Pre-Pharmacy

"Pharmacists play a vital role in the health care system, and while responsibilities vary among the different areas of pharmacy practice, the bottom line is that pharmacists help patients get well and stay well. Pharmacist responsibilities include a range of care for patients, from dispensing medications to monitoring patient health and progress to optimizing their response to medication. Pharmacists also educate patients on the use of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, and advise physicians, nurses and other health professionals on medication therapies and make sure that drugs do not interact in a harmful way. Pharmacists are medication experts ultimately concerned about their patients' health and wellness." – PHARMCas

Major Selection

As an undergraduate student, you may choose any major in preparation for applying to pharmacy programs. There is not a specific preference on a particular major, so you are encouraged to choose a major based on your personal interests and strengths. What's important is that you have completed the prerequisite courses required by the institution you are applying to.

Prerequisite Courses

Requirements may vary from school to school, so you will want to research different program requirements. In general, most pharmacy programs will expect applicants to have completed the following types of courses:

^{*Other courses may be required/recommended by specific programs. You are responsible for knowing the requirements for each individual program. Policies on AP, IB and community college credits vary by institution.}

For a complete listing of pharmacy programs and their admission requirements, visit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy website.

Admissions Test

PCAT: Pharmacy College Admission Test

Content on the PCAT includes:

• Biological Processes
• Chemical Processes
• Critical Reasoning
• Quantitative Reasoning

Resources

• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
• Pre-Health Assessment