Studying Pharmacy in the USA for International Students?

I'm an international student considering studying pharmacy in the US. What should I know about the application process, any specific requirements, or challenges I might face? Are there good programs specifically geared towards international students?

For international students, studying pharmacy in the U.S. involves several steps. First, you should understand that most pharmacy programs in the U.S. lead to a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, which generally takes about four years to complete following two years of undergraduate prerequisite coursework. This is called a 2+4 program, but some institutions offer "0-6" programs, which are six-year programs that combine the prerequisite coursework and professional program into a unified curriculum.

You'd typically apply to PharmD programs through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), which allows you to apply to multiple programs with a single application. In the application, you'll need to highlight your academic achievements, experiences, and skills. It would help if you had strong science grades, proven fluency in English (with TOEFL score if your first language is not English), and ideally some pharmacy or healthcare-related experience.

The eligibility criteria might differ depending upon the university. Most universities require at least two years of undergraduate study, but not all require a completed bachelor's degree, although that could make your application more competitive. In terms of specific courses, you'll generally need to have taken courses in biology, chemistry (general and organic), mathematics, and physics.

International students may also need to submit scores from the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), although the use of this test is not as universal as it once was. There are still quite a few U.S. pharmacy schools still require the PCAT, so keep this in mind as you research your programs.

As an international student, one of the challenges you might face is funding your education. International students aren't eligible for U.S. federal financial aid, so you'll need to seek out scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships that are specifically available to international students. Some universities do provide scholarships for international students, so it's worth researching potential universities to see what kind of support they offer.

Lastly, I advise you to start your application process as early as possible. The application process can be lengthy, especially when you take into account the additional steps you'll need to take as an international student, like obtaining a student visa.

To answer your last question: The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) hosts the International Pharmacist Licensure program, which is an advanced standing program for international pharmacy graduates who wish to practice in the U.S. This could be an option if you complete your pharmacy degree in your home country and then decide afterward that you want to practice in the U.S.

Remember, it's critical to research multiple programs, reach out to admissions offices to get any lingering questions answered, and pay close attention to the timing of your application to ensure you meet all deadlines. Good luck!