The Doctor of Pharmacy

THE DOCTOR of pharmacy degree is the highest award given in recognition of academic preparation for pharmacy practice. A majority of schools or colleges of pharmacy offer a baccalaureate degree, and this program should, as a minimum standard, produce practitioners for the contemporary practice of pharmacy. In comparison with the baccalaureate program, standards for the doctor of pharmacy program clearly indicate a different level of expectation and professional competence. A person who holds the doctor of pharmacy degree (PharmD) is educated and trained as a drug specialist. Physicians often identify the PharmD as a pharmacologist or an applied pharmacologist. He or she is called a "clinical pharmacist"—one who is skilled in the clinical requirements of pharmacy practice—and must pass a state board of pharmacy examination to be licensed to practice. A majority of the graduates practice in a hospital or community setting; some teach in schools of pharmacy and medicine,