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Pathways to Admission
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Before going to school for pharmacy, there are a few things to consider tom make sure the pharmacy career pathway is right for you. There are many different degree programs and paths within the pharmacy field. This could include the traditional pharmacist career path, which typically involves more schooling, or a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences which can be completed quicker.
Your Pharmacy Career Pathway:
3 Common Ways to Pursue Pharmacy
Depending upon what makes most sense for you, earning your professional degree in pharmacy can happen in a few different ways. Whether you plan on attending undergraduate school soon or have an existing degree and are looking to explore a new career path in the pharmaceutical industry, Pathways to Admission can help.
Most students begin their pharmacy career after following one of these three pathways:
1) Undergraduate Degree in the Pharmaceutical Field
Students will attend their preferred undergraduate university with a desire to pursue a major in pharmacy and obtain a Bachelors of Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS). Students with this degree typically enter into careers involving biomedical research or the commercialization and development of medicine. You can earn your BSPS on its own, without also earning your Doctorate in Pharmacy (Pharm. D.) and have a wide variety of potential career paths to pursue once finished. Though if you want to become a licensed pharmacist, you’ll need to follow one of the two paths below.
3) Undergraduate Degree Followed by Pharmacy School
Similar to the more expedited path above, this pharmacy career route involves around two years of prerequisite coursework which can be done during undergrad or separately. Not all pharmacy programs require a bachelor's degree upon entry. This prerequisite work is followed by studying for and taking the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) as part of applying to an accredited PharmD program. Once the Pharm. D. program is complete and you’ve earned your Doctors of Pharmacy degree, you’ll need to also pass your state's Pharmacy Licensure Exam, which is specific to the state in which you’ll be practicing. Once you know that your pharmacy career of choice will require a Doctorate of Pharmacy, there are many different program structures that can be followed. These all depend on the student, their learning pace and other factors.
2) Direct Entry
A direct entry pharmacy program, also called a 0-6 or dual degree pharmacy program, allows students to complete both their pre-pharmacy requirements and obtain their professional pharmacy degree within 6-7 years of graduating highschool. These students are often admitted into such programs immediately following high school. Additionally, they may be able to advance through the program quicker if they complete the required pre-pharm courses and interview requirements during high school. The direct entry path typically includes 2-3 years of pre-pharmaceutical study followed by about four years of professional study, leading to a Pharm. D. degree.
Pharm.D. Program Types
Once you know that your pharmacy career of choice will require a Doctorate of Pharmacy, many different program structures can be followed. These all depend on the student, their learning pace, and other factors.
How Pathways Will Help You Earn Your Pharmacy Degree
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Help you determine and review requirements for pharmacy programs
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Transcript will be reviewed along with other academic advising
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Assist in developing college lists
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Application timeline and completion
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Essay preparation
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Letters of recommendation
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Interview Prep (if required)
Ginny is a warm and knowledgeable professional! As a former high school college counselor and pediatric nurse, she really understands how to relate to young adults. In addition, she knows the nuances of nearly every college and has relationships with many admissions counselors. This is a stressful time and having her navigate the path to a successful college match was invaluable. I recommend her highly.
