Pre-Pharmacy
Most schools of pharmacy recommend that applicants obtain a strong background in social, behavioral, chemical, mathematical, and biological sciences as well as business. Many students that enter into a professional pharmacy program have a baccalaureate degree, although a prior degree is not required for admission. The student should consult the catalogs of pharmacy schools. The following courses are recommended: BIO 111, 213, 311, 305, 306; CHE 111, 112, 113, 201, 202, 309, 310; ECO 223; MAT 125; PHY 111 and 112.
Career Ideas for Pre-Medicine
| AREA of SPECIALIZATION | EMPLOYERS | STRATEGIES |
|---|---|---|
PHARMACY |
||
|
|
Test Required: PCAT Schooling Required: After spending 2 to 3 years in undergraduate coursework, the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) requires 4 academic years. |
Strategies for Gaining Admittance into Professional Programs
- Choose an appropriate undergraduate major and include prerequisite courses required by the professional program, e.g. biology, chemistry, and physics, if they are not a requirement of the chosen major.
- Meet with a pre-health advisor periodically to discuss curricular decisions.
- Maintain a high grade point average, particularly in the sciences, to improve chances of admission to graduate or professional school.
- Develop strong computer, mathematics, and verbal and written communication skills.
- Build strong relationships with professors and/or employers in order to secure strong recommendations.
- Join related student organizations, such as Alpha Epsilon Delta, and assume leadership roles.
- Obtain summer jobs, volunteer positions, or internships to test fields of interest and gain valuable experience.
- Develop a back up plan in case medical/graduate school admission is denied.
- Look at entrance requirements for desired institutions. Be aware of any standardized test requirements, minimum grade point averages, and prerequisites.
- Talk to professionals already in your desired field regarding their backgrounds. Arrange a shadowing experience.
- Join professional associations and community organizations to stay abreast of current issues in the field and to develop networking contacts.
- Read scientific journals related to your area of interest.
- Research accredited institutions. Check graduation rates, success rates on licensing exams, cost, location, etc. If possible, speak with current students
General Information
- Develop a desire to help people of all backgrounds and ages including various races and socioeconomic groups.
- Gain an understanding of the rigorous education and training required in the medical professions to ascertain your willingness to complete the required experiences.
- Study the demands required by each of the medical fields. Many physicians work very long, irregular hours. Consider your tolerance for such a schedule.
- All fields require licensure that is generally regulated by the state of residency.
- Plan for a lifetime of learning to stay abreast of new trends in the field and to fulfill continuing education requirements for licensure.
- In some medical fields, additional training is necessary for advanced research and administrative positions, university teaching, and independent research.
- Some medical fields offer the opportunity for post doctoral experiences which can allow one to gain additional training or specialize in a particular area.
Helpful Links
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
(2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA /ADEA Employer
