{"id":51029,"date":"2022-04-28T09:30:37","date_gmt":"2022-04-28T13:30:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=51029"},"modified":"2022-04-27T17:45:10","modified_gmt":"2022-04-27T21:45:10","slug":"pharmacy-school-requirements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pharmacy-school-requirements\/","title":{"rendered":"How to prep for a career in pharmacy"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the spring, you might be preparing to graduate from high school or college and starting to think about how to become a pharmacist. You might have heard about pharmacy career options through a friend or family member. Or, you might have discovered an interest in pharmacy after scouring the web for a career that would suit you best. While they are compensated well for their work, pharmacists have many <\/span>responsibilities<\/span><\/a> and have to undergo extensive training and education.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve decided to pursue a career in pharmacy, you might be wondering where to start. Where should you apply for pharmacy school? What are the requirements to enter pharmacy school? A pharmacy career involves several education requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pharmacy course requirements<\/span><\/h2>\n

The journey to becoming a pharmacist can be a long but fulfilling one. After high school, it can take <\/span>six to eight years<\/span><\/a> or more to earn a doctorate of pharmacy (Pharm.D.), get fully licensed as a pharmacist, and start working. When choosing a pharmacy school, you\u2019ll want to pick a school that fits your needs. Different schools have different requirements especially when it comes to completing pharmacy course requirements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most doctor of pharmacy programs <\/span>do not require a four-year bachelor\u2019s degree<\/span><\/a>. <\/span>Undergraduate majors vary<\/span><\/a> but biochemistry, chemistry, and biological science majors are common choices. One comparison by <\/span>Pharmacy Times<\/span><\/i><\/a> suggested English as an advantageous pre-pharmacy major, as English majors\u2019 tend to have a higher GPA, better entrance exam scores, and well-prepared application process than biology and chemistry majors.<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)<\/span><\/a> has provided a summary of prerequisite courses for pharmacy school. To get complete details on the prerequisite coursework for a particular school, check the <\/span>PharmCAS School Directory<\/span><\/a>. Pharmacy schools often have additional requirements and policies that dictate what you need to do before applying. Pharmacy schools may vary in their required number of credit hours for each course subject. In general, pharmacy schools will require that you complete the following courses as part of an undergraduate pharmacy program. Lab requirements will vary by school.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Anatomy and\/or physiology<\/span><\/h3>\n

Pharmacy schools may allow you to take separate human anatomy and physiology classes. Others may accept a combined anatomy and physiology course. Anatomy is the study of the structures of the body. Physiology is the study of the functions of those structures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Biochemistry<\/span><\/h3>\n

Pharmacy schools may require a course in biochemistry. This course involves the study of the chemical processes in living organisms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Biology<\/span><\/h3>\n

General biology I and II are usually required to enter pharmacy school. Some schools may require that you also take a genetics or cell biology course. Biology is the study of living organisms.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Chemistry<\/span><\/h3>\n

General Chemistry I and II, as well as Organic Chemistry I and II are usually required courses. General chemistry involves the study of the fundamentals of chemistry, such as chemical bonding, chemical reactions, and atomic or molecular structures. Organic chemistry is the study of organic compounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Humanities<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most pharmacy schools will require general courses in the humanities, which can include studies in history, languages, literature, arts, religion, and philosophy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Microbiology<\/span><\/h3>\n

The completion of a microbiology course is often required. Microbiology is the study of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Physics<\/span><\/h3>\n

General Physics I and II are usually included in the coursework requirements for pharmacy schools. Physics is the study of matter and its motion through space and time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Psychology<\/span><\/h3>\n

A psychology course may be required by pharmacy schools. Psychology is the study of the mind and human behavior. Some schools may require specific social science or behavioral science courses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Mathematics\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Calculus is a common course prerequisite for pharmacy school. A non-business calculus course is the most common calculus course required.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social or behavioral science<\/span><\/h3>\n

Sociology and\/or psychology may be required or preferred by some pharmacy schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Speech and communications<\/span><\/h3>\n

A speech or public speaking course may be required by some pharmacy schools.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Statistics<\/span><\/h3>\n

Statistics is required by most pharmacy schools. However, pharmacy schools may prefer or require a course in biostatistics. Statistics is the study of gathering, assessing, interpreting, and presenting data.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Other pharmacy school requirements<\/span><\/h2>\n

In addition to pre-pharmacy course requirements, there are additional admission requirements in order to be accepted into a pharmacy school. Just like when you apply for college or grad school, you\u2019ll need to check off a few boxes like a minimum GPA, standardized testing, and more. Here\u2019s what you can expect:<\/span><\/p>\n

PCAT<\/span><\/h3>\n

The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) is a standardized test that helps identify pharmacy applicants that are qualified to enter pharmacy school. <\/span>Most schools require that you take the PCAT<\/span><\/a> and send your scores along with your application. However, the use of the PCAT in the application process is declining, and several pharmacy schools have stopped requiring the PCAT. Many schools will interview applicants before receiving PCAT scores.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

GPA\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most pharmacy schools have a minimum GPA requirement. The minimum GPA requirement is usually around 2.5 to 3.0. Some schools will not review your application if your GPA is below the minimum requirement.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Letters of recommendation\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Most pharmacy schools will require at least two letters of recommendation along with your application. These letters of recommendation can usually come from a university professor, licensed pharmacist, employer, or faculty advisor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Interviews<\/span><\/h3>\n

Qualified candidates for pharmacy school will be invited to an interview. Pharmacy schools use the interview process to get to know you better and see if you\u2019ll be a good fit for the Pharm.D. program. You can also use the interview as a chance to get to know the school\u2019s pharmacy degree program a little better and see if it\u2019s right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

During the interview, they may ask you questions such as:<\/span><\/p>\n