EIU Pre-Health Pathways

Pre-Pharmacy

Pharmacists are essential healthcare professionals who enhance patient care and promote wellness. When pharmacists are involved in patient care, outcomes improve and costs decline. Pharmacy is a diverse and rewarding career, with opportunities for patient care, scientific research and innovation.

To prepare for a career in pharmacy, a student must complete a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree at a professional college of pharmacy. A PharmD degree consists of 4 academic years of professional education. Although it is possible to apply for a PharmD program after completing 60 semester hours at the undergraduate level, it is not the norm. Many students complete at least 3 years of undergraduate education, while most complete their baccalaureate degree. A grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite coursework and a minimum of a 2.5 GPA are required, although the average accepted student has around a 3.5 GPA.

Pharmacy colleges encourage or require applicants to have volunteer or paid experience working with patients in a pharmacy or health-related setting (hospital, nursing home, etc.). Ongoing work or volunteer experience in a pharmacy setting may be an important factor in the admissions process. Most pharmacy degree programs require 1-4 letters of recommendation typically from a science professor and a pharmacist.

Most pharmacy programs utilize the PharmCAS application service (www.pharmcas.org). Applicants can apply as early as July one year prior to when they plan to enter a program.

For additional information, please visit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

Advising sheet

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