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Pharmacists provide and even develop medication in several different clinical settings. These health professionals provide medical care by being the bridge between physicians and patients. Most people think of a retail pharmacist when reflecting on the profession, but many specializations are available within this unique field.
Students preparing for a career in pharmacy are classified as Pre-Pharmacy. To be considered for admission, students must take the necessary prerequisites for each pharmacy school; a bachelor's degree is not required, but will better prepare students for the pharmacy school curriculum.
FAQs
What do I need to become a pharmacist?
In order to become a pharmacist, an individual must earn a Pharm. D., Doctor of Pharmacy, from a four-year pharmacy program. For specialized fields, a postgraduate residency is sometimes required or strongly preferred by employers (ASHP, 2018). For more information on pharmacy residencies, please visit the FAQ page of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.
Which major should I select at UNT for a pre-pharmacy path?
Though a bachelor's degree is not required for admission to a pharmacy school, we strongly recommend completing a degree before entry, especially one in the sciences. In addition to completing the required prerequisites, students will be better prepared to handle the rigorous coursework they experience in pharmacy school.
Popular majors among pre-pharmacy students at UNT:
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Biology, College of Science
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, College of Science
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, College of Science
For more information about each major, please visit the UNT Catalog and select 'majors, minors, certificates' that is found beneath the link to ‘Catalog Home’.
What courses do I need for pharmacy school?
Please refer to our Pre-Pharmacy Packet for a list of Texas pharmacy school prerequisites. To review schools outside of Texas, please visit the PharmCAS School Directory.
Timeline: When do I apply for pharmacy school?
Students must apply to pharmacy schools one year before entering a program. On the traditional four-year path, students will apply during the summer after their junior year of college, complete their bachelor's degree at the end of their senior year, and enter pharmacy school the following fall semester.
This timeline will show you an example of the traditional four-year path to pharmacy school.
Note: Each student's timeline is different. Your UNT academic advisor/counselor is committed to creating a plan that accomodates your individual goals and circumstances.
What makes a competitive application to pharmacy school?
Admission to pharmacy school can be competitive and students should create a strategic plan well in advance. Below you will find typical categories of a competitive application. Please contact our advisors in the UNT Office of Health Professions to further explore each competitive characteristic and to create your pre-pharmacy plan.
Call, click or come by for more information!
Office of Health Professions: 940-369-8606 | todd.lang@unt.edu | Hickory Hall, Room 256
| CATEGORY | COMPETITIVE |
|---|---|
| GPA | 3.0-3.7 (schools vary) |
| PCAT Score | 60 percentile or above |
| Pharmacy Experience | 100 Hours Shadowing and/or 6 mos. Pharmacy Tech./Trainee Experience |
| Volunteering | 100+ Hours |
What is the PCAT?
The PCAT, Pharmacy College Admission Test, is the entrance exam that must be taken before applying to pharmacy school. The score range for the PCAT is 200-600. We strongly recommend that you not take the PCAT until after your prerequisites are complete. For more information about the PCAT, please visit the official Pearson website.
How do I apply to pharmacy school?
Pharmacy schools in the United States use one application service to obtain your information:
Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)
Are there any scholarships available to pre-pharmacy students?
Unfortunately, there are no specific scholarships offered to pre-pharmacy students. However, general scholarships are offered to students through each department and college across campus. Below you will find scholarship webpages for the popular majors listed above:
- Biology and Biochemistry Major Scholarships
- Chemistry Major Scholarships
If you do not see your major listed under the college listed above, please visit the scholarship website of the college that houses your major.
What pre-health student organizations and professional associations are there at UNT?
Alpha Epsilon Delta: https://unt.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/alphaepsilondelta
Pre-Health Minority Club (Alpha Delta): https://unt.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/alpha-delta-the-minority-pre-health-organization
Medically Dedicated Students: https://unt.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/medically-dedicated-students-organization
UNT’s Volunteer Organizations: http://studentaffairs.unt.edu/
Hearts for the Homeless: https://unt.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/hearts-for-the-homeless-dallas
Eagle’s Pre-Pharmacy Association: https://unt.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/eagles-pre-pharmacy-association
Global Medical Brigades: https://unt.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/global-medical-brigades
American Pharmacists Association: http://www.pharmacist.com/
American Society of Health System Pharmacists: http://www.ashp.org/
Texas Pharmacy Association: http://www.texaspharmacy.org/
Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education: https://www.acpe-accredit.org/
Who can help me create a plan for this career path?
If you are a current student, please visit appointments.unt.edu to schedule an appointment. If you are a prospective student interested in learning more about 'Pre-Pharmacy at UNT', please contact our pre-pharmacy advisor:
Todd Lang, Senior Acadmic Counselor
email: Todd.Lang@unt.edu
Virnin Bonner, Academic Counselor
email: Virnin.Bonner@unt.edu
Hannah Snowberger, Associate Academic Advisor
email: Hannah.snowberger@unt.edu
If you are a current student, join our canvas course to receive important announcements and view resources related to your pre-pharmacy journey.
References:
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (2018). Residency FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.ashp.org/Professional-Development/Residency-Information/Student-Residency-Guide/Residency-FAQs