings, etc. and
In fact, after graduating from top Pharmacy schools in South Carolina, you can boast of skills to help those in need and make a real difference in people’s lives.
How To Get Into Pharmacy School Easily- Expert Advice
If you’ve decided to become a pharmacist, I advise you to pay attention as I lead you by hand through the step-by-step process of how you can achieve your dream career.
Step #1. Pass the Pharmacy college admissions Test(PCAT)
The first step into a pharmacy career is the PCAT. Most countries consider PCAT a prerequisite to enrolling in a degree program.
This multiple-choice test covers biological processes, critical reading, and quantitative reasoning. You may also complete an essay section.
Furthermore, to pass, you must meet the passing score of the university or college you have applied to, as there is no general grading system. Each school determines its own passing score for admission.
A few pharmacy schools offer low grading systems making admission pretty easy. See the list of schools below.
Step #3. Get a License
Upon graduation, you must meet the licensing requirement as slated at the state level. Each state has criteria a graduate must meet before being issued a license. So, you must check your state and local board before applying for a license.
Every aspiring pharmacist must complete additional postgraduate experience hours to work in a specialized field like psychopharmacology or pharmacoepidemiology.
Furthermore, you must maintain your license by completing continuing education hours that may last 15-30 hours before renewal.
Cost Of Enrolling In a Pharmacy School In South Carolina?
The cost of enrolling in South Carolina pharmacy school varies quite a bit. The factors that determine cost include state residency. Students who live in the same state as their school will often pay lower tuition than out-of-state students.
However, some schools charge flat tuition for all online students regardless of residency status. Technology fees also impact the price tag of an online degree.
In summary, the average cost of getting a pharmacy degree in Missouri can range from $20,000 to $60,000 annually. Despite the costs, a pharmacy degree is generally viewed as one of the most promising within the healthcare field.
How Long Does It Take To Complete a Pharmacy School in South Carolina?
The duration of a Pharmacy program varies from school to school. Most South Carolina school programs usually take four to five years to complete.
With three to four years of undergraduate pre-professional study followed by four academic years in the professional program, we can say it takes at least eight years to earn a pharm.D and become a pharmacist.
However, accelerated programs allow students to graduate in as little as three months by studying full-time. In most cases, the time it takes students to graduate depends on how much time they can put in.
People also ask; What are the requirements for a Pharmacy School in 2024?
What are the Best Pharmacy Schools in South Carolina?
Below is a list of the best South Carolina pharmacy schools. The Accreditation Council accredits these schools for Pharmacy Education, an organization that reviews pharmacy education nationwide.
Our selection criteria are based on NAPLEX Pass Rate, acceptance rates, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
We got our data from reliable sources, testimonials, interviews, and contacting individual schools.
- University of South Carolina-Columbia
- Presbyterian College
- Medical University of South Carolina
#1. University of South Carolina-Columbia
Estimated Tuition: $25,000 per year (Nonresidents: $38,000)
NAPLEX Pass Rate: 93.30%
Acceptance rate: 63.1%
The University of South Carolina-Columbia is one of the top pharmacy schools available in the state. USC College of Pharmacy offers a research-focused 4-year Pharm.D. Program in SC, in a highly equipped clinical environment where students get to learn from the best minds in the pharmacy field.
The first three years of this program curriculum include principles of pharmaceutical science, relevant subjects, and a minimum of 300-hour IPPEs. The last or fourth year is focused on experiential experience.
Upon graduation, students can provide professional, evidence-based, patient-centered care in any practice setting, achieving positive patient health outcomes.
#2. Presbyterian College
Estimated Tuition: $34,000 per year
NAPLEX Pass Rate: 84.10%
Acceptance rate: 63%
Presbyterian College of pharmacy consistently ranks among the top pharmacy schools in SC. The school awards a Pharmacy degree to individuals seeking to become licensed pharmacists to meet community health care needs.
Furthermore, the PC School of Pharmacy offers excellent opportunities for students to gain valuable education in the classroom. Students also have practical experience in the field and thus help develop teamwork and inter-professional skills.
Students can develop close relationships with their peers and faculty members with their small class sizes. Any SC resident will be glad to attend Presbyterian College of pharmacy.
#3. Medical University of South Carolina
Estimated Tuition: $28,350
NAPLEX Pass Rate: 88.34%
Acceptance rate: 11%
The Medical University of South Carolina is currently one of the most highly valued pharmacy colleges in SC. The school features a range of academic programs that prepare students for residencies and the workforce.
This school ranks #1 for ASHP Residency Match Rate in the Country. Recorded 96% Pass Rate on the NAPLEX Licensing Exam and 96% employment within six months of graduation.
With these great reputations, every aspiring pharmacist will consider the Medical University of South Carolina a great option for the pharmacy program.
What Are The Professional Associations for Pharmacists in South Carolina?
Do you know being a part of a professional association can benefit you as a pharmacist? This is necessary, especially if you are a fresh graduate or enrolled in a graduate program.
These associations offer continuing education opportunities, networking events, and information about job openings.
They also help to promote and protect your role as a pharmacist, medication expert, and integral part of the health care team.
As a pharmacist in South Carolina, you should identify yourself with the South Carolina Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SCSHP).
About SCSHP: This organization is designed to enhance the roles of health-system pharmacy professionals by promoting education, communication, research, and legislation.
How Much Do Pharmacist In South Carolina Earn?
The annual earnings of pharmacists generally depend on where they work. Professionals who work in outpatient services and in hospitals may earn higher than those in pharmaceutical shops.
According to salary.com, the average Pharmacist salary in South Carolina is $130,171 as of July 27, 2020, but the range typically falls between $122,653 and $138,641.
Job Outlook For Pharmacists in South Carolina?
The Bureau of Labour Statistics speculates that the employment of pharmacists will grow 7 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for prescription medications will lead to more demand for pharmaceutical services.
Also, according to pharmacytechnicianguide.com, South Carolina will have 250 job openings annually, including new and replacement positions.
Additionally, the top five pharmacy jobs in demand across the USA are;
- Retail Pharmacist
- Clinical Pharmacist
- Nuclear Pharmacists
- Long-Term Care Pharmacists
- Chemotherapy Pharmacist
Best Pharmacy Schools in South Carolina- Frequently Asked Questions
Every pharmacist in South Carolina should identify with the South Carolina Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SCSHP)
It takes 5 to 8 years to complete a pharmacy program in SC.
Yes! The salary range for a pharmacist in Missouri typically falls between $122,653 and $138,641.
Conclusion
A pharmacy career is highly lucrative and rewarding. There is a huge range of career opportunities for graduates of top pharmacy schools. If you stay in Missouri, you can take advantage of the best pharmacy school on our list.
If you do not meet the requirements for pharmacy schools in SC, you can check out the easiest pharmacy schools to get into
References
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