Home arrow Health Programs arrow Pre-Pharmacy
Pre-Pharmacy

General Information

Pharmacy is a profession that is primarily concerned with the formulation and distribution of drugs and medications. Pharmacists provide advice on dosages, interactions, and side effects of drugs, and help instruct patients on safe and correct usage of their medications. Many pharmacists also give information to patients about diet, health, and management of common conditions from poison ivy to diabetes. Most pharmacists work in a retail pharmacy setting or in a healthcare facility such as a hospital, clinic, or long-term care facility. Retail pharmacists may work for a larger chain of drugstores or may start their own independent pharmacy business. Many pharmacists are directly involved in the management and business aspects of their pharmacy practice.

There are areas of specialization within the field of pharmacy, such as intravenous therapy, oncologic pharmacy (cancer drugs), geriatric pharmacy, nuclear pharmacy, and psychiatric pharmacy. Specialization is optional. There are also job opportunities with the government, public health organizations, military, and pharmaceutical manufacturers. For pharmacists interested in research and/or teaching, it is possible to do graduate work after pharmacy school and obtain a master’s or even PhD degree.

In order to practice pharmacy, a state license is required. In order to obtain a license, the prospective student must first graduate from an accredited college of pharmacy with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. The next step towards licensure is to successfully pass both a national pharmacist board exam and a national (or state) jurisprudence exam (test of pharmacy law). Individual states may have additional requirements for receiving a license.

There is an increasing demand for pharmacists, due in part to the aging of the U.S. population, and to the scientific advances in drug development. There is approximately 97% employment of new graduates, and starting salaries may reach $93,500.

There are 3 accredited schools of pharmacy in North Carolina:

For a complete list of accredited schools of pharmacy in the US, click here: (http://www.aacp.org/site/page.asp?TrackID=&VID=1&CID=29&DID=3022)

Planning the Program of Study

Length of Study: The Doctor of Pharmacy degree, also known as the PharmD degree, requires a minimum of 2 years of pre-pharmacy coursework followed by 4 academic years of professional study at an accredited college of pharmacy (Some pharmacy schools offer the professional curriculum over 3 calendar years rather than 4 academic years).

Although it is possible to complete the pre-pharmacy requirements in 2 years, the majority of students now entering pharmacy school have 3 or more years of college coursework. The “2-year plan” is highly demanding, and only exceptional students are successful in getting admitted in this accelerated timeframe. The current trend is towards completion of a bachelor’s degree prior to entering the professional PharmD program.

College Major: The majority of accepted students have completed a bachelor’s degree by the time that they enter pharmacy school. Most students major in biology or chemistry, because the prerequisite courses for pharmacy school are science-intensive. However, there is no requirement for a science major; students can major in any subject as long as they complete all of the prerequisite courses for the pharmacy schools that they intend to apply to.

Prerequisite Courses: There is a similar “core” of classes that most all pharmacy schools require. Beyond this core, each school may have additional classes that they require or highly recommend. A complete listing of schools, websites, and prerequisite courses is available at http://www.aacp.org/

The common “core” of classes includes:

  • Biology (w/lab) 2 semesters
  • General Chemistry (w/lab) 2 semesters
  • Organic Chemistry (w/lab) 2 semesters
  • General Physics (w/lab) 1-2 semesters
  • English 2 semesters
  • Microbiology (w/lab) 1 semester
  • Calculus 1 semester
  • Statistics 1 semester
  • Humanities/Social Sciences 12-15 semester hours

Often recommended or required classes:

  • Psychology 1-2 semesters Business/Economics 1-2 semesters
  • Human Anatomy (w/lab) 1 semester
  • Human Physiology (w/lab) 1 semester
  • Cell Biology 1 semester

IMPORTANT NOTE: All science courses should be pre-professional level courses designed for science majors. Some pharmacy schools will accept non-majors level science courses; contact the individual pharmacy school’s admissions office or the UNCC Pre-Health Advising office if you need clarification or advice about a course.

Prerequisites for the 3 NC Schools of Pharmacy are summarized in the following table. (Be sure to read the notes for each school following the table)

 

CAMPBELL

UNC-Chapel Hill
(with bachelors degree)

UNC-Chapel Hill
(without bachelors degree)
(started college prior to Fall 2006)

WINGATE

Biology

2 sem ‡

1 sem ‡

1 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

Microbiology

 

1 sem ‡

1 sem ‡

1 sem ‡

Gen. Chem

2 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

Org. Chem

2 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

Biochemistry

       

Physics

1 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

2 sem ‡

1 sem ‡

Calculus

1 sem

1 sem

1 sem

1 sem

Statistics

 

1 sem

1 sem

1 sem

English

2 sem

 

2 sem

2 sem

Psychology

       

Social Sciences

2 sem

 

1 sem

1-3 sem

Humanities

2 sem

   

1-3 sem

Anatomy

 

1/2 sem ‡

1/2 sem ‡

 

Physiology

 

1/2 sem ‡

1/2 sem ‡

 

Religion

1sem

     

Physical Ed

2 hours

 

2 hours

 

Economics/Business

1 sem

   

1 sem

Electives

7 hours

   

3 hours

Fine Art

   

1 sem

 

Literature

   

1 sem

 

Pre-1700 History

   

1 sem

 

Historical Perspective

   

1 sem

 

Philosophy

   

1 sem

 

Foreign Language

   

3 sem

 

Communications

     

1 sem

sem = semester

‡ = lab required

*** the ONLY acceptable chemistry sequence at UNCC is CHEM 1251, CHEM 1252, CHEM 2131, and CHEM 2132 (all with labs).

***the above table is only a starting guide. The school's websites should be consulted for updated requirements, course options, and for specific explanations and information pertaining to the courses.

NOTES for Campbell University:

  • Biology: 12 hours of biology is highly recommended; human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, and cell biology are recommended
  • Calculus: business calculus is acceptable
  • Religion: Bible-based religion course
  • Economics: Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, or general accounting
  • English: must be composition or writing-intensive courses

NOTES for Wingate:

  • Calculus: business calculus is acceptable
  • Communications: must be a dedicated public-speaking class or interpersonal communications class. UNCC classes designated “O” in the catalog will not be acceptable. Students should enroll in COMM 1101 or COMM 2107 to meet this requirement.
  • English: must complete 6 classroom hours. Composition and literature courses are acceptable.
  • Microbiology: bacteriology is acceptable.

NOTES for Chapel Hill: the following applies to all applicants:

  • Calculus: business calculus is NOT acceptable
  • Anatomy/Physiology: one combined human anatomy & physiology course will meet the requirement. MUST be HUMAN anat/phys.
  • Microbiology: bacteriology is acceptable.
  • Foreign Language: If you entered college prior to Fall 2006, then you may be able to substitute foreign language classes as follows: a foreign language class may be used to replace a fine art or literature course, and a historical perspective course (not pre-1700 history), if the foreign language courses are taken in a college classroom. Proficiency-test credits do not apply to this substitution policy. This policy does not apply to any student who began college in Fall 2006 or later.

*** If you started college in Fall 2006 or later , AND are attempting to enter Chapel Hill WITHOUT completing a bachelor's degree, you will have to add the following general education courses IN ADDITION to the science and math requirements:

  1. 9-10 hrs of Foreign Language: completion through level 3 (intermediate) in a single language. If placed into level 4, the applicant must complete it.
  2. 9 hrs of Social and Behavioral Sciences: Students must take three courses from at least two different departments; at least one of the three courses must engage in historical analysis.
    • examples of social/behavioral science courses at UNCC: AAAS 2205, ANTH 1101, GEOG 1101, POLS 1101, POLS 1110, PSYC 2120, SOCY 1101, SOCY 2132, WMST 1101
    • examples of historical analysis courses at UNCC: AAAS 1100, AAAS 1101, AAAS 1102, AAAS 1111, AAAS 2205, HIST 1115, HIST 1120, HIST 1121, HIST 1160, HIST 1161, HIST 2150, RELS 1101, RELS 2101, RELS 2104, RELS 2105
  3. 9 hrs of Humanities and Fine Arts: Students must take three courses, including one in philosophical and moral reasoning, one in literary arts, and one in the visual and performing arts.
    • examples of philosophical/moral reasoning courses at UNCC: CJUS 1100, LBST 2101, PHIL 2101, PHIL 3242
    • examples of literary arts courses at UNCC: ENGL 2101, ENGL 2102, ENGL 2103, ENGL 2104, ENGL 2105, ENGL 2111, ENGL 2112, ENGL 3142, ENGL 3143, THEA 1101
    • examples of visual/performing arts courses at UNCC: ARTA 1111, ARTB 1203, ARTS 1101, ARTS 1102, ARTS 1111, ARTS 1141, MUSC 1132
  4. 1 hr of Lifetime Fitness:  1  1-hr EXER (kinesiology) course at UNCC
  5. 3 hrs of US Diversity: examples of US diversity courses at UNCC: CJUS 1100, HIST 1160, HIST 2150, WMST 1101
  6. 3 hrs of Global Issues: examples of Global issues courses at UNCC: ANTH 1101, GEOG 1101, HIST 1100, HIST 1121,
  7. 6 hrs of English Composition and Rhetoric: ENGL 1101, ENGL 1102, COMM 1101. (If you have taken ENGL 1103, please see the Pre- Health Advising Office for further instructions)

*** If you started college prior to Fall 2006, consult the UNC- Charlotte Course Equivalency Sheet for acceptable UNCC course numbers for Chapel Hill's School of Pharmacy ; the sheet is available through the Pre-health Advising office.

ADMISSIONS PROCESS

There are 3 basic steps in the application process:

Step 1: Primary Application

Usually done through the centralized, web-based application service known as PharmCAS (http://www.pharmcas.org/). The applicant fills out one online application and tells PharmCAS which pharmacy schools to distribute the application to. The application must be completely filled out before it can be submitted, and includes biographic information, a listing of extracurricular activities, work experience, and the Personal Statement. In addition, you must list all colleges that you have attended, every college course taken, and the credit hours and grade for every college course. PharmCAS verifies your official transcripts and calculates your “official” GPAs.

PharmCAS application forms are available on-line beginning in May each year. The service generally begins allowing submission of the forms on June 1; this marks the beginning of the official application season (or ‘cycle’). The closing deadlines to apply are controlled by the individual schools, and range from November 1 to March 1.

Pharmacy school applications are filed up to a year in advance of when you wish to begin (ie, apply in 2008 for entry into pharmacy school in 2009). Most students begin the application process at the end of the junior year for entry into pharmacy school in the fall following the senior year. The end of the junior year is also when most students take the PCAT exam; PCAT scores are a required part of the formal application to most pharmacy schools (see section below).

If a pharmacy school participates in PharmCAS, you must apply through the service. To see which schools use PharmCAS, view the School Pages at the PharmCAS website: http://www.pharmcas.org/. To apply to non-PharmCAS schools, you must contact the admissions office or school website for instructions on the application procedure and application forms.

Many pharmacy schools use a “rolling admissions” approach. In other words, applications are processed and acted upon as they are received. Many schools begin interviewing in the fall, and make decisions about accepting students soon after their interview. If you wait until the last minute to meet a school’s deadline, you will likely be competing for fewer openings than were available earlier in the year, effectively decreasing your chances for acceptance. APPLY EARLY!!!

Step 2: Secondary Application

After the primary application has been received by the pharmacy school, the next step is the secondary (supplemental) application. The pharmacy school requires the applicant to submit additional information and pay an additional fee. Letters of recommendation usually are requested at this stage.

Step 3: Interview

After review of application materials, each school’s admissions committee will narrow the applicant pool down to a group of top candidates. Those candidates will be invited for a personal interview. The interview is the final step in the admissions process. After the interview, the admissions committee makes the final decision to accept the applicant, place the applicant on a waiting list, or reject the applicant.

Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

The PCAT is required by many, but not all, pharmacy schools. The test measures academic ability and comprehension in the following areas:  

  • Verbal Ability
  • Biology
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Quantitative Ability
  • Chemistry
  • Writing

Coursework in biology, general and organic chemistry, and math should be completed before attempting the PCAT. The usual time to take the PCAT is in summer between Junior/Senior year or fall of the senior year, however, the individual schools specify deadlines for PCAT scores. Refer to the school websites for deadline dates.

Detailed information about the PCAT is online at http://www.pcatweb.info/. This site describes the test content, fees, application process, and has a sample test available. This is also the site used to register for the test. You may also call Harcourt Assessment at 1-800-622-3231 to speak to a representative.

The test is a paper-based format, and is available 4 times per year (January, June, August, and October) at designated Test Centers. You must first register for the test at the website above, and when you are approved, you will receive a preliminary Admission Ticket with your test center location.

Official score reports are mailed to you and the schools that you designate within 4-5 weeks. If you take the test more than once, all scores within the last 5 years will be recorded on your official test score transcript and will be sent to the pharmacy schools as part of your official score report.

What makes a competitive applicant?

Many factors are involved in selecting candidates for pharmacy school. Admissions committees make their decisions based primarily on academic record (GPA), admissions test scores (PCAT), pharmacy experience, letters of reference, personal interview, and extracurricular activities. Admissions are competitive; note the averages for accepted students to the 3 NC Schools of Pharmacy (data for 2006 entering class):

 

CAMPBELL

UNC-CHAPEL HILL

WINGATE

Overall GPA

3.40

3.54

3.60

*The national average overall GPA for accepted students (2005) was 3.47.

Extracurriculars

Pharmacy schools are interested in “well-rounded” students who have excelled not only academically, but also outside of the classroom. Participation in clubs, organizations, and community service are highly desirable.

Especially important is exposure to the day-to-day environment of a pharmacy. Students should obtain volunteer (or paid) experience working or observing in a pharmacy. Experiences should be fairly regular, to demonstrate devotion and interest in the profession. Students should also become familiar with issues and current topics pertaining to the practice of pharmacy. A letter of recommendation from a licensed, practicing pharmacist may be expected by some schools at the time of application.

Student Clubs

The Pre-Pharmacy Club at UNC Charlotte welcomes all interested students. The club sponsors events such as speakers from pharmacy schools, field trips, and opportunities to participate in group community service. Please visit www.sco.uncc.edu/prepharmacy/ for more information on the Pre-Pharmacy Club.

Resources & Links