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Alternatively, you can pass the General Education Development (GED) exam. While in high school, pay special attention to science courses like biology, chemistry, and physiology. How you perform in these types of classes early on will help you determine whether or not a career in medicine is right for you.
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Get a bachelor's degree. You will need to have a bachelor of science (BS) degree from a four-year institution in order to apply to pharmacy school. It is required that you complete at least two years of pre-pharmacy coursework during this time, including anatomy, biology, calculus, chemistry, physics, and sociology.[2][3]
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* Find a school that offers a pre-pharmacy program, as not all schools do.[4] * If you are currently an undergraduate student, talk to your counselor and check with the pharmacy schools you plan on applying to in order to determine the specific course requirements. * Performing well in science courses like biology, physiology, and chemistry in college will help you when it comes to applying to pharmacy schools.[5] 3. -------------------------------------------------
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Take the PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test).[6] This test was created and designed to be used in the admissions process for pharmacy schools. It is a specialized test that measures both overall academic ability and scientific knowledge.[7]
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* Prepare for the test by studying the PCAT handbook/guidelines, and consider taking a PCAT preparatory class or hiring a private tutor to help you study. * Not all pharmacy schools require that you take the PCAT.[8] Check with the various schools you plan on applying to and determine the admission requirements. 4. -------------------------------------------------
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Obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy school.[9] These programs typically take four years to complete. While in pharmacy school, you will study subjects like pharmacology and medical ethics in a classroom setting, and work in hospitals and pharmacies under the supervision of licensed professionals.[10]
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* The following schools offer accelerated programs designed to earn students a Pharm.D. degree in three years rather than four: * Albany College of Pharmacy in Albany, NY * Duquesne University: Mylan School of Pharmacy in Pittsburgh, PA * Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI * Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy in Erie, PA * Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science - Manchester in Manchester, MA * Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science - Worcester in Worcester, MA