Pre-Health: Pharmacy Preparation

• Pharmacists work in a variety of settings: community pharmacies, hospitals, long-term care facilities, government agencies, and the pharmaceutical industry.  
• Education typically takes 4 years to complete. An additional one-year residency is optional.
• Certified PharmD Programs in the state of Oregon: Oregon State University (4-year program) and Pacific University (3-year program). Connect with a Pre-Health Advisor to learn more about UO-Pacific University PharmD Jump Start Program!
• Common majors pre-pharmacy UO students pursue: Multidisciplinary Science, Biology, Human Physiology, Neuroscience, Chemistry or Biochemistry. 

• Completing the prerequisite courses is just one aspect of the process. You must also have a well-rounded application consisting of experience (i.e. shadowing, volunteer work, undergraduate research, life experience), letters of recommendation, and a strong admissions essay.
• The PCAT is no longer required for admissions as it has been discontinued.
• While a bachelor’s degree is not an admission prerequisite for all pharmacy schools, it does provide a significant competitive advantage.  
• Applying to pharmacy school is a year-long process. Students applying in their final year at UO will have a gap year before starting pharmacy school. Students can work, take courses, travel, etc. during the year. Keep in mind, the average age of a first-year pharmacy student is 25.  

The chart below illustrates one way common requirements can fit into a 4-year plan. 

• Keep in mind that a graduation plan is as unique as the student following it - Math placement, major, transfer credits, application timeline, and other factors will help shape your graduation plan and timeline. 
• Following the "common requirements" list above will allow you to cast a wide net when applying to Pharmacy Programs. 
• The list above outlines "requirements that vary". It is recommended that students explore programs to ensure their graduation plan captures all of the requirements they need for their programs of interest.
  • Visit PharmCAS to compare PharmD program requirements. 
• Work with a pre-health advisor to solidify your graduation plan! 

Watch the Pharmacy Prerequisite Overview Video for additional details on prerequisite courses. 

i These courses are prerequisites for UO’s anatomy & physiology sequence. They are not typically prerequisites for pharmacy school.

Questions? Email pre-health advisors at prehealthadvising@uoregon.edu.