Description

Pharmacists educate patients about prescription and over-the-counter medications, advise other health care professionals on drug decisions for patients, provide expertise about the composition of drugs, including chemical, biological and physical properties as well as use, ensure drug purity and strength, ensure drugs do not interact in a harmful way.

Degree

Pharm.D.

Program Length

3 - 4 Years

Professional Schools’ Organization

AACP (American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy)

http://www.aacp.org

Application Service

PharmCAS (Pharmacy College Application Service) – 39 of 84 schools use the service.

http://www.pharmcas.org

Academic Admission Requirements

Varies by school, but usually required are General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Microbiology, Physics, Human Anatomy, Calculus, English, Social Sciences, Biochemistry

Admission Exam

PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) or GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

http://www.tpcweb.com/pse/g-conts0.htm  or http://gre.org

Personal Attributes & Experiences

Integrity and adherence to rigid ethical standards; Commitment to building community, to patient care, and to life-long learning to maintain competency; Willingness to accept responsibility and accountability;

Recommendation Letters

Three letters of recommendation as requested by schools.