How Pre-Pharmacy Programs Arm You with a Competitive Advantage
Pre-pharmacy programs can be an excellent way to set yourself up for a successful career in the field of pharmacy. These programs offer a variety of courses that will introduce you to the many different aspects of the pharmacy profession. You will learn about the different types of drugs, their effects on the body, and how to dispense them safely to patients.
Best Pre-Pharmacy Programs in the U.S.
There are a number of excellent pre-pharmacy programs in the U.S., many of which offer courses that will give you a thorough understanding of the pharmacy profession. These include:
- University of Florida – This university offers a wide range of courses in pharmacy practice, such as pharmaceuticals, drug interactions and compounding. There are also specialized courses in clinical pharmacy and health-systems pharmacy.
- University of California, San Francisco – The university’s pre-pharmacy program offers courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, drug delivery systems, pharmacokinetics and more.
- Purdue University – Purdue offers a pre-doctor of pharmacy program, including pharmacology, biopharmaceuticals, drug information and more.
- Ohio State University – The university’s pre-pharmacy program focuses on providing a complete understanding of the pharmacy profession, with courses in pharmacology, drug design and delivery systems and clinical pharmacy practice
What to look for in a pre-pharmacy program
When looking for a pre-pharmacy program, it is important to consider the different types of courses that are offered. Make sure the program you choose offers a variety of courses that will prepare you for a career in pharmacy. You should also look for a program that has a good reputation and is accredited by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE).
You should also take into account a program’s tuition fees. Most pre-pharmacy programs are quite affordable, but it is important to make sure you can afford the program before enrolling in it.
The duration of the program is another important factor to consider. Most pre-pharmacy programs are two years in length, but some may be shorter or longer depending on the program and its courses.
The typical award on completion of a pre-pharmacy program is an Associate of Science in Pre-Pharmacy, although some schools may offer a Certificate in Pre-Pharmacy or a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies.
Benefits of Pre-Pharmacy Programs
Pre-pharmacy programs offer a number of benefits for those interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy. They will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge about the different aspects of the profession that you will need as a pharmacist. You will also gain valuable experience working in pharmacies and with patients, which can be invaluable when applying for jobs after graduation.
Most importantly, they will equip you with the foundational knowledge and experience for a four-year Doctor of Pharmacy program (Pharm.D). Completing a pre-pharmacy program will give you an edge when applying to Pharm.D programs and make you more competitive for admission.
What courses are offered in pre-pharmacy programs?
The courses offered on a pre-pharmacy program can vary depending on the school you choose to attend. However, most pre-pharmacy programs will offer courses in the following topics:
- Pharmaceutical Science: This course will introduce you to the different types of drugs, their effects on the body, and how to dispense them safely to patients.
- Pharmacology: This course will teach you about the different types of drugs and how they work in the body. You will learn about the different drug classes and how they are used to treat various diseases.
- Pharmacy Law and Ethics: This course will teach you about the laws and regulations that govern the pharmacy profession. You will also learn about the ethical principles that guide pharmacists in their work.
- Chemistry: This course will introduce you to the basics of chemistry, including atomic structure, bonding, and chemical equations. You will learn about different types of chemicals and how they interact with each other.
- Pharmacy Management: This course will teach you about the different aspects of managing a pharmacy, such as stocking shelves and ordering supplies. You will also learn about customer service and how to provide quality care to patients.
Prerequisites for Pre-pharmacy programs
While the courses offered on a pre-pharmacy program vary, there are some general requirements that you will need to meet in order to be accepted into the program. These include:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- A minimum grade point average of 2.5
- Completion of college-level math and science classes
- Good standing with any previous colleges attended
These requirements may vary depending on the school you choose to attend, so it is important to check with the individual school’s admissions office for exact details.
How to get started in a pre-pharmacy program
When searching for a pre-pharmacy program, it is important to make sure the school you choose offers the courses and resources needed to set you up for success. Make sure that the program is accredited by a recognized organization such as the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). Also consider the tuition fees, duration of the program, and expected awards upon completion. Pre-pharmacy programs provide students with a solid foundation of knowledge about pharmacy and help prepare for their Pharm.D. Taking part in a pre-pharmacy program will equip you with all the skills necessary to launch your career in pharmacy!
You can find the best pre-pharmacy programs at the institutions listed below, as well as the indicative cost of studying at each.
Arizona
Eastern Arizona College
615 N. Stadium Ave., Thatcher, Arizona 85552-0769
Net Price*: $10,755
Pima Community College
4905C East Broadway Blvd., Tucson, Arizona 85709-1275
Net Price*: $3,223
Arkansas
Harding University
915 E. Market Ave., Searcy, Arkansas 72149-5615
Net Price*: $20,533
University of Arkansas at Monticello
Highway 425 South, Monticello, Arkansas 71656
Net Price*: $13,077
California
University of California-San Francisco
500 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, California 94143-0244
Net Price*: NA
Colorado
Regis University
3333 Regis Blvd, Denver, Colorado 80221-1099
Net Price*: $27,735
Florida
University of Florida
Tigert Hall, Gainesville, Florida 32611
Net Price*: $9,809
Idaho
College of Southern Idaho
315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, Idaho 83301
Net Price*: $7,540
Illinois
Benedictine University
5700 College Rd, Lisle, Illinois 60532-0900
Net Price*: $24,746
Indiana
Ball State University
2000 University Ave, Muncie, Indiana 47306
Net Price*: $12,968
Manchester University
604 E. College Ave, North Manchester, Indiana 46962
Net Price*: $20,226
Purdue University
Hovde Hall of Administration, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-2040
Net Price*: $14,619
Kansas
Barton County Community College
245 NE 30th Road, Great Bend, Kansas 67530
Net Price*: $10,149
Dodge City Community College
2501 N 14th Ave, Dodge City, Kansas 67801-2399
Net Price*: $6,821
Louisiana
University of Holy Cross
4123 Woodland Drive, New Orleans, Louisiana 70131-7399
Net Price*: $16,777
Maryland
Hagerstown Community College
11400 Robinwood Dr, Hagerstown, Maryland 21742-6514
Net Price*: $7,372
Massachusetts
Anna Maria College
50 Sunset Lane, Paxton, Massachusetts 01612-1198
Net Price*: $24,614
Quinsigamond Community College
670 West Boylston Street, Worcester, Massachusetts 01606-2092
Net Price*: $7,853
Michigan
Alpena Community College
665 Johnson St, Alpena, Michigan 49707
Net Price*: $4,259
Ferris State University
1201 S State St, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307-2251
Net Price*: $13,624
Henry Ford College
5101 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, Michigan 48128-1495
Net Price*: $2,696
Macomb Community College
14500 E Twelve Mile Rd, Warren, Michigan 48088-3896
Net Price*: $5,447
Madonna University
36600 Schoolcraft Rd, Livonia, Michigan 48150-1176
Net Price*: $18,469
Schoolcraft College
18600 Haggerty Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152-2696
Net Price*: $8,561
Mississippi
Holmes Community College
#1 Hill St, Goodman, Mississippi 39079
Net Price*: $6,537
Itawamba Community College
602 W Hill Street, Fulton, Mississippi 38843-1099
Net Price*: $5,491
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
51 Main Street, Perkinston, Mississippi 39573
Net Price*: $8,096
Pearl River Community College
101 Hwy 11 N, Poplarville, Mississippi 39470
Net Price*: $5,358
Missouri
Missouri State University-Springfield
901 S National Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65897
Net Price*: $16,501
St Charles Community College
4601 Mid Rivers Mall Dr, Cottleville, Missouri 63376-0975
Net Price*: $2,364
Three Rivers College
2080 Three Rivers Blvd, Poplar Bluff, Missouri 63901
Net Price*: $9,018
University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis
1 Pharmacy Place, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110-1088
Net Price*: $29,197
Westminster College
501 Westminster Ave, Fulton, Missouri 65251-1299
Net Price*: $23,783
Montana
Helena College University of Montana
1115 N Roberts Street, Helena, Montana 59601
Net Price*: $11,898
Nebraska
Northeast Community College
801 E Benjamin, Norfolk, Nebraska 68702-0469
Net Price*: $9,158
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
1400 R Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68588-0419
Net Price*: $18,403
Western Nebraska Community College
1601 East 27th Street, Scottsbluff, Nebraska 69361-1899
Net Price*: $6,756
New York
CUNY Bronx Community College
2155 University Avenue, Bronx, New York 10453
Net Price*: $5,326
North Carolina
Campbell University
143 Main Street, Buies Creek, North Carolina 27506
Net Price*: $23,163
Ohio
Ohio State University
190 N. Oval Mall, Columbus, Ohio 43210
Net Price*: $19,474
The University of Findlay
1000 North Main Street, Findlay, Ohio 45840-3653
Net Price*: $23,042
University of Cincinnati-Blue Ash College
9555 Plainfield Rd, Blue Ash, Ohio 45236-1096
Net Price*: $12,681
University of Cincinnati-Clermont College
4200 Clermont College Dr, Batavia, Ohio 45103
Net Price*: $9,448
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
2624 Clifton Avenue, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0063
Net Price*: $20,827
Xavier University
3800 Victory Parkway, Cincinnati, Ohio 45207-1092
Net Price*: $32,370
Oklahoma
Oklahoma Christian University
2501 E Memorial Rd, Edmond, Oklahoma 73013
Net Price*: $19,807
Rose State College
6420 S E 15th, Midwest City, Oklahoma 73110-2799
Net Price*: $10,335
Tulsa Community College
6111 E Skelly Dr, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74135-6198
Net Price*: $5,393
Oregon
Mt Hood Community College
26000 SE Stark St, Gresham, Oregon 97030
Net Price*: $7,601
Pennsylvania
Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
219 Meadville Street, Edinboro, Pennsylvania 16444-0001
Net Price*: $15,771
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
1858 W Grandview Blvd, Erie, Pennsylvania 16509-1025
Net Price*: NA
Neumann University
One Neumann Drive, Aston, Pennsylvania 19014-1298
Net Price*: $28,325
South Carolina
Clemson University
201 Sikes Hall, Clemson, South Carolina 29634
Net Price*: $23,732
Newberry College
2100 College St, Newberry, South Carolina 29108
Net Price*: $19,156
Southern Wesleyan University
907 Wesleyan Drive, Central, South Carolina 29630-1020
Net Price*: $19,479
Tennessee
Bethel University
325 Cherry Ave, McKenzie, Tennessee 38201
Net Price*: $16,139
Lipscomb University
One University Park Drive, Nashville, Tennessee 37204-3951
Net Price*: $26,614
Texas
El Paso Community College
9050 Viscount Blvd, El Paso, Texas 79925-6507
Net Price*: $3,982
Northwest Vista College
3535 N. Ellison Drive, San Antonio, Texas 78251
Net Price*: $6,290
Palo Alto College
1400 W Villaret Blvd, San Antonio, Texas 78224-2499
Net Price*: $4,951
Paris Junior College
2400 Clarksville St, Paris, Texas 75460
Net Price*: $5,304
South Plains College
1401 S. College Ave, Levelland, Texas 79336
Net Price*: $6,758
South Texas College
3201 W. Pecan, McAllen, Texas 78501
Net Price*: $1,515
St Philip’s College
1801 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, Texas 78203-2098
Net Price*: $6,334
Utah
Dixie State University
225 S University Avenue, Saint George, Utah 84770-3876
Net Price*: $14,774
Snow College
150 E College Ave, Ephraim, Utah 84627
Net Price*: $7,711
University of Utah
201 Presidents Circle, Room 201, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-9008
Net Price*: $12,972
Vermont
Saint Michael’s College
One Winooski Park, Colchester, Vermont 5439
Net Price*: $28,979
Washington
Central Washington University
400 East University Way, Ellensburg, Washington 98926
Net Price*: $17,645
Washington State University
French Administration Building, Pullman, Washington 99164-5910
Net Price*: $11,877
Wisconsin
Maranatha Baptist University
745 West Main Street, Watertown, Wisconsin 53094
Net Price*: $20,542
Wyoming
Casper College
125 College Drive, Casper, Wyoming 82601-4699
Net Price*: $8,099
Laramie County Community College
1400 E College Dr, Cheyenne, Wyoming 82007-3299
Net Price*: $6,706
Northwest College
231 W 6th St, Powell, Wyoming 82435-1898
Net Price*: $8,114
Western Wyoming Community College
2500 College Dr, Rock Springs, Wyoming 82901
Net Price*: $7,839
* Net Price is the Average Net Price for 2020-2021 generated for full-time beginning undergraduate students who were awarded grant or scholarship aid from federal, state or local governments, or the institution. For public institutions, only students paying the in-state or in-district rate are included. For institutions that charge students by program, the net price is generated for the institution’s largest program.