Best Pharmacy Schools in Missouri |  Best Schools, Requirements, and Cost

Missouri’s pharmacy schools have undoubtedly provided a world-class education for health care leaders in the United States and the world. Any resident in Missouri seeking a career in pharmacy would be glad to enrol in one of these schools.

However, gaining entry into any of these colleges may pose a challenge due to their high academic standards. But, with the right information, you can get the best offer and also connect with the opportunities available in this competitive field.

Pharmacy is one of the leading professions in health care. A recent data show that the pharmaceutical market is currently valued at $300 million.

With this steady growth and expansion especially in research, testing, and distribution, only individuals with the best qualifications will be considered for jobs in this industry.

If you’re a prospective pharmacist and resident in Missouri, you’re on the right track because this article will inform you about the diverse roles within the field of pharmaceuticals.

In the end, you will know if this profession is the best fit for you and also you will be able you identify the best programs that best suit your demands.

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 further.

What do Pharmacists do?

Pharmacists 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.

Pharmacists give drug prescriptions and advice to patients. They tell patients about the components of drugs and how effective the drugs are and basic drug reactions to expect.

Where Do Pharmacist Work?

Pharmacists are essential for the daily operations of any healthcare system. They work in various environments and their functions vary by 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 Missouri?

Pharmacy schools in Missouri 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 school rank in annual publications such as the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, US News rankings, and many others. and

In fact, after graduation from a top Pharmacy school in Missouri, 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.

Basically, this test is a multiple-choice section covering topics such as 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 passing score for admission.

A few pharmacy schools offer low grading systems making admission pretty easy. See the list of schools below.

Step #2. Earn A Degree

Pharmacists are well-trained professionals, that means, you will need a degree and a license to be a certified pharmacist.

To achieve this, you have to enrol in undergraduate coursework that may last for four to five years, depending on the program type after which you proceed to a graduate degree program or get the dual in one program.

Apparently, many schools offer degree programs including online pharmacy schools that allow you to take some or all your courses at your comfort.

Additionally, top pharmacology schools allow students to earn a dual degree. This means you can earn a bachelor’s degree alongside your doctoral degree over a longer period of 6-7 years.

Step #3. Get a License

Upon graduation, you must meet the licensing requirement as slated at the state level. Actually, each state has its own criteria that a graduate must meet before being issued a license. So, it is important that you check your state local board before applying for a license.

In general, 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 for 15-30 hours before the license renewal period.

Cost Of Enrolling In a Pharmacy School In Missouri?

The cost associated with enrolling in Missouri pharmacy school varies quite a bit. The factors that determine cost include the 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 their residency status. Technology fees also impact the price tag of an online degree.

In summary, the average total cost of getting a pharmacy degree in Missouri can range from $65,000 to $200,000. 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 Missouri?

The duration of a Pharmacy program varies from school to school. Most school program in Missouri usually takes 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.

Nevertheless, pharmacy schools in Missouri meet or exceed the training requisites for the PTCB and NHA exams.

People also ask; What are the requirements for a Pharmacy School in 2024?

What Are The Best Pharmacy Schools In Missouri?

Below is a list of the best Missouri pharmacy schools. The Accreditation Council accredits these schools for Pharmacy Education, an organization that reviews pharmacy education nationwide.

Our selection criteria are based on the range of programs provided, school awards, rankings, and reputation.

We got our data from reliable sources, testimonials, interviews, and contacting individual schools.

  • St Louis College of Pharmacy
  • Missouri State University-Springfield
  • University of Missouri-Kansas City 

#1. St Louis College of Pharmacy

Estimated Tuition: $47,342
No.of Programs: 4
Acceptance rate: 71%

 Founded in 1864. St Louis College of Pharmacy is one of the top pharmacy schools available in Missouri. This school awards a pharm.D degree at all levels.

If you wish to pursue a bachelor’s degree at this College, you may have to integrate your Bachelor of Science and Pharm.D.

Nothwithstanstanding, you may pursue a Pharm.D. through several pathways beginning as undergraduate students or entering the program at the first-professional (P1) year.

Upon graduation, you will be able to provide professional, evidence-based, patient-centered care in any practice setting, achieving positive health outcomes for patients. 

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#2. Missouri State University-Springfield

Estimated Tuition: $302.00(residents)/credit; $302.00(non-residents)/per credit
No.of Programs: 1
Acceptance rate: 85%

Missouri State University’s school of pharmacy consistently ranks among the top pharmacy schools in the country. The school awards a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to individuals seeking to become licensed pharmacists to meet community health care needs.

Furthermore, admission to Missouri State University is very competitive. The school admits only 30 students per year. Students seeking admission into this school needs an overall college GPA of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale.

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#3. University of Missouri-Kansas City 

Estimated Tuition: $43,388
No.of Programs: 6
Acceptance rate: 33%

The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers a full-time, four-year Pharm.D program through pharmacy school. (leaguefeed.net) This school features a range of academic programs that prepare students for residencies and the workforce. 

In addition to Pham.D. programs, the school of Graduate Studies at UMKC also administers two Interdisciplinary doctoral degrees(IPh.D. program).

Upon graduation, graduates of this school take an exam that qualifies them for licensure. With an on-time graduation rate of 92.9%, one can conclude that UMKC pharmacy school is a great value college.

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If you are seeking a distant-learning option, you can consider the best pharmacy tech online schools in the world.

What Are The Professional Associations For Pharmacists in Missouri?

Do you know being a part of a professional association can benefit you as a pharmacist? This is very 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 as an integral part of the health care team.

As a pharmacist in Missouri, you should identify yourself with the following associations.

How Much Do Pharmacists In Missouri 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 Missouri is $130,171 as of July 27, 2024, but the range typically falls between $122,653 and $138,641.

Job Outlook For Pharmacists in Missouri?

The Bureau of Labor 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.

The top five pharmacy jobs in demand across the USA are;

  • Retail Pharmacist
  • Clinical Pharmacist
  • Nuclear Pharmacists
  • Long-Term Care Pharmacists
  • Chemotherapy Pharmacist

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 Missouri, you can check out the easiest pharmacy schools to get into

References

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What’s up, I’m Dums. I help brands gain visibility through SEO Writing and other applicable Content Marketing Strategies. My educational background includes a BSc in Mass Communication with a focus on writing for the New Media.

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