How To Study Pharmacy In Ghana; Best Pharmacy Schools

Pharmacy is one of the most competitive courses in Ghana’s Universities. The pharmacy school always has one of the highest numbers of admission applications each year. Unfortunately, not all these applications are considered, and we are going to show you how to gain admission into a Pharmacy school in Ghana. This article is a comprehensive guide on how to study Pharmacy to become a successful Pharmacist in Ghana.

UNIVERSITIES OFFERING PHARMACY IN GHANA

There are six (6) Institutions with Pharmacy Schools in Ghana. These consist of both private and public universities. Public universities are made up of both state and federal universities.

1. KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (KNUST)  – KUMASI
2. UNIVERSITY OF DEVELOPMENT STUDIES (UDS) – TAMALE
3. UNIVERSITY OF GHANA – LEGON, ACCRA
4. CENTRAL UNIVERSITY – MIOTSO
5. THE UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH AND ALLIED SCIENCES (UHAS) – HO
6. ENTRANCE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF HEALTH – SPINTEX ROAD, ACCRA

REQUIREMENTS TO STUDY PHARMACY IN GHANA

The first step of becoming a Pharmacist is to be in the right class, i.e., you must have the right subject combination before you can be considered for admission into the School of Pharmacy.

You must offer natural science subjects which include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and English Language.

You must meet the following West African Senior Secondary Certificate (WASSCE) results requirements:
I. Passes (grade C6) in three subjects, Core subjects, namely, English, Mathematics, and Integrated Science, and
ii. Passes (grade C6) in three Elective Subjects, namely Biology, Chemistry, and either Physics or Mathematics.
iii. Additionally, candidates shall be required to pass core Social Studies at least at Grade E.

Acceptable qualifications include an International Baccalaureate (IB), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), General Certificate of Education (GCE), and the American Grades 12 and 13 examinations. Other external qualifications, which have equivalencies to the West African Senior Secondary School Certificate of Education (WASSCE) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE), may also be accepted.

DURATION OF B.PHARM IN GHANA

The School of Pharmacy in Ghana institutions runs a four (4) year standard program, leading to the award of Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm).

The Doctor of Pharmacy is a straight six-year program

Is Pharmacy Hard To Study?

Learning how to effectively study in pharmacy school is one of the biggest challenges students initially face. Also, research and pharmacy aren’t easy career choices to study. To become a pharmacist, one needs a Pharm.D. degree, which can take from six to eight years after high school graduation to complete. This includes two to four years of college coursework and four years of professional study.

Also, with the required topics such as pharmacology, pharmacotherapy, and pharmacokinetics, there is no doubt that pharmacy school is difficult. According to the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, it is estimated that more than 10% of people who make it into pharmacy school do not make it through to graduation day.

Also, keep in mind that if you choose a pharmacy, you have to go through chemical reactions and biological mechanisms of drugs.

Getting a university-level education is one of the compulsory requirements if you are to pursue a career in pharmacy.

How Long Does It Take To Study Pharmacy In Ghana?

Pharmacy courses usually last for four years and will look at pharmacology, Biology and physiology, pharmaceutics, chemistry, ethics, and economics.

Students will also benefit from internships and work placements within the industry to provide valuable insights and professional experience. More so, state-of-the-art labs will help sharpen your skills with replica medicine-dispensing stations, consulting areas, and computers linked to the systems used by the Pharmacy industry.

To practice as a pharmacist in Ghana, you need to register with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). To register, you need to study for an accredited Master’s degree in pharmacy (MPharm).

Best Pharmacy Schools in Ghana

1. Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology

First on our List of Best Pharmacy schools in Ghana is Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology. KNUST exists to advance knowledge in science and technology by creating an environment for undertaking relevant research, quality teaching, entrepreneurship training, and community engagement to improve the quality of life.

The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is a public university established in the country, as well as the largest in the Kumasi Metropolis and the Ashanti Region.

Note, talking about the accredited Pharmacy schools in Ghana, this school is ranked No. 1 in Ghana and 1209 in the world according to Webometrics.

2. University of Ghana

Next, on our list of best Pharmacy schools in Ghana is the almighty University of Ghana. This university is the oldest of all the universities in Ghana. It is also the largest landmass in the whole of Ghana.

However, it was originally established as an affiliate of the University of London at the University College of the Gold Coast.

The university offers courses in law, medicine, basic sciences, engineering, social sciences, and agriculture at different levels of study. University of Ghana School of Pharmacy accepts both citizens and students from all around the world, offering them the opportunity to pursue their career in Pharmacy or any other Pharmacy-related course at any level they want.

Note that among the accredited Pharmacy schools in Ghana, this school is ranked No. 2 in Ghana and 1673 in the world.

3. Central University College

The Central University was founded by the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) in Accra, Ghana. It started as a pastoral training institute in 1988. It was then known as the Central Bible College by June 1991. It later became the Central Christian College in 1993 and eventually became the Central University College in 1997.

However, the school is affiliated with Cape Coast, the Association of African Universities, and councils for Christian colleges and universities with the University It was founded in 1998 as a pastoral school in Dansoman.

Among the stated aims of the university is to provide an “integrated and biblically-based tertiary education with particular reference to the needs of the African continent”. It is currently the biggest private university in Ghana.

Note that the school is ranked No. 16 in Ghana and 13293 in the world.

4. University for Development Studies

University for Development Studies is one of the universities offering pharmacy in Ghana. The University for Development Studies, Tamale, was established in 1992 as a multi-campus institution. Also, It is the fifth public university to be established in Ghana. This deviates from the usual practice of having universities with central campuses and administrations.

However, UDS was born out of the new thinking in higher education, which emphasizes the need for universities to play a more active role in addressing problems of society, particularly in rural areas (Effa, 1998). And also, has four (4) campuses located at Wa, Tamale, Navrongo, and Nyankpala

Note that the school is ranked No. 4 in Ghana and 3331 in the world according to Webometrics.

5. King University College

When looking for the Best Pharmacy schools in Ghana to study, look at Kings University College, which is a private institution that was established in February 2009. This University collaborates with Liaoning University in China and is affiliated with the University of Cape Coast. The University received both institutional and program accreditation in January 2010.

6. Kumasi Technical University

Kumasi is among the best universities in Ghana, offering pharmacy-related courses accredited by the National Accreditation Board in 1954. Initially, it was a polytechnic and was later converted to a university.

However, the school, even as a university, offers both HND programs, Part-time programs, and bachelor’s degree programs, including Online programs and short courses in pharmacy-related fields like pharmaceutical Science. The application to Kumasi Technical University is very easy.

Interestingly, Kumasi Technical University received accreditation on 1st September 2012 to run the HND Dispensing Technology program to provide in-depth training for students who aspire to become Dispensing Technologists/ Pharmacy technicians and Pharmacists.

Note, among the accredited Pharmacy schools in Ghana, this school is ranked No. 52 in Ghana and 22426 in the world according to Webometrics.

7. Baldwin University College

Baldwin University College offers students a rich, multidimensional educational experience in an academically challenging environment. We foster critical thinking and creative exploration while preparing students to live and work in the global world of today.

Similarly, the school runs the HND Dispensing Technology program just like Kumasi Technical University to provide in-depth training for students who aspire to become Dispensing Technologists/ Pharmacy technicians and Pharmacists.

The certificate for the Diploma programs is awarded by the National Board for Professional and Technician Examinations (NABPTEX), our affiliate body.

Note that the school is ranked No. 24 in Ghana and 16657 in the world according to Webometrics.

8. Sunyani Technical University

The Sunyani Technical University was established as a Technical Institute in 1967, as a non-tertiary institution, under the Ghana Education Service. It was subsequently upgraded to a Polytechnic in 1997, following the passage of the Polytechnic Law of 1992 (P.N.D.C. Law 321), by the Government of Ghana, as a Tertiary Educational Institution to run a Higher National Diploma (HND) program.

However, Sunyani Technical University (STU) is a coeducational higher education institution. STU offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees) in several areas of study.

Note that the school is among the universities offering pharmacy in Ghana and it is ranked No 33 in Ghana and 18874 in the world according to Webometrics.

9. Ghana College of Pharmacists

Ghana School of Pharmacy is one of the six schools under the College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana. Being the premier University in Ghana, the number one in West Africa, and the seventh (7th) in Africa, the University has a long tradition of training world-class professionals.

However, this school aims to promote specialist training in pharmacy and related disciplines, promote continuous professional development in pharmacy and related disciplines, promote research in pharmaceutical practice and related disciplines, and contribute to the formulation of policies on sound health, medicines, and public health in general.

10. Royal Ann Health College, Ghana

Royal Ann College of Health is located in a serene environment greened with grass and trees to espouse nature. It is devoid of traffic, noise, hustle, and bustle associated with cities, thus making it very conducive for teaching and learning.

However, the institution is accessible due to its proximity to the Kumasi-Sunyani road. It has a fortified walled compound with a 24-hour security guard. The infrastructure of the school is solidly constructed and neatly arranged in a spacious compound

Further, RACOH has qualified, competent, committed, and well-motivated professional Tutors and Non-technical staff. It upholds quality tuition and consistently maintains and delivers quality academic and social services to a high standard. The Institution exists to produce holistic and excellent healthcare practitioners recognized worldwide