Pharmacists are an increasingly significant part of the wellness movement through counseling and preventive medicine.

Most people visit their pharmacist more often than they see their doctor, and communities depend upon their pharmacist as a reliable source of quality health care information. One of the greatest advantages of a pharmacy degree is the diverse range of career opportunities available to you.

Pharmacists complete three levels of education: high school, pre-pharmacy coursework in college, and four years of pharmacy school leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (PharmD). Students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy can complete all aspects of pre-pharmacy and pharmacy school at Presbyterian College. We understand that students often realize that they want to be pharmacists at different points in their lives and educations. That’s why Presbyterian College offers three different ways for you to prepare for pharmacy school.

Traditional Pre-Pharmacy Path

The traditional pre-pharmacy path offers the most flexibility, allowing students to complete their pre-pharmacy coursework in just two or three years or with further study, to earn a bachelor’s degree. During the last year of pre-pharmacy coursework, students apply to pharmacy school via the national Pharmacy College Application Service.

  • This option allows you to investigate careers during college and gives you flexibility to schedule your classes or gives you options to take more electives.
  • Guaranteed interview with a GPA of 2.75 or better
  • The PCAT is no longer required.

Degree Plus Pre-Pharmacy Path

The Degree Plus Pre-Pharmacy Program combines pre-pharmacy courses with requirements for either a biology degree or chemistry degree at PC. Upon completion of three years pre-pharmacy and the four-year professional program, students earn both a B.S. in either biology or chemistry and a PharmD in seven years.

  • This option allows you to earn a B.S. degree prior to entering into the Pharmacy program.
  • Earn both a B.S. and PharmD in seven years
  • Guaranteed interview with GPA of 2.75 or better
  • The PCAT is no longer required.

Early Entry Pre-Pharmacy Path

Exceptional high school seniors who aspire to the pharmacy profession may apply to the Early Entry Pre-Pharmacy Program at PC. This option is for high school seniors who have investigated pharmacy careers and are determined to pursue a career in pharmacy. If you choose this path, you can earn a PharmD in six years.

To apply, you must first be accepted as an undergraduate student at PC. As an Early Entry Pre-Pharmacy student, you’ll complete a rigorous two-year curriculum, including:

  • coursework
  • professional exploration
  • service in the community

A seat will be reserved for you at the PC School of Pharmacy if you comply with the following requirements:

  1. You must complete all courses required in the two-year Early Entry Pre-Pharmacy curriculum at PC before matriculation in the PharmD program. Since the program requires specific courses, registration is guaranteed into required coursework as long as you register during the Early Entry Pre-Pharmacy registration window.Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or incoming college-level credits may be used to satisfy up to two required science or math courses. Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, and/or incoming college-level credits may be used to satisfy unlimited non-science or non-math required courses as well as elective courses.You must enroll in at least 15 credit hours per semester, unless otherwise approved, earn a cumulative total GPA of 2.75 or better at the time of pharmacy school matriculation, and achieve a grade of C- or better on all coursework. You must receive prior approval if you wish to take summer school courses at institutions other than PC.
  2. You must complete at least five hours per year of community service activities. You’re encouraged to participate in Student Volunteer Services, community, church, and/or student organization activities to complete the volunteerism requirement.
  3. You must complete at least five hours per year of professional exploration, most of which will be incorporated within the curriculum. An introduction to careers in pharmacy will be provided during the required First-year Experience class.
  4. To comply with our contracts with healthcare institutions, you must complete a criminal background check and drug screen before matriculation into pharmacy school.
  5. You must submit a matriculation confirmation form by the deadline provided by the Office of Admission.

Need help deciding which option is best for you?

Contact Undergraduate Admissions 864-833-8230 or Contact Pharmacy Admissions 864-938-3913. You can also email us at pharmacy@presby.edu.