Pharmacy

"In the last quarter century, pharmacy has expanded its role within the health care delivery system from a profession focusing on preparation and dispensing of medications to patients to one in which pharmacists provide a wide range of patient-oriented services to maximize the medicine's effectiveness.

Pharmacy is practiced in a wide range of settings: community pharmacies, hospitals, long term care facilities, the pharmaceutical industry, mail service, managed care, and government

Historically, educational requirements for pharmacists included the choice of two entry-level degrees: a five-year Bachelor of Science in pharmacy (BS Pharmacy) or a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). However, as of the year 2000, most schools of pharmacy began offering only the PharmD degree. This extensive training makes the pharmacist the most knowledgeable health care professional when it comes to medicines and their use.

Medicines today have great power to heal and to improve the quality of life for millions of Americans. But medicines also may do serious harm if not taken correctly. This is where the role of the pharmacist is most important. Pharmacists who know their patients and have their medication profiles on file will be aware of possible harmful drug interactions or allergies to certain drugs. The pharmacist also will be able to discuss possible side effects; what foods, drinks, or activities that should be avoided while on a medication; what to do if you miss a dose; and a wide range of other helpful information. The pharmacist is a key health care professional in helping people achieve the best results from their medications." (Americal Pharmacists Association)

Programs

·There are over 80 Pharmacy colleges and schools in the US

·A list of accredited schools can be found online

·The programs in Florida are:

o Florida A&M University

o Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

o Nova Southeastern University

o Palm Beach Atlantic University

o University of Florida

Admission Requirements

·An undergraduate GPA of 3.3 is competitive for most pharmacy programs

·Most programs require a PCAT score

·The required courses typically include:

o General Biology with lab - 2 semesters

o General (Inorganic) Chemistry with lab - 2 semesters

o Organic Chemistry with lab - 2 semesters

o Human Anatomy and Physiology with labs - 1 or 2 semesters

o Mathematics (usually up to Calculus, maybe Statistics)

o College English - 2 semesters

o Communications (typically public speaking)

o Other courses that are sometimes required include Biochemistry, Microbiology, Physics, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, and courses in the Humanities and Behavioral Sciences.

·Letters of Evaluation

·Experience (some consistent exposure to pharmacy is expected

·An application submitted via the Pharmacy Colleges Application Service

Timeline

·The PharmCAS application becomes available each year in June and no longer accepts applications after April 1. School deadlines for submission vary from October to April depending upon the school

·The PCAT is administered four times throughout the year (typically June, Aug., Oct., and Jan. for each application cycle)

·Most pharmacy programs require secondary application

·Interviews generally start in the fall and continue until March or April

Resources