Best Pharmacy Schools In Illinois in 2023 | Best Schools, Requirements, Cost

What distinguishes Pharmacy schools in Illinois from others elsewhere is the dedication to groom students who enhance the professional competency of pharmacy as a practice.

According to Salary.com, the average Pharmacist salary in Illinois is $140,279, but the range typically falls between $132,177 and $149,407. However, salary varies widely depending on the city, and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

As a pharmacist, your duty is to compound and dispense prescribed drugs per physician’s instructions in a hospital or healthcare facility setting. They also consult with medical staff about potential drug interactions, patient medical history, and the use of particular medications.

Before we go on to list the best Pharmacy schools in Illinois, let’s briefly go through why Illinois is a perfect study destination for Pharmacy students and the necessary requirements needed to study in Illinois.

See the table of contents below for a quick overview of this article.

Why Study Pharmacy In Illinois?

What differentiates Pharmacy schools in Illinois from others is the dedication to tutoring students who enhance the professional competency of pharmacy as a practice. This is normally done through instilling the standards of pharmacy practice in students; thus, improving pharmacists’ effectiveness in assuring rational drug use in society.

According to IPHA, Pharmacists in Illinois ensure the effectiveness in assuring rational drug use in society and leading in resolving public policy issues affecting pharmacists.

Furthermore, Illinois pharmacy schools provide students with a wide range of experiences so that each student develops and thrives in the healthcare world to become the best person he or she can be in the pharmacy industry.

With the are six universities found in the state of Illinois that offer different programs pharmacy, potential students have quite a choice for finding a school that offers a degree in Pharmacy. As we go further in this post, we’ll see the list of the best Pharmacy schools in Illinois.

How Long Does It Take To Study Pharmacy In Illinois?

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program demands at least two years of undergraduate college study followed by three-four academic years of professional pharmacy study depending on the institution.

To become a pharmacist in Illinois and beyond, you must get the degree in Pharmacy. That is to say, you must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an authorized pharmacy institution in Illinois and pass a state pharmacy licensure exam. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredits u.S. pharmacy institutions. 

It is also important to note that pharmacists in Illinois enjoy the liberty of work breaks in between. According to a task force in charge of the welfare of Pharmacists in Illinois, a 30-minute meal break and an additional 15-minute break is allotted to any pharmacist who worked six continuous hours. In the same vein, pharmacists who work a 12-hour shift would get an additional 15-minute break.

What Are The Requirements To Study Pharmacy In Illinois?

Students who wish to study Pharmacy in Illinois must satisfy various requirements to be admitted. While some schools mandate students complete a full undergraduate program, others only want to see that all pre-requisite classes have been completed satisfactorily. So, you are advised to go through the school’s website and look up their peculiar entry requirements.

Generally, schools require at least a 3.0 overall GPA but may have higher expectations for chemistry and biology classes. Additionally, the Pharmacy College Admission Test is required along with letters of recommendation and an interview session.

Here’s a list of the general entry requirements to study Pharmacy in Illinois.

• Official copies of all college and university transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• PCAT scores
• Successfully completed an on-campus professional program interview and writing assessment.
• English proficiency test scores for all non-native English speakers.
• All applicants will complete a PharmCAS online application.

How Much Does Pharmacists in Illinois Earn? Salary and Job Outlook

According to Salary.com, the average Pharmacist salary in Illinois is $140,279, but the range typically falls between $132,177 and $149,407. However, salary varies widely depending on the city, and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

As a pharmacist, your duty is to compound and dispense drugs per physician’s instructions in a healthcare facility setting. They also consult with medical staff about potential drug interactions, patient medical history, and the use of particular medications.

A pharmacist also must respond to questions from patients about medications and dosage instructions. Additionally, Pharmacists may oversee pharmacy technicians.

Best Pharmacy Schools in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, prospective pharmacy students have about six universities to choose from. These six universities offer different programs in Pharmacy. The six schools that offer programs are Chicago State University, Midwestern University, Roosevelt University, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and the University of Illinois at Chicago.

For this article, we’ll be listing the best pharmacy schools in Illinois according to our ranking factors:

• Reputation – The schools on our list are top-ranking schools with good reputations.
• Number of Programs – Every school has a standard number of pharmacy programs they offer interested students. Therefore, our list selects the schools based on the number of programs offered.
• Accreditation – The authorized body duly accredits all the schools on our list.

#6. Chicago State University

With a 9:1 student to teacher ratio, the University of Illinois at Chicago empowers students with the foundation of knowledge vital to the professional pharmacy curriculum.

While providing the highest quality instruction in pharmaceutical sciences, the faculty offers and improves skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, and life-long learning in future pharmacists.

Program overview

The Pharm.D. program at this school in Chicago can be achieved in four years. Individuals applying to the program must complete two years of undergraduate study, including courses in anatomy, speech, physics, biology, statistics, chemistry, and psychology. Students must also submit their scores from the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) as part of the admissions process.

Students must take part in at least 41 units of professional practice hours at various pharmaceutical facilities, mostly accomplished during the fourth year of the program. The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences encompasses several specialty areas: pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, natural products/pharmacognosy, and physiology/pharmacology.

Chicago State University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

Visit School

#5. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

The accredited Pharmacy college offers a four-year doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) 2+4 program. This means that students must first complete the pre-pharmacy curriculum and then if admitted, complete the four-year PharmD program.

The faculty equips students to be pharmacy professionals who will improve the health and well-being of the region and beyond.

Program overview

In this program, the faculty and students engage in a variety of research projects to improve drug design and development, drug delivery, and disease therapy. They also conduct clinical research designed to improve patient care directly.

Edwardsville offers a degree in the following programs;

• Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
• PharmD and Master of Business Administration (MBA) concurrent degrees
• PharmD and Master of Science in Healthcare Informatics (MSHI) concurrent degrees

Prior to being accepted to either program, students must meet pre-pharmacy prerequisites and have completed undergraduate studies that included courses in anatomy and physiology, physics, chemistry, and biology. Students spend three years at the campus in Edwardsville and one year at a clinical location.

Visit School

#4. Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Studying for your PharmD at Rosalind Franklin University will engage you in interprofessional education. You’ll learn alongside your counterparts from other programs in a patient-centered pedagogical approach that encourages an understanding and appreciation of the roles everyone on a healthcare team plays in the healthcare of communities.

Program overview

With full-time daytime classes, the doctor of pharmacy program offered at the college of pharmacy has a comprehensive educational model that lets you complete the program in just three years.

Including 9-credit hour elective courses, the entire coursework is 188.5 credits. Admission to this program requires tendering of PharmCAS application, completion of a 57-semester hour pre-pharmacy course, and other formalities.

Visit School

#3. Roosevelt University

Roosevelt University allows a patient-centered and innovative learning experience to about 68 students in each class, with state-of-the-art medical equipment and highly qualified faculty and staff. The school is located at Schaumburg in Illinois.

Program overview

Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy equips students to be competent, compassionate pharmacists through our unique 3-year curriculum. The first two years highlight small group learning, hands-on courses, and early rotations that aims to integrate classroom learning with practical experience. 

Students earn their Immunization Certificate in the first term, enabling them to administer flu vaccines to patients as early as the second term. Besides a meticulous, integrated foundational and clinical curriculum, students receive group coaching and individual support in study skills, managing time, and working in groups.

Roosevelt University College of Pharmacy program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Visit School

#2. Midwestern University – Downers Grove

At the Midwestern University Colleges of Pharmacy, you will learn all there is to drug preparation and information. The expert faculty will provide you with the knowledge to prepare thousands of drugs and drug types, along with the skills to help patients understand when, how, and why to take those medications.

Program overview

The Downers Grove campus of this university offers a Pharm.D. degree program. Admission requirements for this program include submission of PCAT scores and completion of undergraduate prerequisite coursework (e.g., physics, human anatomy, calculus, chemistry, statistics, biology, and communications). Prospective students enroll in the program as full-time students.

In your first year in the program, you will engage in interactive lectures, labs, workshops, clinical simulations, and introductory pharmacy practice experiences.

With over 20 pharmacy-related student organizations, you will have various opportunities to develop your leadership skills, serve the community, and work with professional pharmacy organizations.

The program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Visit School

#1. University of Illinois

UIC College of Pharmacy offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. It holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Program overview

The PharmD curriculum at UIC highlights a patient-centered study and provides a structure that enables students to grow into reflective healthcare practitioners. The curriculum also provides a fundamental core of knowledge, skills, and attitudes, which aims to promote the fulfillment of the adopted professional competencies for a generalist practitioner who delivers pharmaceutical care.

The university has two campuses at Chicago and Rockford. Furthermore, UIC features seven college-run pharmacies, more than any other college of pharmacy in the Nation.

Visit School

FAQs On Best Pharmacy Schools In Illinois

Conclusion

Studying Pharmacy in Illinois opens students to various academic experiences and opportunities. Therefore, it will be in your best interest if you make the best out of this article.

References

• https://study.com/pharmacy_school_illinois.html
• https://pharmacyforme.org/2018/08/03/how-long-does-it-take-to-become-a-pharmacist/
• https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/pharmacist/
• https://www.pharmacytechnicianguide.com/Pharmacy-Schools-Illinois/

We Also Recommend

• 7 Best Pharmacy Schools & Colleges in Michigan
• Best Pharmacy Schools in Missouri | Best Schools, Requirements, and Cost
• Easiest Pharmacy Schools to Get Into | Expert Guide
• 9 Best Pharmacy Schools in Texas: Schools, Salary, Cost, Requirements
• List of Pharmacy Schools in Canada for Masters (MSc) Students

Does this article meet your immediate needs? If yes, leave us with a 5-star rating in the Review Box below. If no, leave us an opinion in the comment box to express your concern or ask a question and we will get back to you as soon as possible.