If you’re researching a career in pharmacy, you may have come across acronyms like RPh and PharmD. What do they mean, and how do they fit into your career path? Essentially, PharmD refers to a Doctor of Pharmacy, which is the advanced degree you need to become a registered pharmacist, or RPh.
In this article, we’ll explain the differences between RPh versus PharmD and how each one may fit into your career journey.
What Is a PharmD?
A Doctor of Pharmacy, commonly shortened to PharmD, is a doctoral degree awarded to students who complete a postsecondary program in pharmacy. PharmD programs generally include coursework in pharmacology, public health, pharmacy practice, and ethics.
It takes about 4 years to earn a PharmD, though you can find accelerated programs at some schools. For example, West Coast University’s Hybrid Doctor of Pharmacy program can be completed in as few as 33 months.
Since the early 2000s, a PharmD has been the only accepted degree for new pharmacists entering the profession. If you want to become a licensed pharmacist, you must earn a Doctor of Pharmacy.
What Is an RPh?
RPh stands for registered pharmacist. It’s not an academic degree, but a title pharmacists can use once they’ve met requirements for state licensure.
Each state sets its own requirements, but they usually include earning a doctorate, passing exams, and completing a set number of intern hours. In California, for example, you need a minimum of 1,500 intern hours to become a licensed pharmacist.
What’s the Difference Between PharmD vs. RPh?
The terms PharmD and RPh are related, but they’re not interchangeable. A PharmD refers to a Doctor of Pharmacy, which is an academic degree. RPh refers to a registered pharmacist, which is a designation for a pharmacist who holds a license to practice.
If you’re considering a career in pharmacy, it’s worth knowing this distinction. Earning a PharmD is the first step toward becoming a pharmacist, but it’s not the only one. You’ll also need to complete the licensure process in the state where you plan to practice to become a registered pharmacist.
How Do You Go From PharmD to RPh?
The path to earning your PharmD and becoming an RPh may vary based on where you live, but the process generally goes like this:
1. Complete PharmD Program Prerequisites
Most PharmD programs require you to complete pre-pharmacy coursework before enrolling. This coursework typically includes classes in biology, chemistry, statistics, anatomy, and physiology. These can vary, however, so check with the school directly before you apply.
2. Earn Your Doctor of Pharmacy
Once you’re enrolled in a PharmD program, you’ll begin working toward your doctoral degree. You can expect to start with foundational courses early in the program and gradually progress into more advanced subjects as you go on. The curriculum for a PharmD program may include classes like these, among others:
- Pharmaceutics
- Calculations
- Biostatistics
- Public Health
- Pharmacotherapeutics
- Pharmacy Practice Management
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics
As part of your pharmacy education, you’ll also complete supervised work hours, often known as intern hours. This experience allows you to practice your skills in real-world settings, such as retail pharmacies or hospitals.
3. Pass a National Licensure Exam
After graduating with your Doctor of Pharmacy, you can apply for licensure through your state’s pharmacy board. While licensure requirements vary, they often include passing both a national and state-level exam.
The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) is the standardized national exam for pharmacists. It evaluates your knowledge in core content areas, which include:
- Pharmacy practice
- Medication use process
- Person-centered assessment and treatment planning
- Professional practice
- Pharmacy management and leadership
Your PharmD program may provide resources to help you prepare for the exam. For example, at West Coast University, NAPLEX preparation is built into the PharmD curriculum. Students also have access to additional resources, including review sessions and one-on-one tutoring.
4. Complete Additional Licensure Requirements
Depending on your state, you may need to meet additional licensure requirements beyond passing the NAPLEX. In California, pharmacists must take the California Pharmacist Jurisprudence Examination. The licensure application also requires you to prove you’ve completed the required intern hours and submit your fingerprints for processing.
What Can You Do as an RPh?
After you complete the required education, intern hours, and exams, you can become licensed to practice as a pharmacist. At this point, you can apply for pharmacist jobs in your state.
Registered pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and customers. They can work in community pharmacies, hospitals, ambulatory healthcare services, and other healthcare settings. Depending on where they work, an RPh’s duties might include:
- Reviewing and filling prescriptions
- Monitoring patients’ medication histories and allergies
- Educating patients about medications and possible side effects
- Collaborating with doctors on medications and dosages
- Maintaining patient records
- Offering guidance on over-the-counter medicines
- Communicating with insurance companies about billing
Pursue Your PharmD at West Coast University
Knowing the difference between an RPh versus a PharmD is helpful for planning your pharmacy career path. Earning your Doctor of Pharmacy is an essential first step toward becoming licensed and working as a registered pharmacist.
At West Coast University, our Hybrid Doctor of Pharmacy program is designed to help students learn the skills needed for pharmacist licensure and a future career in the field. The blended program includes online coursework, combined with immersive on-campus learning one week per trimester. With our accelerated program, you can earn your PharmD in as few as 33 months — less than 3 years!
Ready to learn more about a career path in pharmacy? Reach out today to schedule an information session!
WCU provides career guidance and assistance but cannot guarantee employment. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or position of the school or of any instructor or student.
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