Drake University is recognized as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the Midwest. As a midsized, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, we offer the benefits of a larger institution along with the advantages of intimate class sizes and close personal relationships. Drake's four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences prepares students for successful careers in community pharmacy practice, institutional pharmacy practice, postgraduate education and many other opportunities for practicing pharmacists.

Our PharmD program places a distinct emphasis on developing entrepreneurial leaders committed to advancing the pharmacy profession.  Through a curriculum rich with high-impact teaching practices, students become capable communicators, problem solvers and decision makers with competence in professional, team-based, patient-centered care, health promotion, practice management, advocacy, self-learning and teaching.  Nationally recognized student organizations and professional fraternities provide avenues for professional development and leadership. 

Drake pharmacy graduates are able to choose from a wide range of curricular options and enjoy great latitude in directing their professional careers.  While many graduates continue into practices in community-based, clinical, health systems, long-term care and other specialty areas, a significant number continue to post-graduate opportunities such as law school, residencies, and fellowship training.  Whichever path you choose, as a Drake graduate, you will be recognized for your commitment to advancing your practice, supporting your community, and advocating for your patients and profession. 

Please contact dupharm@drake.edu with any questions about our Doctor of Pharmacy program! 

Why Drake?

Practical Experiences

You will be in the field working with patients beginning in your first semester, allowing you to enhance your knowledge base through hands-on involvement. 

Value-Adding Opportunities

Drake's dual degree programs allow you to obtain your PharmD in conjunction with a Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Public Health (MPH) or Master of Science in Leadership Development (MSLD) in less time than it would take to pursue each degree combination separately.  Or, you can develop expertise in diabetes care with the Diabetes Care Concentration.  View curriculum guides for all dual degree options on the CPHS website!

Personalized Experience

At Drake, you will receive individual attention from faculty and staff to build lifelong mentors and connections within the pharmacy profession. 

Connections in the Capitol

As the only college of pharmacy in Des Moines, you will have many opportunities for unique practice experiences and access to legislative activities through professional organizations.  Drake is located in Iowa's capital city, which allows you to participate in policy making through legislative internships at the State Capitol or my becoming an active member of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. 

Professional Preparation

Drake partners with hundreds of pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, special care facilities, and private practices in Des Moines. You can get involved in any number of specialties within the pharmacy profession.  Drake's extensive local and national practitioner network offers chances for job shadowing, mentoring and professional experiences.  Additionally, Drake's CPHS has a dedicated career development staff who will work with you to achieve your career goals. 

PharmD Accreditation Information

DOCTORAL-DEGREE-LEVEL PHARMACY PROGRAM 
Drake College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences' Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603, 312/664-3575; FAX 312/664-4652, website www.acpe.accredit.org. 

PharmD Admission Information
Admission to the Drake University Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is based on academic and personal qualifications that are necessary for successful, competent practice as a pharmacist. Candidates are evaluated on the basis of the fit between their personal goals and the mission and objectives of the PharmD program.  Prior education, work experience, honors, awards, service to others and leadership activities are also considered in the admission process. Prior shadowing in a pharmacy environment is helpful, but not required.  

Students can apply to our PharmD program by meeting the following requirements.  Please note that these are the requirements applicants must meet in order for their applications to be considered complete.  Meeting these requirements does not guarantee admission to the PharmD program.  

• Submit an application through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). 
• Submit a Drake University Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Supplemental Application and application fee. 
• Take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and have scores submitted directly to PharmCAS. Although no minimum score is required to be considered for admission to the PharmD program, a composite score in the 50th percentile or higher is recommended.  Drake will accept January PCAT scores for the Fall 2018 admission cycle. 
• Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (as calculated in PharmCAS).  
• Complete (or be in the process of completing) the prerequisite coursework outlined in the table below.  All required math and science courses must be completed by the end of the spring 2018 semester.  English composition and public speaking may be completed by the end of the summer 2018 term. 

Students must earn a grade of C or higher in order to receive transfer credit and fulfill prerequisite courses.  Please see Drake University's Transfer Credit Information page or contact the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at (515) 271-3018 for more information.  Students who wish to fulfill prerequisites using Advanced Placement (AP) scores must earn a 4 or higher on the AP exam.  Please see Drake University's AP, IB and CLEP Credit policy or contact the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for more information.  

Drake University's Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program operates on a rolling admission process.  We will interview and admit students until the P1 class is full and a sufficient number of applicants have been identified for the wait list.  We recommend submitting application materials early in order to ensure your application is processed and considered in a timely manner.  Students with strong applications and academic credentials will be invited to complete the second phase of the admission process, which includes a scored on-campus interview and a scored writing assessment.