The Complete Guide to Earning Your Pharmaceutical Degree Online

With the rise of online education, it''s more within reach now than it''s ever been. Online education is the perfect way to balance work, family, and personal responsibilities while furthering your education.

However, just because you can hypothetically get your degree in your pajamas doesn''t mean you have to put in any less effort. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about pursuing your pharmaceutical degree online, from benefits and challenges to course structure and career prospects.

Why choose an online pharmaceutical education?

The ability to learn from anywhere offers untold benefits for those looking to break into any industry. Aside from convenience, here are just a few reasons why an online degree makes sense:

Lower tuition fees make online education more accessible to people without taking on tens of thousands in loans.

No need to commute to a campus saves time and money, plus it makes more sense for students who don''t own a car.

Access to top-tier universities is a lot easier when you aren''t limited to the confines of nearby cities and towns.

A wider variety of programs and specializations are available when you diversify your options across the country.

Greater flexibility means you can earn a degree while keeping your job.

Drawbacks of pursuing a pharmaceutical degree online

While there are plenty of reasons to pursue an online degree, there are a few major drawbacks you have to consider:

Less structure means you need plenty of self-discipline and motivation.

A lack of face-to-face interaction makes it difficult to ask questions and get feedback.

Some online pharmaceutical programs require specific software and equipment, which you might not have room for in your home workspace.

If you don''t have a reliable internet connection, you won''t make it to the class.

What to expect from an online pharmaceutical degree program

An online program will cover the same core subjects as a traditional on-campus program. This typically includes courses in:

Pharmacology

Medicinal chemistry

Pharmaceutical calculations

Pharmacy law and ethics

Besides that, here are a few things to expect when you enroll in an online degree program:

Virtual learning environment

Blackboard and Zoom are about to be your two best friends. Online programs use a variety of tools and platforms to create a collaborative environment that mimics a lecture hall or classroom setting. Expect to use discussion boards, video lectures, and interactive assignments. In some of your coursework, you’ll also use virtual lab simulations to provide hands-on experience.

Communication with instructors and peers

While you''re learning without face-to-face contact, your professors will still have office hours, one-on-one time with you, and be available via email, online chat, and/or text.

You''ll also have to participate in group projects, where you''ll coordinate with your classmates to complete assignments. For example, you may have to work with a few other students to create a long research paper or present a case study.

Self-paced coursework

Most online programs allow students to complete coursework at their own pace, so long as they meet set deadlines. This gives you more control over how you get your work done and when you take breaks. It also enables you to work when you feel most productive.

Is an online pharmaceutical degree just as valuable?

While pharma is definitely an industry where hands-on experience is beneficial for the student (and respected by others), earning a degree from an accredited university is valuable whether you earn it online or in-person. The perception and value of online degrees have significantly evolved, with many students and employers recognizing the quality and rigor of online education.

Georgetown''s School of Continuing Studies highlights the advancements in online education, noting that online courses have become more engaging and interactive. A meta-analysis cited by the university found students working in online environments actually performed slightly better than those in traditional classes.

Endnote

It''s important to consider the pros and cons before investing in an online pharmaceutical education. On one hand, it enables students to get their degree from anywhere. On the other, it''s something that requires considerable self-motivation, plus a feasible workspace. Be sure to research and compare different programs before making your final decision.

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Published October 2, 2023

What Are Non-Verbal Communication Skills?

When we think of communication skills, most of us just think about written and verbal skills. For verbal communication, there is more than just talking and active listening. There is a third componentânon-verbal communication skills. These are the ways you convey your message excluding words. What does that mean? Non-verbal communication includes things such as facial expressions, hand gestures, posture, and even how youâre dressed.

Non-verbal communication skills can provide clarity and depth to the message or allow one to better express a specific feeling (such as happiness, empathy, or concern). This is important and can help you make your message more compelling or persuasive, which in turn can make you more credible and trustworthy. This applies to âreadingâ your audience too.

If youâre a salesperson, understanding the body language of your client can help you tailor the conversation and approach toward your desired outcome. Or if you are talking with someone with a different culture, make sure youâre culturally sensitive. There may be non-verbal cues such as handshakes, bowing, or eye contact that may be inappropriate and possibly disrespectful. You donât want to inadvertently make a social blunder or faux pas.

How Important Are Your Non-Verbal Communication Skills?

Communication graph

And how important are non-verbal communication skills? Did you know that non-verbal communication accounts for ~93% of a conversation? Yes, that means only ~7% of the communication is the actual words.

How effective is your ~93% of the conversation? Do you feel that people frequently misinterpret or misunderstand you, or seem confused? Or do they struggle relating to your non-verbal cues? And if your conversation is virtual (such as a large Zoom meeting) then youâll need to pay extra attention to the non-verbal cues. For example, are some people constantly looking away, having their arms crossed, or fidgeting in their seats?

Improving Your Non-Verbal Communication Skills

Types of body language, non-verbal communication

If you have a big presentation or job interview coming up, you want to ensure you convey confidence and professionalism. After all, Will Rogers said, âYou never get a second chance to make a first impression.â

Improving your non-verbal communication skills can enhance your ability to convey messages effectively. It starts with self-awareness, and intentionally doing things such as the following:

Display appropriate facial expressions â Use your face to express happiness, empathy, or concern.
Tone and pitch of your voice â Be aware of the cadence of your speech and have a steady tone but not monotone.
Practice active listening â You can show that you are engaged and listening by nodding and maintaining eye contact.
Record yourself speaking â Practice and make recordings to see and hear yourself. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become.
Be aware of cultural differences â Adjust your non-verbal gestures to be culturally sensitive when communicating with someone with a different culture. For example, the “OK” gesture (made by forming a circle with the thumb and forefinger) is widely recognized as positive in many Western cultures but may have an offensive connotation in other cultures.

Having strong non-verbal communication skills is important in both your personal and work life. Whether you are interviewing for a role, meeting with a new client, or collaborating with Marketing on a new service, itâs critical to be able to express and exchange information. Remember that non-verbal communication accounts for ~93% of a conversation.

For more information on the importance of strong non-verbal communication skills, follow me on LinkedIn!