In order to be eligible for pharmacy school, you will need to complete specific coursework prior to matriculation. For most pharmacy schools, you can take classes all the way up until a week before classes begin for your first year. You can major in anything (you are not limited to Biology or Chemistry) as long as you complete the requirements.
Generally speaking, you will need to have completed the following classes:
- 1 year of Biology with Lab
- 1 year of Chemistry with Lab
- 1 year of Organic Chemistry with Lab
- 1 year of Physics with Lab
- 1 Semester of Calculus
- 1 Semester of Speech or Interpersonal Communication
- Several Humanities and Social Science Courses
Class requirements will vary from school to school, so you will need to do your research. In fact there may be many other requirements for different Pharm.D. programs, so I have provide a chart that lists required courses at every pharmacy school. For specific course numbers equivalencies, you will need to conduct your own search on the Internet or contact the admission offices at each school of pharmacy.
You may need to take the following exams:
- PCAT – Next to your GPA, this is one of the biggest factors to gain acceptance. My other article lists the pharmacy schools that do not require the PCAT.
- TOEFL – This test may be required if you are a foreign student. But again, not all pharmacy schools require the TOEFL.
- SAT – If you are applying straight out of high school into the 0-6 programs, you will need to submit SAT scores.
Other admission criteria such as work experience, pharmacy technician license, extracurricular activities, etc. are not required but recommended to strengthen your application. Like many other professional programs, an interview will be necessary for the schools to get to know you on a personal level.
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