AACP Profile of Pharmacy Students Fall 2023
Following is the most recent recap of the annual Profile of Pharmacy Students data on applications to first professional degree programs, student enrollment, and degrees conferred in professional and graduate degree programs at U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy. In short, the data are not good and potentially big problems loom for the pharmacy profession in the coming years. If you would like to see the 10+ year trendline please CLICK HERE.
Profile (The number of faculty decreased 3.13% and students enrolled decreased 7.37% over fall 2022!)
2023 – 6,200 faculty, 44,000 students enrolled in professional programs, and 5,400 individuals pursuing graduate study.
Fall Enrollment (The number of first professional year enrollments decreased 6.7% over fall 2022!)
2023 – 44,403 students were enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.1) as the first professional degree programs, 6.7% decrease from fall 2022
Number of accredited U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy
2023 – 142 U.S colleges and schools of pharmacy (141 submitted data) with accredited (full, candidate and precandidate status) professional degree programs.
Applications (The number of applications decreased 5.11% over fall 2022!)
2023 – 33,922 5.11% Decrease over fall 2022. Applications submitted to first professional degree programs at schools and colleges of pharmacy.
PharmD Degrees conferred (The number of PharmD Degrees conferred decreased 5.13%!)
2023 – 12,639 5.13% Decrease
Attrition Rate (Increasing for the last 20+ years from near zero in the early 2000s!)
2023 – 15.3% The attrition rate includes academic dismissals, student withdrawals, and delayed graduations.
PharmD degrees conferred to individuals already holding a professional baccalaureate in pharmacy
2023 – 189 Decreased by 6.9% from 2021 – 2022
Number of individuals enrolled in postbaccalaureate Pharm.D.
2023 – 483 The number of individuals enrolled in postbaccalaureate Pharm.D. programs decreased to 483 from 571 in fall 2022.
M.S. degrees conferred
2023 – 1,888 The number of M.S. degrees conferred increased to 1,888 from 1,552 in 2021–22 and the number of Ph.D. degrees conferred (n= 657) increased 5.5 percent from 2021–22.
First professional degrees conferred. (Percentage of women rising for 11+ years)
2023 – 66.0% Women & 32.9% Men. The gender was not reported or unknown for 0.1 percent of applications.
AACP PROFILE OF PHARMACY STUDENTS FALL 2023
Student Applications, Enrollments and Degrees Conferred
Conclusion
The recent data on applications, enrollment, and degrees conferred in U.S. pharmacy schools highlight significant declines across several key metrics, signaling potential challenges for the pharmacy profession in the coming years. With decreases in student enrollment, applications, and PharmD degrees conferred, alongside a rising attrition rate, the profession may face workforce shortages if these trends continue. However, some positive indicators remain, such as the increase in M.S. and Ph.D. degrees conferred and the ongoing rise in female representation in the field. Addressing these issues proactively will be critical for maintaining the future vitality of the profession.
Continued success,
Kevin Mero, CEO, JobRx
kevin@jobrx.com
(210) 872-6160