In the United States the Pharm.D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree is a first-professional doctorate that prepares the graduate for pharmacy practice. The multidisciplinary curriculum may focus on pharmacy-biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, social and administrative science, clinical sciences and experiential training. Entrance into a Pharm.D. program generally does not require prior completion of a college degree, since it is not a graduate degree program. Typically, students must obtain a Bachelors degree as part of the Pharm.D. program. However, many U.S. pharmacy schools have abolished the B.S. in pharmacy.

In the Netherlands the Pharm.D. is a graduate degree that requires a prior Masters of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Pharmacy. A pharmacist in the Netherlands holding a M.Sc. degree in Pharmacy may not legally dispense, formulate, handle, or trade pharmaceuticals unless they attain their Pharm.D. degree. The Pharm.D. degree requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time graduate courses in pharmacotherapy, pharmaceutical chemistry and analysis, small and large scale sterile pharmaceutical production, and management.

In Italy, the course of study leading to the laurea known as Dottore in farmacia lasts 5 years and includes a guided professional apprenticeship in a pharmacy.