Pharmacists are licensed professionals who provide information about medication to consumers and professionals. Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health care practitioners. They educate and inform consumers and patients about the use and possible effects of medication. They also advise physicians and other practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and effects of medications. Pharmacists maintain confidential records of patients' medications to ensure their safety and monitor their progress. Some pharmacists provide specialized disease management services for patients with chronic conditions and some prepare specialized drug therapies in areas such as oncology and intravenous nutrition support.

 

Recommended high school courses for students who wish to pursue pharmacy include mathematics, biology and chemistry.

 

Becoming a pharmacist typically requires completion of a bachelor’s degree, four years of study at an accredited college of pharmacy, completion of an internship under a licensed pharmacist and successful completion of a state examination for licensure.

 

Admissions requirements to pharmacy schools vary by school, but undergraduate coursework should include chemistry, biological and physical sciences, English or speech communications, social and behavioral sciences and the humanities. Courses in political science, accounting and finance are recommended as electives. Students are free to pick a major of their choice as long as all pharmacy course prerequisites are met. Pre-pharmacy students are strongly encouraged to investigate the specific requirements of schools to which they wish to apply. Most pharmacy schools require completion of the Pharmacy School Admission Test or "PCAT" for admission. For information, visit the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Web site at www.aacp.org.

 

For More Information
For more information, contact undergraduate advisor Yvonne Kobe in the Department of Biology at 435-797-3203; The Biology Advising Center, Biology-Natural Resources building, Room 101. Further information is also available on the Biology Department’s Pre-Health Advising Web site.