Download Pharmacy School Admissions Guide as a printable PDF
Pharmacy is the branch of health sciences focused on the preparation, dispensing, and safe, effective use of medications. Pharmacists are licensed health care professionals who prepare and dispense prescriptions, counsel patients on proper medication use, and serve as accessible experts on drug therapy and interactions. Most pharmacy schools do not require applicants to complete a bachelor’s degree, though earning one may strengthen your application. Because admissions expectations vary from school to school, the best sources for current requirements are the websites and admissions offices of the programs that interest you most. Health Professions Advising is also here to help you navigate the process.
Prerequisites
Familiarizing yourself with pharmacy school admission requirements early in your college career is essential, as it allows you to plan your coursework strategically. Prerequisite expectations vary considerably from program to program, so the list below reflects the general courses most pharmacy schools require for admission. Always consult individual programs’ admissions websites for the most current course requirements. Some schools may require additional coursework beyond what is listed here. Be sure to also review each program’s policy on accepting Advanced Placement (AP) credit.
All prerequisite courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
| Subject Area | Recommended Courses |
|---|---|
| General Biology: | BSC 114 and 115 (lab) and BSC 116 and 117 (lab) or honors equivalent |
| General Chemistry: | CH 101 and 102 or honors equivalent |
| Organic Chemistry: | CH 231, CH 232, and CH 237 (lab) |
| Anatomy and Physiology: | BSC 215 and BSC 216 (or BSC 400, BSC 424, and BSC 425) |
| Microbiology: | BSC 310 and 312 (requirement of the lab is based on the program) |
| Biochemistry: | BSC 450 (BSC 300 is the prerequisite) or CH 461 (prerequisites are CH 223) |
| Mathematics: | MATH 115; 2 semesters of Math and MATH 125 required at some schools |
| Statistics: | PY 211 Recommended (Can count as a math at some schools) |
| English: | EN 103 (or AP credit) plus 3 credits of another EN or writing course |
| Social and Behavioral Science | PY 101, PY 352, and SOC 101 |
| Highly Recommended: | COM 123 – Public Speaking KIN 199 – Ecol Appr Hlth & Fitness BSC 430 – Introduction to Pharmacology |
Exam & Grade Point Average (GPA)
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) has been discontinued and is no longer part of the pharmacy school admissions process. Instead, programs evaluate applicants through a holistic review that considers academic performance, extracurricular activities, health care experience, and other application components.
Minimum GPA requirements vary by program, but most pharmacy schools require at least a 3.0, with competitive applicants typically presenting GPAs of 3.3 or higher. Admissions committees review both your overall GPA and your science and math GPA.
Timeline
Freshman Year
- Get to know your OPMA Health Professions Advisors and schedule your first appointment.
- Begin your basic science coursework (see chart on first page).
- Visit your professors during office hours.
- Decide whether you are non-degree seeking or pursuing a 4-year degree at UA.
- Get involved with volunteer and service opportunities on campus and in the community.
- Join student organizations (Pre-Pharmacy Society, AED, etc.).
- Begin gaining pharmacy-related experience (pharmacy tech work, shadowing, etc.).
Sophomore Year
- Continue with the next sequence of courses.
- Stay engaged in extracurricular activities (shadowing, volunteering, etc.) and consider pursuing leadership positions in your organizations.
- Visit your professors during office hours.
- Meet with an OPMA Health Professions Advisor to begin assessing your competitiveness.
- Confirm whether you are non-degree seeking or pursuing a 4-year degree at UA.
- Begin identifying pharmacy programs you may want to apply to.
- Complete a mock assessment interview in the OPMA Health Professions office.
Junior Year
- Fall
- Meet with OPMA Health Professions Advising to discuss your competitiveness.
- Apply to pharmacy programs if you are not completing an undergraduate degree.
- Begin drafting your personal statement.
- Request three letters of recommendation.
- Spring and Summer
- Schedule a mock interview with the Career Center.
- Continue engaging in your activities and service commitments.
Senior Year
- Fall
- Complete and submit your PharmCAS application.
- Watch for interview invitations from pharmacy programs.
- Continue your activities and service commitments.
- Spring and Summer
- Talk with an OPMA Health Professions Advisor about a Plan B (if needed).
- Finish your degree requirements.
- Graduate!