Across the United States, a troubling trend is underway: low enrollment in pharmacy school is translating to declining numbers of pharmacists in the field. Despite pharmacists being a vital part of the healthcare system, fewer people are choosing this career. A national pharmacist shortage could impact the future of healthcare access, quality, and innovation.
Between 2024 and 2034, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates over 14,000 openings for pharmacists per year. Yet, the US has nowhere near that number of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduates each year. In fact, experts estimate that only around 8,000 PharmD students will graduate in 2026—less than 60% of what’s needed to fill expected BLS openings. Additionally, not everyone who earns a PharmD degree becomes a pharmacist. Instead, some work as researchers and similar roles in drug companies, government agencies, and other organizations.
The problems start with the low number of pharmacy school applications. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy reports that PharmD program applications dropped by over 60% from 2011 to 2021 (going from over 106,000 to less than 41,000). Of course, not all applicants are qualified. Even those who are accepted may not start or finish their programs due to changes in life circumstances. In 2023, only 44,403 students (from those in their first year to their last) were enrolled in a PharmD degree program.
With fewer pharmacy school graduates entering the workforce, the ripple effects can touch the entire healthcare system:
Limited Access to Care: Many rural and underserved regions rely heavily on local pharmacists for primary healthcare support. These patients regularly use pharmacies for medication management, vaccines, and basic health screenings. A pharmacist shortage could make it harder to access care in these communities.
Strain on Healthcare Systems: With fewer pharmacists available, patients may experience longer wait times for prescriptions, less in-depth counseling, and reduced access to preventative health services.
Pharmacist Burnout: Without new graduates to replenish the workforce, existing pharmacists may face increased workloads that could lead to burnout and turnover.
Stalled Innovation: Pharmacy professionals contribute to health research, policies, clinical advancements, and community initiatives. A shrinking workforce could slow progress in these areas.
Our efforts also go beyond the classroom. We are committed to educating future practitioners and raising awareness about the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare. Through events and outreach in Savannah, GA, our PharmD faculty, staff, and students interact with community members, answer questions about the profession, and help inspire the next generation of pharmacists.
A pharmacist shortage has the potential to disrupt healthcare access, outcomes, and innovation nationwide. By preparing skilled professionals and engaging in our local community and industry groups, we are proudly doing our part to elevate the future of pharmacy for our patients, our communities, and our nation.
Request information to learn more about our Pharmacy school and Doctor of Pharmacy program in Savannah, Georgia!
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Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
Pharmacy School & Job Trends: By the Numbers
Between 2024 and 2034, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates over 14,000 openings for pharmacists per year. Yet, the US has nowhere near that number of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) graduates each year. In fact, experts estimate that only around 8,000 PharmD students will graduate in 2026—less than 60% of what’s needed to fill expected BLS openings. Additionally, not everyone who earns a PharmD degree becomes a pharmacist. Instead, some work as researchers and similar roles in drug companies, government agencies, and other organizations.The problems start with the low number of pharmacy school applications. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy reports that PharmD program applications dropped by over 60% from 2011 to 2021 (going from over 106,000 to less than 41,000). Of course, not all applicants are qualified. Even those who are accepted may not start or finish their programs due to changes in life circumstances. In 2023, only 44,403 students (from those in their first year to their last) were enrolled in a PharmD degree program.
The Impacts of Fewer PharmD Degree Grads
These numbers have real-world consequences. Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare professionals. They dispense medications, counsel patients, conduct health screenings, administer vaccines, and help ensure the safe use of increasingly complex therapies.With fewer pharmacy school graduates entering the workforce, the ripple effects can touch the entire healthcare system:
Limited Access to Care: Many rural and underserved regions rely heavily on local pharmacists for primary healthcare support. These patients regularly use pharmacies for medication management, vaccines, and basic health screenings. A pharmacist shortage could make it harder to access care in these communities.
Strain on Healthcare Systems: With fewer pharmacists available, patients may experience longer wait times for prescriptions, less in-depth counseling, and reduced access to preventative health services.
Pharmacist Burnout: Without new graduates to replenish the workforce, existing pharmacists may face increased workloads that could lead to burnout and turnover.
Stalled Innovation: Pharmacy professionals contribute to health research, policies, clinical advancements, and community initiatives. A shrinking workforce could slow progress in these areas.
Building the Future of Pharmacy at South University
At South University, we recognize this urgent issue and are working to help build a strong future for the profession. Our School of Pharmacy is designed to provide a rigorous education along with the support students need to succeed during and after the Doctor of Pharmacy program. The PharmD degree coursework and hands-on experiences are designed to equip graduates with the modern competencies and clinical skills for evolving roles in pharmacy practice, research, and leadership.Our efforts also go beyond the classroom. We are committed to educating future practitioners and raising awareness about the vital role of pharmacists in healthcare. Through events and outreach in Savannah, GA, our PharmD faculty, staff, and students interact with community members, answer questions about the profession, and help inspire the next generation of pharmacists.
A pharmacist shortage has the potential to disrupt healthcare access, outcomes, and innovation nationwide. By preparing skilled professionals and engaging in our local community and industry groups, we are proudly doing our part to elevate the future of pharmacy for our patients, our communities, and our nation.
Request information to learn more about our Pharmacy school and Doctor of Pharmacy program in Savannah, Georgia!
--
Graduates are required to pass the national certification exam and obtain a state license in order to work in the field. (Exam names vary by program.) Please refer to the State Professional Licensure Determination and National Certification/Licensure section of the University catalog for additional information. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Programs, including all Clinical/Medical programs, have a required in-person clinical, practicum, or externship. We cannot guarantee flexibility in these components of the program.
