Becoming a Pharmacist

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, 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 (Pharm.D.) 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. 

Partnership schools

• Learn about our partnership program with NEOMED
• Learn about our partnership program with LECOM

Being a Competitive Applicant

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. 

Entrance Exam

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.

Application Process

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. 

Other Resources

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.  Also, please carefully review the websites of the pharmacy schools in which you are interested.