Pre-Pharmacy

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the pre-pharmacy courses---including mathematics, natural science, chemistry, physics and biology---usually are required for acceptance to a Pharm.D. program.

Undergraduate Degree

Students typically complete a bachelor's degree before moving on to a Pharm.D. program. The bachelor's degree would include the pre-pharmacy courses, with a major such as biology, chemistry or pharmacology (which is rarely offered).

PCAT

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is required for entrance to a Pharm.D. program, according to PCATPrepInfo.com. Students often take a preparatory class and utilize study materials to prepare for this test.

Pharm.D. Courses

Typical Pharm.D. programs include courses such as public health, ethics, business management, drug information and patient care.

Residency

Pharm.D. students may complete a residency program in a pharmacy, and complete a research project about their experience, reports the BLS.

Additional Exams

After completing the Pharm.D. program, pharmacists take the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX), and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam (MPJE), in addition to exams required by the state in which they intend to practice. Prep courses are available for these tests, but are not required.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Pharmacists

PCAT Prep Info