Pharmacy (Pharm. D.)

Pharmacists provide pharmaceutical care in a variety of settings. Most visible is the community pharmacist who practices in the local, independently-owned pharmacy, chain pharmacy or pharmacy department in a food or discount store. Pharmacists are also employed by firms that discover, develop and produce chemicals, prescription and nonprescription drugs and other health products. Pharmacists in the pharmaceutical industry conduct research, develop and market products, maintain quality control, and administer programs.

A sound high school and college education in math and science is essential in preparing for the study of pharmacy. Also, good communication skills are important as well as a broad general education in the social sciences and humanities. The structure of the pharmacy programs vary from college to college. Some require two or three years of pre-pharmacy education which can be taken at any junior college or university and include the core courses required by most premedical programs. The majority of students enter pharmacy school after three-four years of undergraduate study. Most schools require a standardized entrance exam (PCAT).

The Pharm. D. degree requires at least four academic years of professional study following the pre-pharmacy preparation. There are currently 57 Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy in the US. Residency training is also available after graduation from pharmacy school in the pharmacy practice or a specialty area.

Students can register for the Pre-Pharmacy Advisory Program in the Premedical Studies Office. For more information about pharmacy programs, visit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) website at www.aacp.org/.