Pre-Pharmacy

Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and health care practitioners and provide information to patients about medications.  They must understand the use and effects of medications. They work in a variety of settings including hospitals, drugstores, long-term care facilities and health clinics. They work directly with the public to provide counseling about  possible drug interactions, dosage, and instructions for taking medication.

Pre-Pharmacy

To become a pharmacist, students complete at least two years required courses including:

    • general biology
    • microbiology
    • calculus & statistics
    • general chemistry
    • organic chemistry 
    • anatomy & physiology
    • physics
    • recommended core curriculum: public speaking, psychology, & economics

Students must take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and then apply to a PharmD degree program.  The American Association of College of Pharmacy (AACP) maintains a list of PharmD Program admissions requirements.  PharmD programs are typically for years.  Some areas of pharmacy require a one to two year residency after graduation. Students must also take a licensing exam according to the state where they plan to practice.

AACP has a common application service PharmCAS.  The application opens in July.  Early application is recommended. 

Pharmacy is Right for Me is an excellent source of information for pre-pharmacy students.