Pre-Pharmacy

Suggested major: Chemistry or Biology

Community pharmacists are the most common representatives of their profession, but careers in pharmacy are also available in hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes; in teaching and research; and in pharmaceutical sales. The degree offered in pharmacy is the Doctor of Pharmacy, Pharm.D.

Many students complete an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry before entering pharmacy school. However, the pre-pharmacy requirements can be completed in about 3 years. The three schools of pharmacy in Georgia are the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy, Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy, and South University School of Pharmacy. The pre-pharmacy curriculum varies slightly among pharmacy schools. Therefore, it is important that students consult with admissions counselors at the individual schools.

Application to Pharmacy School

A year in advance of pharmacy school admission, a student must complete the application and take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). The PCAT tests knowledge of biology, chemistry, mathematics, reading comprehension, and general academic ability. The test is offered four times a year, with registration beginning in early spring—the test can only be taken five times. Most successful applicants to pharmacy school have accumulated a year or more of work experience as a pharmacy technician before entering pharmacy school.