Pre-Pharmacy
Preparation for Pharmacy School
What is the suggested academic major to follow to become a pharmacist? A better question
to ask is “what are you most interested in studying”? With your advisor’s assistance
you can design a program that meets the requirements to enter pharmacy school. Students
that have developed excellent writing and speaking skills, possess analytic and synthetic
thinking ability, understand the interpersonal aspects of medicine, and are enthusiastic
life-long learners are desired by most pharmacy schools. The choice of academic major
does not necessarily determine your success in being accepted to pharmacy school.
Important Information
- Pre-Pharmacy Advisors
- Pharmacy Admissions Test (PCAT)
- American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
- Pharmacy Schools in the USA
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Undergraduate Preparation
The “pre-pharmacy” checklists and a discussion with your advisor will help you to plan the path that best meets your academic goals. Certain criteria must be fulfilled for admittance to pharmacy school. To insure that you follow the best academic plan, you will want to discuss with your advisor your specific goals and the criteria required by your school of choice.
Basic factors common to all pharmacy schools:
- Good undergraduate grades (overall GPA of 3.2 minimum)
- Test scores (PCAT - Pharmacy College Admissions Test)
- True interest in profession as demonstrated by shadowing or volunteering in the field
- Service-related experiences in people-oriented environments – long term service preferred to short bursts of unrelated service activities
- Exceptional communication skills
- Strong reference letters from professionals who know your character, as well as, your work ethic. Most schools want to see a recommendation from a pharmacist.
Links to Pharmacy Schools in Tennessee
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center - 3 campuses(Knoxville, Memphis and Nashville) (No longer requires PCAT!)
- Union University (Jackson) (No longer requires PCAT!)
- Belmont University (Nashville) (No longer requires PCAT!)
- Lipscomb University (Nashville)
- South College (Knoxville)
- East Tennessee State University (Johnson City) (No longer requires PCAT!)