Each Pharmacy School has different requirements for prerequisite courses. A curriculum based on chemistry, biology, physics, and liberal arts is required.

*Please note that Pharmacy school requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information about requirements.

The following courses are generally required for most Pharmacy schools:

• One semester of biology with labs
• Two semesters of general chemistry with labs
• Two semesters of organic chemistry with labs
• One semester or two quarters of microbiology
• Two semesters of Human Anatomy/Physiology
• One semester of Statistics
• One semester of Business
• Two semesters of English
• One semester of Oral Communications

University of Kentucky’s College of Pharmacy Pre-Requirements:

UK Pharmacy Program

US Pharmacy schools admit students once a year in the Fall.

Applications are submitted 12-15 months before your desired pharmacy school enrollment date. However, the timing depends on when you will complete your degree and the necessary coursework (and successfully take the PCAT).

Pharmacy school requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information about requirements.

The Pharmacy School Application process includes 5 main components:

1. The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
2. Primary Application
3. Letters of Recommendation
4. Secondary Applications
5. Interviews

July

-The Primary application through PharmCAS opens in July

-Order official transcripts from ALL colleges and universities that you have attended to be sent to PharmCAS

-Some Pharmacy schools require Supplemental Application materials with specific deadlines. Complete these sooner rather than later.

August-March

-Continue working on and submitting supplemental applications.

-Prepare for and attend interviews.

-Continue to complete and submit supplemental applications (check deadline dates).

-Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, FAFSA, in October.

-Admissions committees meet and decide status: accept/reject/waitlist. Applicants are notified.

Letters of Recommendation/Support:

Requirements for letters vary between schools, most schools require 1-3 letters of recommendation. Begin early to establish a network of professors, supervisors (for volunteer or paid work), and healthcare providers who are familiar with your work. It is important to choose recommenders who know you well.

Many schools require letters from faculty members who have taught you in a class and are able to make specific observations about your personal and academic achievements and your potential for school. Schools can ask for letters of recommendations specifically from science professors. Get to know your professors early, start your Freshman year.

Personal Statements:

The personal statement is about you and your motivation for pursuing a career in healthcare. Describe your current passion for the field with specific stories from recent experiences. Try to choose a theme rather than random thoughts. The primary application activities section provides a list of accomplishments. Your personal essay is an opportunity to provide additional, more in-depth information and not repeating your accomplishments. It can be helpful to remember why you are interested in the field of healthcare. 

The PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) was retired on January 10, 2024. No PCAT testing dates will be offered during the 2024-2025 admissions cycle or beyond. All test takers may continue to request score reports through the Pearson website until December 2024.

For PCAT information and registration, visit: https://www.pearsonassessments.com/graduate-admissions/pcat/take-the-pcat.html  

*Please note the PCAT is no longer required for admission to University of Kentucky’s College of Pharmacy https://pharmacy.uky.edu/admission-aid/pharmd-program/pre-pharmacy

Most Pharmacy schools hold “interview days” where they bring in a group of applicants for a day that may consist of some or all of the following: Interviews, written essays, school tours, and opportunities to meet students and faculty.

Interviews can take many forms, so it is important to research your schools and be prepared for each kind. The Stuckert Career Center can help you with preparation tips and practicing your interviewing skills.

The most common types of interviews are:

• One on one interview—Usually one or two 30-45 minutes interviews
• Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)—7-10 rooms with a different prompt or scenario posted on the door. You are typically given 2 minutes to think about the prompt before entering a room, and 5-8 minutes to respond to the prompt and any follow up questions or play out the scenario with a trained actor.
• Group interview—May be either one applicant interviewed by several interviewers, or in a group of applicants interviewed by one or more interviewer.

Involvement allows you to supplement a strong academic record. Pharmacy school admissions committees like to see evidence of initiative, creativity, leadership and collaboration, and organizational skills. However, it is important to remember that such activities will not substitute for poor grades, so don’t sacrifice study time for activities.

Search UK Student Organizations/Programs at BBNVolved  https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/

UK Student Organizations related to Pharmacy

-Pre-Pharmacy Club

Shadowing/Observation

Applicants are encouraged to shadow/observe a Pharmacist in action, working in different environments and age groups. Shadowing will also help you get to know the field of pharmacy.

Volunteering

As a caring attitude is central to the practice of pharmacy, applicants should demonstrate a commitment to service, more specifically direct service, and a desire to help others.

Search UK Service-Learning and Civic Engagement for opportunities to help in the community: https://servelearnconnect.uky.edu/community-organizational-needs

Pharmacy Schools in Kentucky

University of Kentucky: https://pharmacy.uky.edu/admission-aid/pharmd-program

• Schedule a visit to the College of Pharmacy: https://pharmacy.uky.edu/admission-aid/visit-us

Sullivan University: https://www.sullivan.edu/colleges/college-of-pharmacy-and-health-sciences

Find a Pharmacy School

https://www.pharmcas.org/school-directory

AACP: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy https://www.aacp.org/

PharmCAS https://www.pharmcas.org/