Health Sciences:

Pharmacy

What do I have to do to become a pharmacist?

[Pharmacist] Pharmacists are currently very much in demand, so pharmacy may be a good career option for students who would like to combine interests in health care and drug therapy with an important role in advising patients and an element of business. Pharmacy programs require the completion of at least two years of college study, followed by three to four years of professional study at a pharmacy school. Depending on the program, pharmacy schools grant either bachelor of science (BS) or doctor of pharmacy (Pharm. D.) degrees. At North Central, you may choose to complete all the coursework needed for pharmacy school in two years or spread out the coursework over three years and also complete the general education requirements. If you select the three-year plan, you can receive a bachelor of arts degree from North Central in addition to the pharmacy degree.

How do I get into pharmacy school?

[Owl] The courses listed below meet the typical entrance requirements for pharmacy school. However, you should research the specific requirements of the schools you are interested in early in your freshman year to be sure you will be able to meet them. Many schools also require the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT), which tests verbal and quantitative ability, reading comprehension and understanding of biology and chemistry. Each section is scored from 100 (worst) to 300 (best). The average score for successful applicants is usually 220-230, and their average GPA is 3.45 overall and 3.36 in science courses. The PharmCAS is a standard application accepted by most pharmacy schools.

What should I major in?

[Student] If you plan to transfer to pharmacy school after two years at North Central, there is no need to declare a specific major, as you will receive a degree from the pharmacy school and no North Central Degree. By spending three years at North Central and completing the general education requirements, you can earn a bachelor of arts in science.

What courses should I take?

[Student] The following courses can be completed in two rather full years and will meet the entrance requirements for most pharmacy programs. Be sure to check the programs you are interested in for any specific requirements. Students choosing to spend three years at North Central will have more flexibility in scheduling these courses.

Freshman year:

Chemistry: CHM 141 and either 142 or 205
Biology: BIO 101 and 102
Math: MTH 151 (some schools require 152); 121/122 if needed to prepare for calculus
English: ENG 115 and 116 (or 125 and either 196 or 245)

Sophomore year:

Organic chemistry: CHM 220, 221 and 222
Physics: PHY 111 & 112 or 131 & 132
Economics: ECN 250
Communication: SPC 100 or 200
Humanities: one course
Psychology or sociology: one course (e.g., PSY 100, SOA 100)

What resources does North Central have to help me?

[Help] North Central's pre-health committee includes pre-health advisors who assist students in selecting courses, planning schedules and completing the transfer process. Dr. Ed Navakas, a practicing psychiatrist, is also a half-time faculty member who helps advise pre-health students, assists in finding internships and other experience and takes a group of pre-health students to a major medical conference each spring. Another major source of support is PHO, the student Pre-Health Organization. PHO activities include visiting medical facilities, shadowing medical professionals, admissions test reviews, coordinating internships and volunteer opportunities, and inviting speakers from the health professions.

Where can I get more information?

Below are some helpful links to get you started. Don't forget to keep in close touch with your academic advisor and the pre-health advisors as you plan your pharmacy career!