October is American Pharmacists Month (APhM), a time to celebrate pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and student pharmacists. We are thankful for their resilience and unwavering commitment to improving health and well-being in communities across the country.
Led by the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), this year’s American Pharmacists Month continues the theme, Caring for Our Communities, while recognizing the enduring role of pharmacy throughout 250 years of American history. Pharmacists continue to be trusted health care providers who expand access to care, advance innovation, and improve health care for generations to come.
Discover the many ways pharmacists make a difference and explore opportunities to raise awareness of their impact during October.
FUTURE OF PHARMACY
The Future of Pharmacy Starts Here
As we look ahead to the future of pharmacy, the next generation of pharmacists is already lighting the path forward.
We introduce you to students in Findlay’s Distance PharmD program. Hear their stories as they share why they chose pharmacy, how they balance life and study, and what inspires them to serve their communities. Behind every degree is a story of purpose, perseverance, and passion.
ABOUT AMERICAN PHARMACIST MONTH
What is American Pharmacists Month?
American Pharmacist Month is celebrated each October in the United States.
According to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), beginning in October 1925, U.S.-based radio stations broadcast content for one week, featuring the role of pharmacists. These special broadcasts were meant to raise public awareness about the evolving pharmacy profession. After decades of celebrating National Pharmacy Week, APhA officially recognized October as American Pharmacists Month in 2004.
There are several opportunities to celebrate the contributions of pharmacists in October:
When are American Pharmacists Month and National Pharmacy Week?
American Pharmacist Month in the United States is celebrated each October, with the 2026 theme “Caring for Our Communities.” There are several opportunities to celebrate the contributions of pharmacists in October—shareable social media assets are available to help celebrate:
- September 25: World Pharmacist Day (#WPD2026)
- October 1: American Pharmacists Month (#APHM2026)
- October 3: National Student Pharmacist Day (#studentpharmacistday)
- October 12: National Women Pharmacist Day (#womenpharmacistday)
- October 20 National Pharmacy Technician Day (#rxtechday)
Shareable social media assets are available on APhA's American Pharmacists Month page.
AMERICAN PHARMACISTS MONTH 2026 CARING FOR OUR COMMUNITIES
Celebrate American Pharmacists Month
Surveys have found that people outside the healthcare industry often don’t understand the full scope of what pharmacists do, where they can work, and how they support the structure of the healthcare system.
Here are some facts you can share during American Pharmacists Month to help increase public recognition of the essential contributions pharmacists make toward healthier communities and better health care outcomes:
- Pharmacists are often the most accessible healthcare professionals that patients see
- Community pharmacies are considered by 58% of surveyed patients as their first stop for non-emergency medical care
- Community pharmacists are widely regarded as a powerful force for patient education, patient interaction, and patient care
- Research pharmacists may be less visible than the pharmacists you will meet at the drugstore or the hospital, but they work behind the scenes to test and develop life-saving drugs
- Pharmacists are consistently ranked by the public as some of the most trusted community professionals
- Pharmacists practice in a wide variety of work environments, including pharmaceutical companies, veterinary clinics, non-governmental organizations, tech startups, hospitals, and research settings
- Pharmacists play an important role in addressing the ongoing mental health crisis; a systematic review shows that pharmacists can improve medication adherence and reduce negative patient outcomes, like hospitalizations, by providing access to psychiatric and neurological medications
Pharmacy Careers by the Numbers
In 2025, pharmacists in the U.S. earned a median annual salary of $140,910. Employment of pharmacists is expected to grow 5% through 2035 (faster than average), with nearly 17,100 job openings per year projected over the next decade.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Top Pharmacist Jobs for 2026
Top Pharmacist Jobs for 2026
37% Pharmacies and Drug Retailers
32% Hospitals (State, Local, and Private)
6% General Merchandise Stores
6% Ambulatory Healthcare Services
Findlay's Online PharmD FAQs
Considering advancing your career in pharmacy? Find answers to your frequently asked questions about the University of Findlay’s Distance PharmD program.
This innovative program can be completed in 4 years (9 semesters) and includes online asynchronous online coursework, 3 one-week campus immersions, and experiential learning in clinical settings.
Yes. Our faculty members are experienced pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences professionals who use an interactive teaching style and a system-based curriculum to support your personal and professional development.
The University of Findlay’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The University of Findlay is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
The distance PharmD degree has one start per year in the Fall.
Our live Information Session webinar and follow-up conversation with an enrollment advisor will help you determine if you qualify to apply, any required courses you may need to complete, and when you can expect to begin Findlay’s Distance PharmD program.
You can apply to the program before completing all prerequisites and Gen Ed courses, but you must complete your required courses to begin the program.
Pharmacists Care for Our Communities
Discover the transformative role of pharmacists in caring for their communities through medication management and patient care.
