[ Center for the Health Professions ]

Pre-Pharmacy

Pharmacists play a key role in the health and well-being of people across the nation. In addition to filling doctors’ prescriptions, pharmacists provide counseling to patients regarding how to take medications and potential side effects. Pharmacists also do critical research work on new medications. You’ll find pharmacists working in settings as diverse as drugstores, labs, hospitals, and mental health institutions.

Will I need a graduate degree?
What should I major in?
What are the course requirements?
What about advising?
Where can I find additional information?

Will I need a graduate degree?
Yes, you will need to complete a doctor of pharmacy degree from an accredited pharmacy institution and pass a state licensing exam before you can pursue a career as a pharmacist. The Pharm.D. generally takes four years to complete.

What should I major in?
Many pre-pharmacy students major in chemistry, but you may major in any subject that interests you, as long as you complete the prerequisites of the pharmacy school you’re applying to.

What are the course requirements?
Generally, two years of basic sciences and liberal arts are required for admission to a college of pharmacy. However, specific requirements vary from one school to another and students must check with individual programs to verify the prerequisite requirements.

Students should plan to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) at the appropriate time.

The following recommended courses meet the requirements of most pharmacy colleges:

• BIO 107/108 or 418/428, 216/414, 250, 251
• CHM 211, 212, 311, 312
• ENG 105, 106
• MTH 151 and 345/346 (PSY 355)
• PHY 111, 112 or 121/122
• At least one course in each of the following areas: sociology/psychology, speech, economics, and humanities

What about advising?
Expert advising is an important part of the Center for the Health Professions. We’ll pair you with one of our expert advisors to match your specific academic and professional interests. Your advisor will work with you throughout your Elmhurst career, clearing obstacles and giving expert guidance. Want to know more? See Advisors.

Where can I find additional information?
You can start by contacting us at Elmhurst’s Center for the Health Professions or visit these useful websites:

Is Pharmacy for You?
This useful site from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy provides an overview of the field of pharmacy and offers links to a variety of topics, including “Top 10 Reasons to Become a Pharmacist” and “The Role of a Pharmacist.”

Prepharmacy
The College Board offers information about getting on the prepharmacy track in college.

Pharmacist Career Information
Pharmacy Choice, “the web portal for the pharmacy industry,” offers this overview of what the field of pharmacy is all about.

School Information
Learn all about pharmacy programs across the country at this site maintained by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.