For students interested in becoming pharmacists or pharmacy technicians, there are two accredited pharmacy schools in Arkansas.
These two universities are highly well-liked by many aspiring pharmacy students. This is because they provide specialized pharmacy courses in the state of Arkansas. Harding University and The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences are the two institutions in question.
Also, these two institutions both enjoy great reputations in the medical community.
Arkansas pharmacist job prospects appear to be bright in the foreseeable future. Pharmacists must perform tasks outside of the pharmacy in order to be employed in the healthcare industry.
In the state, there were about 3,010 pharmacists employed as of 2020, and they made an average salary of $120,040.
Related: Accredited Medical Schools in Arkansas
However, you must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from one of the Accredited Pharmacy schools in Arkansas. Keep reading.
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Pharmacy schools in Arkansas
Here are the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas:
University of Arkansas
Website: Visit here
Address: Fayetteville, AR 72701, United States
Phone: +1 479-575-2000
Overview
In Fayetteville, Arkansas, there is a public research university called the University of Arkansas. The largest university in the state and the flagship school of the University of Arkansas System.
Classes began at Arkansas Industrial University on January 22, 1872, and the institution was founded in 1871. Its current name was established in 1899.
Additionally, it is renowned for its robust programs in architecture, agriculture (especially animal and poultry science) and communication disorders.
Also, it is known for creative writing, history, law (particularly agricultural law), and Middle Eastern studies. It is also known for its business school, whose supply chain management program was named as the best in North America. This credit was given by Gartner in July 2020 .
The University of Arkansas was ranked 13th among universities with the most graduates working at top Fortune 500 businesses. This was compiled in a 2021 survey conducted by DegreeChoices and released by Forbes.
It is one of the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas.
Harding University
Website: Visit here
Address: 915 E Market Ave, Searcy, AR 72149, United States
Phone: +1 501-279-4000
Overview
The main campus of Harding University is located in Searcy, Arkansas. In Arkansas, it is the biggest private university, and one of the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas.
The university, which was founded in 1924, provides undergraduate, graduate, and pre-professional programs.
Additionally, the university also houses the Memphis, Tennessee-based Harding School of Theology. This was formerly known as the Harding Graduate School of Religion. It is one of the many colleges and universities connected to the Churches of Christ.
In 2017 the Wall Street Journal and Times Higher Education ranked Harding University among the top ten colleges in the country for student engagement and student inspiration.
The U.S. routinely places Harding among the Top 25 Best Regional Universities in the South. This is according to World Report News.
As one of the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas, it came in at #249 in 2020. The American rankings and review company Niche gave it a B+ rating as well.
Furthermore, the Higher Learning Commission has granted Harding accreditation.
Read also: 11 Best Nursing Homes in Arkansas
What is the NAPLEX?
The North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination is known as NAPLEX. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) issues the NAPLEX. It is used by the boards of pharmacy to determine if a candidate is qualified to practice pharmacy.
You need to do this exam before applying to the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas
Additionally, the NABP represents all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the five biggest U.S. S. territories. The NAPLEX is also used by South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada for licensing.
Each board of pharmacy has been tasked with regulating the practice of pharmacy in its individual state. The mission of these boards of pharmacy is to safeguard the public against harmful and ineffective pharmacy care. In fact, “The Boards” or “State Boards” are other names for the NAPLEX.
Furthermore, to be granted a license to practice as a licensed pharmacist, candidates must take and pass the NAPLEX in each state. The only goal of the NAPLEX is to assess whether it is safe for you to start working as an entry-level pharmacist.
You must meet the qualifying conditions of the board of pharmacy from which you seek licensure. The board will evaluate your eligibility in line with the regulations of the relevant jurisdiction.
Also, the board will inform NABP of your eligibility if it finds you to be eligible. After that, the test administrator will send you a letter with instructions on how to arrange your testing appointment.
What is the MPJE?
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) in the United States developed the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). It was created to assist individual state boards of pharmacy in evaluating the proficiency and knowledge of pharmacy law.
It is a requirement for a pharmacy license in 48 states and the District of Columbia.
Despite being a national exam, there are still slight regional variations in the MPJE. National law-related questions make up the majority of the exam and are the same on every examination.
On the other hand, concerns about state law are based on a structure known as a blueprint. The blueprint effectively serves as a question template with uniform wording and response options that state pharmacy boards can customize with their own rules. The blueprint system’s creation of a nationwide exam that permits state-specific assessments is one of its main objectives.
State governments in the United States control pharmacy licensing. To get a pharmacy license, aspiring pharmacists must successfully complete the MPJE in the great majority of American states.
However, State-specific jurisprudence tests are typically required in states that do not mandate the exam. All states need pharmacists to have some level of legal expertise.
Read also: Most popular Therapists in Arkansas 2022
Licensure – Passing the NAPLEX and MPJE in Arkansas
In order to become a licensed pharmacist in Arkansas, you must submit a comprehensive application to the state board. When the board has given its approval, submit an application to the NABP to buy a NAPLEX.
PS: You do not require the MPJE Licensure in Arkansas after finishing from any of the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas.
Pharmacist Salary in Arkansas
In the state, a pharmacist makes an annual salary of $120,040, which is less than the $125,460 national average. While Fort Smith, Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, and Jonesboro pay the highest wages, Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway pays the lowest. When you begin working, you can anticipate making an annual salary of $110,440.
By finishing from any of the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas, you have chances of a better salary.
Pharmacist Job Outlook in Arkansas
From 2018 to 2028, the employment outlook in the state is anticipated to increase by 0.90 percent. It will go above the national employment growth rate.
Also, there will be 150 job vacancies each year throughout this time to fill both new and replacement positions.
Below are some of the state’s well-known employers of pharmacists:
- The Baptist Memorial Health Care Corporation,
- CHI St. Vincent,
- Roshdy pharmacies,
- Potomac Healthcare Solutions,
- National Park Medical Center,
- Northwest Medical Center,
- Baxter Regional Medical Center,
- Ouachita County Medical Center,
- Drew Memorial Health System,
- Cardinal Health.
- Walgreens,
- Kroger Stores,
- CVS Health,
- Highlands Oncology Group
By finishing at any of the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas, you have a chance at better jobs.
Conclusion on Pharmacy schools in Arkansas
Particularly wealthy and diverse in its history, Harding University has generated a number of excellent medical experts. The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences has also done a great job in educating its students. As one of the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas, It has also done a great job in imparting fundamental and necessary medical knowledge.
As mentioned earlier, these two are the top Pharmacy schools in Arkansas.
Finally, the majority of people choose pharmacy as a career either because it interests them. Or because this particular discipline of science pays well. Often it happens to be a mixture of these two reasons.