Pre-Pharmacy

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Undergraduate Curriculum

Most pharmacy schools require at least two years of undergraduate credits in these areas:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • English
  • Math
  • Social & Behavioral Sciences
  • General Education electives

While there is no specific major required for pharmacy school, The University of Akron students who are preparing for pharmacy school most often pursue a Biology or Biochemistry degree. Students could pursue a variety of majors as long as they complete the necessary pharmacy school prerequisites. View all UA degree programs here.

Students pursuing a pharmacy degree (PharmD) will complete at least two years of coursework at the undergraduate level and four years of coursework at the pharmacy school level (Doctor of Pharmacy degree); some pharmacists pursue a pharmacy residency. 

Becoming a Pharmacist

Learn what it takes to become a competitive pharmacy school applicant. Explore partnership opportunities, admissions requirements, application timelines, interview preparation and resources to help you plan your path to a career in pharmacy.

Interested in earning a PharmD? The University of Akron offers partnership opportunities with NEOMED and LECOM that help students prepare for pharmacy school through structured academic pathways and advising.

In addition to strong academic credentials, pharmacy schools strongly encourage that you have experience working in a pharmacy. Many pharmacy school applicants have previously worked as a pharmacy technician. 

Curriculum at The University of Akron prepares you well to sit for the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT). It is important to have taken the PCAT before applying to pharmacy school, although not all pharmacy schools require the PCAT for admissions.

Although each pharmacy school has different application deadlines, admissions applications tend to be available in July. It is imperative that you check the application deadlines for the pharmacy schools in which you are interested. 

About two-thirds of pharmacy schools require applicants to apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) and some pharmacy schools will have a secondary application. As part of the application, you will be required to submit recommendation letters.  Therefore, it is important that you develop professional relationships with natural science faculty and pharmacists. You will also submit a personal essay.  

Pharmacy schools will invite applicants to an on-campus interview with their teaching and clinical faculty. It is important to do several mock interviews. To assist with preparing for this interview, schedule a meeting with a BCAS career liaison by calling 330-972-7880. 

To learn more about U.S. pharmacy schools, visit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.

For additional information about pre-pharmacy advising, contact the pre-health adviser.

In the next tab, please carefully review the websites of the pharmacy schools in which you are interested.

Contact:

Ashley Rini
Director, Pre-Health Advising
Email: rini@uakron.edu
Phone: 330-972-6513
Fax: 330-972-7305
Campus location: CAS 118

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