Preparing for admission to pharmacy school
The following recommendations are for students desiring to enter pharmacy as a profession. Currently, the entry degree for pharmacists is the doctor of pharmacy (PharmD).
As a pre-pharmacy student, you must have a sound background in math and science, which can be accomplished by majoring in Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry. However, a science major is not required.
Good communication skills are important, as is a broad general education in the social sciences and humanities. The Pre-Pharmacy Program required by schools of pharmacy is a minimum of two years, but a minimum of three years is highly recommended. The most competitive candidates earn a bachelor’s degree prior to matriculation at a pharmacy graduate program.
Below is a list of courses required by many pharmacy schools. You should check the individual school for specific requirements and also check with the PPHS coordinator. Applications to pharmacy schools begin with a primary application, available at PharmCAS.
- General Biology (15 credits)
- Anatomy and Physiology (10 credits)
- Microbiology (5 credits)
- General Chemistry (10 credits)
- Organic Chemistry (15 credits)
- Introductory Inorganic Chemistry (5 credits)
- Mathematics (5–10 credits)
- Including a course in calculus
- Biochemistry (5–10 credits)
- Statistics (5 credits)
- Public Speaking (5 credits)
Total: 80–90 credits
Other undergraduate biology courses recommended are genetics, cell biology, neurobiology, and immunology. Two courses in English composition, humanities, and social science are required. Check the requirements of the individual schools that interest you.
Other recommended courses are English literature, economics, psychology, history, and physics.