a little confused

[shellygirl05]

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I am a little confused as to the education on the way to becoming a Pharmacist. I read that you need 2 yrs of pre-reqs then another 4 yrs of pharm school. So is pharm school 6 yrs or 4? I will probably graduate with a undergrad dregree in either Bio or another science. So after i have my degree in Bio, its 4 yrs of Pharm school? WHat exaclty do i need to do after i get my undergrad degree? Sorry i am still a high schooler.....i am not sure about all this stuff

thanks

 

[npp71681]

Hi!
shellygirl05,

Doctor of Pharmacy(PharmD) itself is 4-years program, but it includes 2-yrs of Pre-Pharmacy coursework and 4-years of Professional coursework, that's what makes it 6-years program.

1) People with Bechaler's degree get their 4-years of bechaler's and do their other 4-years of Pharmacy coursework, so total of 8-9 years.

2) People without Bechaler's degree do their pre-pharmacy coursework for 2-3 years and do their 4-years of Pharmacy coursework, so total of 6-7 years.

All pharmacy schools say its 2 years of pre-pharmacy, but it usually takes people about 2.5-3 years to get done, because there are lot of classes to take. Some people finish in 2-years.

So, from my understanding let's say:1) with bechaler's degree(8-9 years)
2) without bechaler's degree(6-7 years)

I hope this helps!

 

[LVPharm]

Not to make it too complicated, but there are several Pharm.D. programs, including my own, that are 3 years, instead of 4. So if you were to complete a bachelors degree (4 yrs), then go on to a 3 year accelerated Pharm.D. program, you will be done in 7 years. Something else to consider 😉

 

[npp71681]

Hi!
LVPharm,

I forgot to mention about 3-year programs.

Thanks! for bringing that up!

 

[shellygirl05]

so if i get my undergard degree in bio would that take care of all my pre-req's most likely? is it recommened to get ur degree 1st instead of just just doing the 2 yrs of pre-req's?

 

[kwakster928]

so if i get my undergard degree in bio would that take care of all my pre-req's most likely? is it recommened to get ur degree 1st instead of just just doing the 2 yrs of pre-req's?

it is always recommended to apply as soon as you are finish with pre-reqs. however, i dont know whether you saw the latest application numbers but it has gone up significantly. if this trend continues, more of the school prefer more qualified candidate, thus people with degrees will have somewhat of advantage than others who do not. but there is always exceptions and every school have their own critique procedures.

 

[endlesslove]

So, from my understanding let's say:1) with bechaler's degree(8-9 years)
2) without bechaler's degree(6-7 years)

actually, npp71681, since UOP has a 2+3 accelerated program, you could get your PharmD in 5 yrs w/o a Bachelors (I think this is the fastest ever). Come to think of it, maybe what's even faster is if you're some super overachiever kid and started taking these pre-reqs at a JC while in high school and then once you graduate from hs, you apply to 3 yr programs (as if you were transferring from a JC to a pharm school), then you'd get your PharmD in 3 yrs 😛

 

[LVPharm]

so if i get my undergard degree in bio would that take care of all my pre-req's most likely? is it recommened to get ur degree 1st instead of just just doing the 2 yrs of pre-req's?

Yes, as long as you take those prerequisites, it doesn't matter if your degree is in bio, or humanities, psychology, etc. The obvious advantage to getting a degree in the sciences is that you would be required to complete those course (G Chem, OChem, etc) for a major in, for instance, biology. It wouldn't be required if you were majoring in sociology...so if you opt to major in a non-science degree, you'll have to take those prerequisite courses along with the courses needed for your major, if you wish to apply to pharmacy school. I would echo what kwakster said in regards to the changing demographics in pharmacy school admissions. The numbers of individuals holding baccalaureate degrees prior to pharmacy school is increasing. It's still not the majority of applicants...but give it about a decade, and we'll see. 😉

 

[kwakster928]

Yes, as long as you take those prerequisites, it doesn't matter if your degree is in bio, or humanities, psychology, etc. The obvious advantage to getting a degree in the sciences is that you would be required to complete those course (G Chem, OChem, etc) for a major in, for instance, biology. It wouldn't be required if you were majoring in sociology...so if you opt to major in a non-science degree, you'll have to take those prerequisite courses along with the courses needed for your major, if you wish to apply to pharmacy school. I would echo what kwakster said in regards to the changing demographics in pharmacy school admissions. The numbers of individuals holding baccalaureate degrees prior to pharmacy school is increasing. It's still not the majority of applicants...but give it about a decade, and we'll see. 😉

man my name is bolded and italisized. i feel so special 😍

 

[LVPharm]

man my name is bolded and italisized. i feel so special 😍

I guess it doesn't take much to please you, does it?

 

[dontworry]

There are also some schools that admit right out of high school, I dont know exact schools, but Albany College of Pharmacy does. Its a 6 year program. You start after hs, and take all the required courses at the school. Im sure the FAQ link can help you find programs that are 6 year, right out of hs.

Heres the FAQ on the subject:
Which schools offer 6 year Pharm.D. programs?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=1700947&postcount=10

 

[Glycerin]

Heres the FAQ on the subject:
Which schools offer 6 year Pharm.D. programs?

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showpost.php?p=1700947&postcount=10

I just added UOP's program to that FAQ link. 🙂

To the OP: our forum's FAQ is a wonderful way to acquaint yourself with the pharmacy profession and the application process. If you have any other questions, just ask. 🙂

 

[vafcarrot]

Count down until I get my bachelor's degree.... 2 months and 4 days....

*runs around screaming while pulling out hair*

I really need some warm weather in order to keep my sanity.

 

[kittella]

i'm counting down too...43 days until i graduate... 34 days until the last day of class.... finals will be interesting... have to take them all early and i'm taking 22 hours this semester.. 😛

 

[kayjay]

Some schools offer dual acceptance programs..if you declare pre-pharm as your major as a freshman, you can gain automatic acceptance to pharmacy school if you maintain a 3.0 GPA and finish all your pre-req's in 2 years. This way, your don't have to worry about going through the stress of competing with everyone else trying to get in..as you may already know, it is very competitive. So it would take you 6 years total to get your PharmD. (Or 5 years if you are a dual acceptance student and get into an accelerated 3 year PharmD program).

 

[ilovepharmacy]

Speaking of dual acceptances, USC offers a 7 year pre-pharmacy program - you're guaranteed admission to USC SOP (4 years long) if you finish the pre-reqs in 3 years with min. GPA reqs ( http://www.usc.edu/schools/pharmacy/pharmd/programs/tap.html - PM me if you wanna know more!). I heard UCSD is also starting something similar in the next year or so. I don't know about all schools but most look favorably upon you if you have a bachelor's degree under your belt. Most students I know apply in the summer/fall before they graduate from undergrad, so that they can start pharmacy school in the fall after they graduate. BTW, its really good that you're looking into this early! Good lucks!

 

[kayjay]

Midwestern - CCP has dual acceptance programs with Loyola U., Benedictine U., and Illinois Institute of Technology.

 

[shellygirl05]

Does it matter which Pharm school you go to as far as being hired? Is it necessary to go to a prestegious school with Pharm or is just getting your Pharm D from anywhere good enough?

 

[ZpackSux]

Does it matter which Pharm school you go to as far as being hired? Is it necessary to go to a prestegious school with Pharm or is just getting your Pharm D from anywhere good enough?

Harvard School of Pharmacy grads are highly sought after...
But no one is able to find them...

 

[hopeful05]

hi shellygirl05....
everyone has already given you enough info...ofcourse the best thing is to go to a school that offers pre-pharm and then guaranteed admission into the professional 4 year pharmD program...but incase you want to take your bachelors before ... then in reply to the question you asked earlier about whether that will cover all pre-reqs--- i'll say...yeah for the science courses...but don't forget to take an economics course--macroeco. or microeco...because that is a pre-req almost everywhere...but not necessarily a course you would take when working towards as BS in Biology....another one---Speech...although I think thats a requirement for most programs...so that should be covered...G'Luck... 😉

 

[hopeful05]

Harvard School of Pharmacy grads are highly sought after...
But no one is able to find them...

👍 🙄
I wonder why...huh?!!

 

[ZpackSux]

👍 🙄
I wonder why...huh?!!

Shrugs... no clue..

 

[Laferno]

Everyone has said a lot about the time requirement for pharmacy schools. Here is the summary for convenience sake.

Undergrad (Everyone):
2 years: Pharmacy school once pre-req's are done/dual acceptance.
3 years: Pharmacy School after only 3 years and no degree /Pharmacy School after 3 years and bachelors (for the overachievers).
4 years: Pharmacy School after completing degree.
5 years: Pharmacy School after changing major and completing degree.

Intermission (If applicable):
1 year: Pharmacy School after relaxing 1-year hiatus.

Pharmacy School (Everyone):
3 years: Graduate from a 3-year program.
4 years: Graduate from a 4-year program.
5 years: Graduate after staying back a year/get PharmD+PhD.

To find out how long you will be in school, simply chose the criteria that fit your plan. May take anywhere from 5-11 years to go through the process...so have fun while you are doing it. 😀

 

[shellygirl05]

I heard of some companies paying for you to go to school? Which companiies will pay for you to get your Pharm D. or did i misunderstand and they meant a company will pay for futher education after you recieve your Pharm D.?

 

[Glycerin]

I heard of some companies paying for you to go to school? Which companiies will pay for you to get your Pharm D. or did i misunderstand and they meant a company will pay for futher education after you recieve your Pharm D.?

Some companies, like Walgreens or CVS, have contracts where they will give you a certain amount (may or may not be all of your tuition - I haven't looked into it) per year, and every year they give you money is one year you agree to work for them once you graduate. If you break the contract, you have to pay the loan back.

 

[ForgetMeNot]

If you break the contract, you have to pay the loan back.

And at a much higher interest rate than a conventional student loan.

 

[shellygirl05]

To get into Pharm school do you need a lot of working/volunteering on your resume to have a shot of getting in?

My only concern is that next year is my first year of college and i will be playing a Divison 1 sport leaving no time for working or volunteering. If i did work in the summer would that be good enough?

 

[yatzek]

5 years: Graduate after staying back a year/get PharmD+PhD.

!! 😱
is this true? and where? i dont think my school offers this (drake)... Is there any way of getting a Phd quicker once you have attained a pharmD? I didn't think this was a possibility

My only concern is that next year is my first year of college and i will be playing a Divison 1 sport leaving no time for working or volunteering. If i did work in the summer would that be good enough?

i started of college playing div 1 tennis (playing one too hehe) anyway, I struggled through pre pharm- it was an incredible challenge with tennis, but I didn't do any outside of school activities. My school just looked at GPA which needed to be 3.0+... I think pple take into account that you are playing sport which makes it a lot harder (its like having a full time job)
anyway, I am on my senior year of eligibility and cannot wait to be done (with tennis) it was fun but I am slowly going crazy

 

[nikkai]

I'd like to ask, "What's the rush?"

I personally loved my undergrad life. All 5 years of it, haha. 😀

I know there are those that just want to get out and start working, but to me, I'm going to be working for the rest of my life so I might as well enjoy my time now. =)