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Pharmacy Schools in Washington - 2024
Washington is one of the fastest growing states in the country. The pharmaceutical sector in the state is expanding and there is a consistent demand for pharmacists. As of 2021, there were approximately 7,300 pharmacists working in the state, drawing an average salary of $134,290. If you are interested in joining this growing workforce, you must start with completing a Doctor of Pharmacy program from any of the ACPE accredited pharmacy schools in the Washington.
2024 Ranking of ACPE Accredited Pharmacy Schools in Washington
#1. University of Washington
Ranking Score: 93.88%
Location: Tacoma
Accreditation: ACPE
| University of Washington NAPLEX Performance | ||
| Year | # of Students Attempted | Pass Rate |
| 2018 | 83 | 98.80% |
| 2019 | 82 | 99.00% |
| 2020 | 101 | 98.00% |
| 2021 | 94 | 87.00% |
#2. Washington State University
Ranking Score: 84.51%
Location: Pullman
Accreditation: ACPE
| Washington State University NAPLEX Performance | ||
| Year | # of Students Attempted | Pass Rate |
| 2018 | 123 | 91.10% |
| 2019 | 146 | 90.00% |
| 2020 | 157 | 86.00% |
| 2021 | 152 | 79.00% |
Licensure - Passing the NAPLEX and MPJE in Washington
To become a licensed pharmacist in Washington, you must apply to the Washington State Department of Health with an application fee and required documents. You must then register on the NABP site for the NAPLEX and MPJE exam. On passing both the exams successfully you will earn your licensure.
Washington Pharm. D. Graduates NAPLEX Performance (2018-2021)
The performance of pharmacy graduates on the NAPLEX in the state over the last four years has been impressive. In 2021, 246 graduates took the exam, out of which 83.00% of them passed it on first attempt. In 2020, the number of candidates went up to 258, and a good 92.00% of them cleared the exam on first attempt. The above average performance goes to show the superior quality of education offered in the state, added to that some exceptional clinical opportunities that help hone professional knowledge and skills.
| School | Location | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | ||||
| #Taken | Pass % | #Taken | Pass % | #Taken | Pass % | #Taken | Pass % | ||
| University of Washington | Tacoma | 83 | 98.80% | 82 | 99.00% | 101 | 98.00% | 94 | 87.00% |
| Washington State University | Pullman | 123 | 91.10% | 146 | 90.00% | 157 | 86.00% | 152 | 79.00% |
| Overall Washington NAPLEX Performance | 206 | 94.95% | 228 | 94.50% | 258 | 92.00% | 246 | 83.00% | |
Pharmacist Salary in Washington
A pharmacist in the state earns considerably higher salaries at $134,290, almost 6.84% higher than the national average. The higher cost of living in the state and expansion in the pharmaceutical sector translates into higher pay scales. While Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue pays the highest salaries at $137,670, the lowest earnings come from Kennewick-Richland.
| Type | Salary |
| Hourly | $64.56 |
| Monthly | $11,190 |
| Annual | $134,290 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics |
Pharmacist Job Outlook in Washington
Pharmacists in the state have a promising future, if we consider a period of 10 years, starting from 2020. The projected growth rate is 16.69% during this period, which means; approximately 1,190 new pharmacist positions will be created from 2020 through 2030. The highest numbers of pharmacist are employed in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, earning $137,670, annually.
| 2020 Employment | 2030 Employment | Growth | Projected Annual Job Openings (New + Replacement) | |
| Number | Percent | |||
| 7,130 | 8,320 | 1,190 | 16.69% | 530 |
| Source: Career One Stop | ||||
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