What type of education is required for pharmacy students in Delaware to practice?

In Delaware, pharmacy students are required to complete an ACPE-accredited pharmacy program to be eligible for practice. The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) ensures that pharmacy programs meet certain academic and professional standards necessary for preparing students to become effective pharmacists.

Graduating from an ACPE-accredited program not only provides students with the required knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical sciences and patient care but also ensures that they meet the licensing requirements outlined by the state board. This accreditation signifies that the education received is aligned with current pharmacy practices and is respected throughout the nation.

While a bachelor's degree in pharmacy was historically a common credential, it has largely been replaced by the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, which is the standard requirement today, and this degree must come from an ACPE-accredited program. Online pharmacy courses can supplement a pharmacy education but do not fulfill the requirements for obtaining a pharmacy degree. A master's degree in chemistry, while valuable in certain contexts, is not a substitute for the specific training and accreditation needed to practice as a pharmacist.