The pharmacy industry continues to grow, so works in this field are in high demand. Pharmacy degrees are available at all educational levels, from associate’s degrees to doctorate degrees. To help with the high cost of these programs, students can find pharmacy grants and scholarships.

Grants and Scholarships: What’s the Difference?

Although they are slightly different, there are certain things that most grants and scholarships have in common. These are as follows:

• Neither grants nor scholarships need to be repaid after you graduate, like you have to do with student loans.
• Colleges themselves are one of the most common places to find scholarships and grants, since schools want to entice the best and brightest students to choose their programs.
• Companies government departments, and outside organizations all also offer grants and scholarships.
• Some grants and scholarships are available specifically for pharmacy students, while others are available for all students regardless of field of study.
• Most grants and scholarships require you to be attending an accredited programs.

Where scholarships and grants differ is in how the money is given out. Grants are typically given to students who show financial need. Other factors may also come into play, but almost all grants require you to submit financial information. On the other hand, scholarships require merit, such as academic achievement, volunteer work, special talents, or the submission of a winning essay.

Where to Find Grants and Scholarships

The amount of money available varies from year to year. Start with searching for grants and scholarships available directly from your college. Other places you can find financial aid specifically for pharmacy students include from the following companies and organizations:

• American College of Apothecaries Research Education Foundation
• American Institute of the History of Pharmacy
• American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education
• American Pharmacists Association
• American Society of Health-System Pharmacists
• Costco
• Health Alliance
• National Association of Chain Drug Stores
• National Community Pharmacists Association
• Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
• Rite Aid
• Tylenol

Keep in mind that there are also quite a large number of organizations and companies that have scholarships and grants available for students in a number of health-related fields (and for general students). These awards are typically more competitive, but they may also be for higher amounts of money, which is definitely a plus!

Earning a pharmacy degree offers students the skills and ability to work as professionals within the quickly expanding pharmaceutical and health care industries. Courses prepare students with a versatile education based in the disciplines of chemistry, biology, health care administration, communications, and human anatomy and physiology. Below are some of the best online pharmacy degrees and related programs.

Pharmacy Technician	Allied Schools – According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, pharmacy technician employment is expected to grow by 25% through 2018. Allied University offers a self-paced, online pharmacy technician program that prepares students for careers in this growing field. Prerequisites include an interest in the field and demonstrated high school science courses.
Pharmacy Technician Certificate	U.S. Career Insistute – At the US Career Institute, students can enroll in the Pharmacy Technician program, which will train individuals for entry-level positions as pharmacy technicians. This career offers job security, no previous medical experience, and the opportunity to improve the healthcare system. Graduates work in a hospital, drug store, or mail-order pharmacy.
Career Training - Pharmacy Technology	Ashworth College – The Pharmacy Technician Course at Ashworth College is made up of 15 comprehensive lessons. These lessons are composed of a subject matter preview and objectives, an introductory note from your instructor and a vocabulary builder of new words and terms. Following this introduction, a reading assignment will expand your knowledge and practice exercises help you check and review what you've learned.
Pharmacy Technician Diploma	Ultimate Medical Academy – Ultimate Medical Academy's Pharmacy Technician program allows students to enter this growing field. The online format provides students with a convenient learning platform, while the on-campus option provides a more traditional, intimate approach. Accelerate your career options with Ultimate's dynamic program. Graduates are found throughout the healthcare system.
Certificate - Pharmaceutical Science Certificate - Regulatory Affairs Certificate- BiOrganic Pharmaceutical Science	Lehigh University – Lehigh University offers several certificates in pharmacological sciences. The pharmaceutical science certificate is designed for employees working in pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device manufacturing companies. The certificate in regulatory affairs explores the drug creation process including such courses as Discovery to Approval and Commercial Production. The BioOrganic Pharmaceutical Science certificate studies the biology of the pharmaceutical process.
Pharmacy Technician	Penn Foster Career School – At the Penn Foster Career School, you can become a pharmacy technician in as little as one year. The course of study will provide you with the training and skills you need to gain employment in this fast growing field. Graduates might work in a retail pharmacy, local druggist, grocery store, or hospital.
MS in Pharmacy - Medication Therapy Management Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy	The University of Florida – The University of Florida MS in Pharmacy in Medication Therapy Management is a 33 credit degree program that is designed for working adults. The program can be completed in about five semesters. Courses provide pharmacists the ability to explore an advanced practice in medication management. A doctorate is also available for those pharmacists who want to begin a career as a professor or consultant.