ABOUT PRE-PHARMACY

Pre-pharmacy students are those students interested in becoming a pharmacist by going to pharmacy school after completing their undergraduate degree. In addition to accurately dispensing prescribed medications, pharmacists have knowledge about the therapeutic use and adverse effects of medications. They play a critical role in making sure patients are not prescribed medications that have negative interactions with other medications, as well as educating patients concerning possible side effects of prescribed or over-the-counter medications.  As an active member of the primary healthcare team, pharmacists are central to good and clear communication among the many health care providers involved in the care of a patient. In addition to the more broadly known “drugstore pharmacist”, a pharmacist can specialize in critical care, nuclear pharmacy, and nutritional support, to name a few.

There are nine pharmacy schools in Texas offering the Doctorate in Pharmacy degree or PharmD.

General Prerequisite Coursework For pharmacy School

Undergraduate prerequisite courses for Texas pharmacy schools:

  • 8 hours General Biology
  • 3 hours Genetics
  • 4 hours Microbiology
  • 8 hours General Chemistry
  • 8 hours Organic Chemistry
  • Statistics
  • Calculus I
  • Physics I
    Note:
  • A number of pharmacy programs require 4 to 8 hours of Human Anatomy and Physiology. Students should check individual program requirements to ensure all prerequisite requirements are met.
  • In addition to above prerequisite coursework, most pharmacy programs require what amounts to all general education requirements for undergraduate coursework such as English, History, Government, Social Science, etc.
  • Pharmacy programs are willing to accept students prior to degree as long as all prerequisite coursework is complete. Most students, however, complete the undergraduate degree before matriculating to pharmacy school.

In the College of Science and Mathematics, degrees in either Biomedical Science or Chemistry provide the most direct path for earning the necessary prerequisite coursework within the context of a 120 -hour degree.

Admissions Exam

Historically, pharmacy programs required the Pharmacy College Admissions Test or PCAT, however, 2024 will be the last year the PCAT is offered. It is being phased out. Currently, some programs list the PCAT as optional.

Experience

In addition to a strong academic record, the successful applicant to pharmacy school will demonstrate a passion for pharmacy as evidenced by experience and skills. If possible, work as a pharmacy technician is certainly helpful. Regardless, a student should begin early developing core competencies of the entering medical student as identified by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). Although these competencies were written by the AAMC, they appropriately apply to any health pre-professional student including pre-pharmacy students.

Application Service

Students applying to pharmacy programs will apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service or PharmCAS. Students should apply with completed course prerequisites.