Becoming a Pharmacist in Utah – Doctor of Pharmacy Programs

In Utah, there are many positions you can take when you’ve obtained your Doctorate of Pharmacy (PharmD). Many of them include fast-paced environments like hospitals, popular drug stores, and even the local military bases. A typical day ensures patrons receive the proper medications at the correct times while packaging and reconstituting medications. It’s a rewarding career that most can make a comfortable living while having the opportunity to move to different locations around the United States.

Utah offers a vast outdoor landscape to over 3.2 million people, and the population has gone up 12.7% since 2020. The population’s median age is 30, imprinting youthful cities, healthy historic districts, and bustling school campuses. Utah is complete with eye-popping canyons, deep and rapid moving waterways, and breathtaking camping, hunting and fishing activities.

Utah’s Licensure Requirements for New Graduates

Utah offers a few ways you can qualify for a license endorsement through exams, testing, or transferring from another territory or district Of the United States. However, you must successfully pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination for Utah Utah (UT MPJE) exams before you apply. Visit Utah’s Board of Pharmacy to find a complete list of requirements, applications, and resources.

Additional requirements

Fingerprint cards.
Official transcripts from an ACPE accredited program must come directly from the school.
International students will need to show a copy of their FPGEC Certificate.
Verification of 1,740 internship hours, 1,440 for international students.
$240 application fee.

Licensure by Score Transfer

Utah allows those approved to take the NAPLEX by another jurisdiction but has been out of practice for a year. There are two options, one of which you put in an NABP transfer application or provide a NAPLEX score transfer along with official transcripts documenting completion of an ACPE accredited pharmacy program.

Utah’s Licensure By Endorsement

Pharmacists who have been licensed in the United States and are in good standing must submit documentation of one year of active licensure from a division equivalent to Utah to be approved for a new license.

Average Pharmacist Salary in Utah

There is a need for quality-trained Pharm.D. graduates as there are only, on average, 2,700 working as a pharmacist at any given time in Utah– making the opportunity for growth possible. Additionally, the annual mean wage of a pharmacist in Utah is 125,740, while the national average is $128,570 making Utah below the national average of pay. Finally, it has to be noted that Utah has a cost of living that is 10% higher than the national average due to the increase in housing prices and popularity in the metro areas.

Utah’s In-State Schools With A Pharm.D. Program

There is about one school available for a Pharm.D. program in-state on average. However, many states don’t have any, and those potential students must consider leaving their home state to go to a campus setting. In Utah, there is a high standard placed on education, and you’ll need to keep observing the job market available to you after school to outweigh the affordability of housing and wage gaps long-term.

University of Utah College of Pharmacy

Utah’s College of Pharmacy prides itself on being a significant contributor to the top pharmacy students, researchers, and leaders. They are interested in students becoming a part of the community, not just a part of the school. The Doctor of Pharmacy Program is highly selective and competitive, choosing outstanding students to be considered for early assurance– a spot when you’re ready.

Steps to get into Utah’s College of Pharmacy

Meet a Pre-Pharmacy advisor: ensure you get all the proper documentation in on time for the best acceptance results
Complete PharmCAS Application: Submit no later than June 1st
Class Requirements: Must complete all prerequisite courses
Statement of Purpose: Submit a 4500 character statement of why you selected Pharmacy as your career, your long-term goals, and how you believe your overall background will help you achieve your goals
Recommendation: Two letters of recommendation are required from a professional you’ve had a relationship with over an extended amount of time
Experience: Any paid work experience you’ve received in healthcare or not. Include all-volunteer or extracurricular experiences– highly recommended for top consideration

An in-person interview is conducted after submitting your PharmCAS application (within 2-4 weeks). You’ll likely discuss your grades, communication skills, maturity level for the program and future career goals. Grades and GPA are highly regarded at this school, and they are asking for a minimum 2.8 GPA or higher, and each prerequisite course must be passed with a “C” or better. A $500 non–refundable deposit is required to hold your place while waiting for your acceptance letter.

Tuition at the University of Utah is broken into several categories depending on your living situation. Most of the costs on the list will include necessary items for school and what you’ll need for a comfortable standard of living while attending the University.

Living On Campus

Tuition, Fees, Room & Board

Residents $21,458
non-resident $42,944

Books, supplies, Transportation & essential needs

Resident $5,928
non-resident $6,090

Living Off Campus

Tuition, Fees, Room & Board

Residents $24,014
Non-resident $45,500

Books, supplies, Transportation & essential needs

Resident $5,928
non-resident $6,090

Living on campus provides its benefits as they offer massive savings for students willing to stick around each day to be dedicated to their daily learning. Remember this list is the bare minimum you will need to attend the University of Utah’s pharmacy program. There may be other costs you need to consider, so keep in mind that financial aid and scholarships are available to those who qualify.

St. John Fisher College

St. John Fisher College was born out of Wegmans School of Pharmacy and is based out of Rochester, New York and has been operating and serving students for over 16 years. They have helped thousands of students create rewarding careers by creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment that inspires community and supports people with unique learning styles. It doesn’t matter if you can’t get to campus or find one in your area. You can always stay where you are, attend a high-quality school and practice where you currently live if you attend St. John Fisher College.

Highlights of attending St. John Fisher College’s PharmD program

ACPE Accreditation: St. John Fisher College’s Doctorate of Pharmacy online is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
Experience: Over 2,000 hours of a hands-on clinical study, which is more than 11 clinical rotations, giving you a jump start on your career
Testing: You won’t need to take the PCAT
Employment Rate: 100% of students are reported to be currently employed by Wegmans Dean
Technology First: Course recordings for class flexibility and 24/7 technical support

The Cost of Attendance Worksheet offered by St. John Fisher College helps you prepare for the costs associated with attending class and living a comfortable everyday life as a student. The estimated price is $1,130 per credit hour, and it’s estimated that when you’re complete with your Doctorate, you will have paid roughly $181,337, which is comparable to many other Universities.

St. John Fisher College has a rigorous admissions process due to its increasing popularity. Therefore, the College recommends that you stay on top of your GPA and schedule your dates ahead of time if you’d like to be considered for entry.

Basic Application Requirements for St. John Fisher College

Official transcripts sent from your school
Two letters of recommendation from a professional source
A virtual or in-person interview with faculty or staff.
Must have completed 62 semester hours of prerequisite coursework
Grades no lower than a “C.”
Complete a background check once accepted into the program
International applicants must submit TOEFL scores and send transcripts to World Education Services (WES) for course evaluation

St. John Fisher College offers many benefits for students to obtain flexibility in their lives through creating and curating their daily schedule while helping students understand the material through hands-on experience. Get a headstart on your future by not hesitating to apply for St. John Fisher College’s Pharm.D. program today.

Planning Your New Career As A Pharmacist

While obtaining your degree at an on-campus University setting is rewarding, there is more room to grow with an option like online learning. The increase of online programs awaiting accreditation is staggering as more schools realize there is another way students like to learn. Learning from the comfort of your own home has never been easier with the St. John Fisher College’s Doctorate of Pharmacy program.

With extensive training and the right personality, you can have a long career that spans helping people delve and can transform into clinical research in public health and safety. While personal care stores hire the most Pharmacists, this fast-paced, quickly-changing career path will quickly branch to other avenues to serve the public and make a difference.