How to Apply to Pharmacy School: A Guide, Part 1
Interested in becoming a pharmacist? Keep reading! This is the first of two posts discussing all the steps involved in applying to pharmacy school.
To begin, let’s ask an important question: Why pharmacy school? After surgery, medications are considered to be the primary method of treatment for most diseases and illnesses. Pharmacists, the medication experts, are a key component of the healthcare team. Like physicians, pharmacists are required to complete a doctorate program (PharmD) to become licensed practitioners. Completing a doctor of pharmacy can range between 6 to 10 years, depending on the specialty and postgraduate work.
Each school has different requirements for candidates that need to be met at the time of matriculation. That’s why it is crucial to do in-depth research on every school and determine what is important to you as a student, and if the school’s offerings align with what you are looking for.
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In this first part of our guide, we’ll look at the types of pharmacy programs, how to select a program, and the typical requirements and prerequisites of programs. In part 2, we’ll go over applications, admissions processes, and interviews.
Types of programs
There are typically two different types of PharmD programs: 3-year and 4-year. However, there are variations as to how the time is structured and when the candidate begins the program.
Take the 0+6 program, which the candidate starts immediately after high school and spends the first 2 years completing the pre-pharmacy courses, and then the next 4 years in pharmacy school. The 3+3 program is similar, having the candidate complete 3 years of undergraduate requirements and then 3 years in pharmacy school. These programs are by far the fastest and most efficient ways of becoming a pharmacist.
There are also new schools offering fully remote PharmD programs. These programs generally require the student to move to the campus for a few months during the summer or other seasons to complete lab work and other requirements.
Selecting a program
There are some considerations to take into account when researching and selecting a school, as each school has its own structure and curriculum. Program lengths can vary, along with the types of degrees that are offered as well as the requirements for each. Make sure to do thorough research to become familiar with program requirements.
3-year
Three-year programs generally consist of year-round classes with very minimal breaks in between, featuring 2 years of didactic instruction and a year of experiential learning. However, these offer the benefit of entering the workforce a year early.
4-year
Four-year programs, while longer, offer more flexibility in terms of classes. Most dual-degree programs are also offered only at 4-year schools because of the longer term. Keep in mind that each program has specific requirements in terms of degree and prerequisites.
Accreditation
Finally, program accreditation should be an important factor to consider when choosing and applying to schools. Attending an accredited school ensures that you are receiving a quality education that is recognized nationwide for the education standards and degrees it awards.
Dual-degree considerations
If you are interested in pursuing a dual degree, you’ll want to consider a school offering such programs. Dual degree programs can include:
PharmD/JD
PharmD/PhD
PharmD/MPH
PharmD/MBA
PharmD/MS
Dual-degree programs can range from 4 to 7 years. Be sure to devote extensive research to ensure that schools have the dual-degree program you are looking for.
The University of Southern California offers the most dual-degree programs of any college of pharmacy. You can find an exhaustive list of all the schools with dual-degree programs here.
Requirements and prerequisites
Remember, each school has different requirements for admission and matriculation.
Entrance examination
While some colleges of pharmacy require the Pharmacy College Admission Test, or PCAT, to apply, some have made it optional. Several of the best schools in the nation do not require the PCAT as part of their admission criteria, making them more competitive. Each school requiring the PCAT also has different scoring requirements, so it is best to check each school’s score requirement.
Degree requirements
Some schools require bachelor’s degrees for admission while others don’t. (It’s wise to check each college’s requirements checklist at the time of application.) Furthermore, you can apply to pharmacy school with any major, and there are no preferences given to those who are science majors, contrary to popular belief. However, pharmacy school prerequisites including biology, chemistry, economics, mathematics, public speaking, and others have to be completed along with the selected major.
Prerequisites
Again, these vary depending on the school. Check each school’s website for their application requirements to ensure you satisfy each prerequisite. Some may require higher-level classes, such as Calculus II, while others only require Calculus I. Prerequisites can be in progress at the time of application and do not have to be completed until the semester before matriculation. Nevertheless, it is a good idea to have a few science courses completed on your transcript before applying.
Experience
It’s a great idea to get some sort of work experience in pharmacy, whether it is by volunteering or becoming a pharmacy technician. Having work experience signals to the admission committee that you are committed to the profession and did not make your decision on a whim. Any sort of leadership — such as being a board member of the Pre-Pharmacy club during undergrad, as well as research experience within biology or chemistry — are also major bonuses.
Letters of recommendation
Pharmacy schools generally require two to three letters of recommendation. Submitting more than the required amount could be helpful, but it is not required. It is important to note that these letters should be from college professors, pharmacists, and other employers. These letters should be acquired from people with whom you have worked closely and who are very familiar with your work ethic and attitude. I recommend reaching out to these people before the application cycle opens to give them a heads-up or to have them start the letter early on.
Personal statement
Lastly, one of the most important pieces of the application is the personal statement. The personal statement communicates who you are and what your background is to the admission committee. The particulars for the personal statement can again vary by school, but it is generally along the lines of how you ended up choosing pharmacy as a career path and how you have prepared for the profession.
Make sure to have this reviewed and edited by multiple credible sources such as advisors and professors to ensure quality work. I also recommend getting started on this before the application cycle opens if the topic is available, as it can save you a huge amount of time while applying. It will take a few versions for you to finally decide on the one you like, and it could be very time-consuming to write multiple essays.
Some schools also require a resume at the time of application, so be sure to have one drafted as well.
The takeaway
The requirements and prerequisites of pharmacy school can be overwhelming. Meeting with a school advisor to make sure you’re satisfying the requirements and staying on track is essential. This article should be helpful in creating a road map to follow before applying. Watch out for the next post, which will cover how to start the application process for pharmacy school.
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