The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy program is nationally known for preparing pharmacists who excel in patient care, research and service.

When people think of the KU School of Pharmacy, they may picture rigorous coursework and a respected degree. But for students, the program is much more than classes and exams. It is a place to find mentors, discover career paths and build confidence through hands-on learning.

The KU Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program is a four-year professional degree that prepares students to become licensed pharmacists. Students gain a deep understanding of drug therapy, patient counseling, and health systems, with early hands-on experiences in hospitals, clinics, and community pharmacies. 

With small class sizes and faculty who are both researchers and practitioners, KU’s Pharm.D. students learn in a supportive environment designed to build both clinical expertise and leadership skills.

While the school’s national reputation speaks for itself, what truly defines KU Pharmacy is its people. It’s the faculty who care deeply about student success and a community that values collaboration, curiosity and service.

Along with its national reputation and strong student support, KU Pharmacy also now offers one of the most affordable tuition adjustment rates for out-of-state students among top-ranked pharmacy schools. The school’s commitment to keeping costs accessible helps future pharmacists from across the country pursue their goals without taking on excessive debt.

These outcomes, while impressive, only tell part of the story. 

Why students choose KU School of Pharmacy

We spoke with two KU pharmacy students to learn more about what drew them to the program.

Fourth-year student ambassadors Bekah Harper and Thomas Maldonado said they initially chose KU for its sense of community and the accessibility of its faculty. Harper first discovered her passion for pharmacy as a high school student attending a KU pharmacy camp she attended in high school.

“I went to pharmacy camp, and I was blown away by the facility,” she said. “The professors were so invested in future students and willing to answer questions.”
Maldonado took a different path, beginning at a community college and working as a clerk in an independent pharmacy. That first-hand experience with both the pharmacists and patients inspired him to pursue pharmacy at KU, where he found an array of opportunities and immediate faculty support.  

“I chose KU because the pharmacists that I had worked with were all KU graduates. I saw how excellent they were in practice, and that made my decision easy,” he shared.

Making a difference with KU Pharmacy

Another piece that really sets the program apart is how early and often students are given opportunities to practice their skills and connect with the community. 
Both Harper and Maldonado interned at the KU Cancer Center, where they saw firsthand how pharmacists affect patient care. Maldonado described the broad clinical training the program offers and how those experiences are already shaping his interests. 

“During my time as an intern at the KU Cancer Center, I’ve been able to take part in resident projects, review patient charts, and even present to the Pharmacy and Therapeutics committee to recommend a new drug for the formulary. Experiences like that have shown me how pharmacists directly impact patient care.”

For Harper, it was deeply rewarding work. “Being able to say that I work there and be a part of what they’re doing has been huge for me,” she said. “I like to walk out of my job or a rotation and think, ‘Did I make a difference in a patient’s life today?’ I feel that when I leave there. Being part of these clinical projects and compounding chemotherapy medications that can potentially save a patient’s life is incredibly rewarding.”

She also pointed to the breadth of opportunities. She described how the experiential education office even works with students to set up out of state placements, which was especially meaningful to her. 

“Because my husband is stationed in Georgia, I’ve been able to coordinate my rotations near where we live,” Harper said. “The Experiential Education Office has been amazing about helping me find sites in both Georgia and Florida. They really work with students to make sure every experience fits their situation,” Harper shared. “I even know a student that did three rotations in Hawaii!”   

Experiential learning that prepares students

KU Pharmacy places a strong focus on experiential learning through realistic simulations. These include structured clinical exams, standardized patient encounters, and interprofessional exercises that let students practice working on diverse health care teams.  

Both students described KU’s emphasis on simulated practice and real patient care as key to their preparation. “We go into a mock scenario that could be in a community setting or in a hospital setting and you’re basically judged on how you handle those situations, your drug knowledge, communication skills, things like that,” shared Maldonado. 

Harper agreed that the simulations are realistic and prepare students for the stress and unpredictability of clinical encounters. 

“We have simulations in our labs with hired actors who play patients,” Harper said. “You never know what will happen once you’re in the room, which makes it feel very real.” 

Research Opportunities at the KU School of Pharmacy

The University of Kansas Pharmacy program is also a research leader. KU ranks among the top pharmacy schools in the nation for NIH and other research funding, and its faculty conduct groundbreaking studies in drug discovery, pharmaceutical chemistry, toxicology and patient care.

Students in the Pharm.D. program can participate in research through electives, faculty-led projects and the Pharm.D. Research Certificate Program. This experience lets future pharmacists contribute to scientific advances and see how new knowledge translates to better patient outcomes.

According to Harper, it makes an impact in the classroom. “What they're doing is amazing. Our faculty isn't just reading it from a book; they're doing the research in the labs. Our pharmacokinetics professors are finding new methods and developing new drugs. Over 20 different drugs have been developed at KU.”

This focus on innovation shows students that pharmacy is not only about dispensing medications but also about shaping the therapies and systems of tomorrow. “Kansas only has one school of pharmacy,” said Maldonado. “That means we have the full attention of the state, and the support and funding really make a difference.”

Community, Connections and Mentorship

The KU School of Pharmacy also offers a vibrant student life and faculty connections. Frequent social events bring faculty and students together in celebration throughout the year. From a back-to-school barbecue to a Mr. Pharmacy pageant, the students and faculty form valuable connections. “You see these professors all six semesters of your didactic years in pharmacy school, and so you get really close with them, and they are amazing,” Harper shared.

Faculty are approachable and invested in student success, often serving as mentors well beyond graduation. Maldonado points to faculty who make themselves available and help students succeed. “You can tell that our faculty care, and it’s something that really brings me comfort, and it’s really made me confident in my skills as a pharmacist.”

Student organizations provide leadership opportunities, peer support and community outreach. Foster recommends becoming involved early in the program because it opens doors to conferences, leadership and service opportunities that last beyond graduation. “We have over a dozen organizations. There’s something for everyone and I think it’s so important to get involved,” she said. 

These connections help students navigate challenges, celebrate successes and feel part of a profession grounded in collaboration.

Where KU Pharmacy Leads

Both students said KU gave them experiences they never expected when they applied, helping them find purpose and direction.

The program helps them explore different professional roles before graduation. They have had opportunities to work alongside practicing pharmacists, participate in research that advances patient care and join student initiatives that make an impact in the community.

Harper is excited to participate in the nine different rotations in her fourth year. “I love oncology, but I also love Pediatrics. I would love to be with an OB/GYN pharmacist or be in the ER and that's really what our P4 experiences give us. It allows you to have all those experiences.”

Maldonado agreed and noted that he’s enjoyed every pharmaceutical setting he’s experienced so far. That’s how he knows he’s on the right path. “The most important thing to me is that I love being able to see and establish those relationships with patients and foster those throughout time. You really see the impact you have on these patients,” he shared.

What makes the University of Kansas Pharmacy program stand out

High placement rates and licensure success demonstrate the effectiveness of the KU School of Pharmacy’s approach, but the students’ reflections reveal something deeper. They are not only earning a degree. They are discovering what kind of pharmacist they want to become.

“I love representing KU and bragging about what we have to offer here,” said Maldonado.  “I'm very proud that I chose KU, and I would choose KU 10 times out of 10 if I had to go back and do it again!”