Pharmacy Program
Pre-professional track
Pharmacists are integral members of today’s healthcare team. They contribute significantly to patient care by preparing, dispensing, and reviewing medications.
The role of pharmacists has recently evolved and expanded to meet the needs of our changing healthcare system. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects about , on average, over the next decade. Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including research labs or community pharmacies, retail stores, and hospitals.
ÀϾÅÆ·²è’s pre-health advising program prepares you to be a competitive applicant for pharmacy school. Our students can apply to pharmacy programs with confidence after completing rigorous coursework in the natural and social sciences, combined with research and internship experiences to enhance their teamwork and communication skills.
The PharmD degree is typically a three- to four-year, patient-care-centered program focused on learning to identify and implement drug therapies. Students start learning the medication therapies for specific conditions, how a drug’s structure relates to activity, and how the body interacts with and eliminates the drug. In addition to coursework, students complete rotations (pharmacy practice experiences) in a variety of settings. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the state licensure exam.
In the fall of 2020, I began my academic career at ÀϾÅÆ·²è with the goal of becoming a pharmacist. I was new to college, with no idea how I was going to achieve my goal. Fortunately, at ÀϾÅÆ·²è, I was given the best possible environment to succeed. Opportunities in research, group work, presenting, and learning were readily available to me and helped me develop myself not just as a student, but as a leader. It was my experiences in the Biology program that shaped me into a successful student that got admittance into pharmacy school.
Applying to pharmacy school
There are no specific majors that make students more competitive when applying to pharmacy school or other healthcare professional programs. Many students choose to major in the natural sciences due to their personal interests and the overlap between the coursework and admission prerequisites. Individuals who combine the required pre-pharmacy coursework with a major outside the natural sciences (e.g., philosophy, religion, or psychology) have been equally successful in gaining admission into pharmacy school.
Admission to pharmacy schools is highly competitive. While historically required, the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) has been officially retired and is no longer administered or required for admission.
Instead, admissions committees utilize a holistic review process to evaluate applicants. Pharmacy programs look for well-rounded candidates who demonstrate strong academic capabilities and a genuine commitment to the profession. Key components of a competitive application include:
- Strong academic performance: A robust cumulative GPA and science GPA, demonstrating mastery of rigorous foundational courses.
- Letters of recommendation: Strong evaluations from faculty advisors, science professors, and practicing pharmacists who can vouch for your academic capabilities and professional readiness.
- Healthcare and pharmacy experience: Documented hours shadowing pharmacists, volunteering in medical settings, or working as a certified pharmacy technician.
- Leadership and communication: Active involvement in campus organizations, research projects, and community service.