Pharmacy
Post-baccalaureate degree: PharmD
Pharmacists are health care professionals who dispense medications prescribed by physicians. They also counsel patients on proper drug use. Pharmacists work in a variety of settings including hospitals, retail businesses, long-term care facilities, internet pharmacies, and public health services. For more information check out Pharmacy for Me.
Academic and Career Information [PDF]
Minimum Prerequisites for Admission
The following prerequisites must be completed prior to matriculation in a pharmacy program:
- baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution recommended
- each program has its own prerequisites: check specific school for prerequisites details
- general course prerequisites:
- general biology with lab, one year
- biochemistry, one year
- general chemistry with lab, one year
- organic chemistry with lab, one year
- general physics with lab, one year
- English, one year
- calculus, two courses
- speech, two courses
- human anatomy and physiology
- microbiology with lab
In addition, each program has its own prerequisites. Check specific school for details.
Test Needed
- Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
- Online PCAT Registration
- Test given in October or February.
- Required by most schools.
Professional Associations
Application Service
California Pharmacy Schools
Page Summary
General Education
We recommend that all pre-health students enroll in courses that meet the particular general education requirements to help develop a broad understanding of the health professions in relation to other disciplines of study. Review our General Education Recommendations [PDF] for additional information.
