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WHAT
IS PHARMACY?
Pharmacists
are health professionals who are concerned with the pharmaceutical needs
of patients. In the past, pharmacists were known as the professionals whose
primary function is to compound and dispense medicines prescribed by physicians,
dentists, or other authorized health care providers. In recent years, however,
the responsibilities of pharmacists have broadened substantially, primarily
in the areas of consultation with physicians, direct patient care and patient
education. The majority of registered pharmacists work in a variety of settings.
Most visible are different types of community pharmacies which range from
independent, strictly prescription pharmacies, such as those found in medical
office buildings, to chain pharmacies that generate income from the sale
of other merchandise (e.g. food, drug and discount stores). Pharmacists are
also employed in hospitals, home health care, nursing homes, other health
care facilities, or health maintenance organizations. Opportunities for pharmacists
that expand beyond direct patient care are found in research or manufacturing
organizations, colleges or universities, and various departments in the government.
AREAS
OF SPECIALITY
Specialization
opportunities are becoming increasingly available for pharmacists to
work as clinical pharmacists. Such recognized pharmacy practitioner specialties
are ambulatory care, clinical phamacokinetics, geriatrics, oncology,
psychopharmacology, drug information, and nutrition support. Pharmacists
have also been instrumental in establishing many of the poison information
and control centers around the country.
DESIRED
SKILLS
As pharmacists
become more involved in educating patients about their prescribed medications,
including possible drug interactions and side effects, communication
and interpersonal skills and a desire to help others are vital. Other
skills integral to a successful pharmacy career include critical thinking
skills, good judgement and dependability, attention to detail, consultation
skills, and knowledge of business management. Due to the nature of the
position, pharmacists are required to be on their feet for long periods
of time, particularly in community pharmacies.
DEGREES
OFFERED
Currently,
there are 105 accredited pharmacy programs in the United States. Pharmacy
programs award two professional degrees: The Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy
(BS Pharm.) and the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D.) The Bachelor's degree
requires five years of collegiate study, whereas the Pharm. D. is a four
year program following a minimum of two years of pre-pharmacy coursework
in college. Approximately 75% of students admitted to Pharm. D. programs
have completed four or more years of university work. Only three programs
in the US offer the BS degree as the only professional degree and by
the year 2008, all accredited pharmacy programs will award the Pharm.
D. as the only professional degree in pharmacy. Some schools also offer
joint programs with M.S and Ph.D degrees. These are research oriented
degrees and are not intended to provide preparation for licensed pharmacy
practitioner. California has four universities which exclusively offer
the Pharm.D. degree: UCSF, USC, University of the Pacific (UOP), and
Western University of Health Sciences.
EMPLOYMENT
OUTLOOK
The demands
and trends are changing with the increased pharmaceutical needs of a
larger and older population and greater use of medication. Pharmacy services
are shifting to long-term, ambulatory, and home care settings, where
opportunities for pharmacists will be best. New opportunities for pharmacists
are emerging in managed care organizations, where pharmacists analyze
trends and patterns in medication use for their populations of patients.
Fast growth is also expected for pharmacists trained in research, disease
management, and pharmacoeconomics—determining the costs and benefits
of different drug therapies.
RELATED
CAREERS
Persons in
other professions who may work with pharmaceutical compounds are biological
technicians, medical scientists, pharmaceutical chemists, and pharmacologists.
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PRE-PHARMACY
PREPARATION
Requirements for admission to colleges of pharmacy vary
on numerous evels including pre-requisite coursework,
PCAT, and application deadlines and process. It is recommended
you check the Pharmacy School Admissions Requirements
Book available in the Career Center for the requirements
of your institutions of choice.
TIMELINE
Beyond required coursework and PCAT preparation, the
timeline for the application process begins about a year and
a half prior to expected matriculation. The following is a
general guideline - check with each of your institutions of
choice for specific timelines.
STANDARDIZED
TESTS
Some
colleges require the applicant to take the Pharmacy College
Admissions Test (PCAT) which is offered several times annually.
Others also request SAT, ACT, or GRE scores. Check with the
individual institutions of your choice for their particular
requirements.
The
PCAT consists of approximately 300 multiple-choice questions
in the following individually timed sections: Verbal Ability;
Quantitative Ability; Biology, Chemistry and Reading Comprehension.
The scores are scaled on a range from 100-300. Percentile
scores are also provided. It is recommended that students
take the PCAT during the Winter or Spring of the year before
applying to Pharmacy (i.e. Winter/Spring 2008 for Fall 2009
anticipated matriculation).
APPLICATION
PROCESS
The
application process for most pharmacy schools starts approximately
18 months prior to your matriculation date (generally in your
junior year unless you are applying before the completion of
a bachelor's degree). The process can be complicated and time
consuming. You will have to concentrate on the application
process (meeting important deadlines) as well as on the activities
(work, school, co-curricular activities, etc.) that you are
currently pursuing.
Since
the application process for Schools and Colleges of Pharmacy
is individual, applicants need to prepare early by identifying
potential schools and requesting application materials to
meet each institution's requirements, guidelines, and deadlines.
Contents of the application may include:
An
official application form - deadlines vary among institutions
and depend on start date, however most admit in Fall only.
Letters
of recommendation from individuals familiar with your academic
and professional activities - sometimes requested on specific "Letter
of Reference" forms
Personal
or Professional Goals Statement (essay)
Official
transcripts from all previous colleges and universities attended
Application
fee
Additionally,
some schools require supplementary applications and invite
perspective students for interviews. Check with the Pharmacy
School Admission Requirements (PSAR) book for individual
school's processes.
For
2008, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy is
introducing a centralized application service - PharmCAS,
Pharmacy College Application Service. This service will streamline
the process of applying to multiple schools and colleges
that participate in this program.
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MAJOR & CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Students
can major in almost any discipline provided the required
courses are completed in order to be competitive when applying
to schools of pharmacy. Pre- pharmacy students are also encouraged
to participate in an internship experience in a pharmacy
setting in order to become acquainted with the field prior
to making formal application to selected professional programs.
REQUIRED
COURSES
Most
colleges of pharmacy require one to two years of pre-pharmacy
coursework. Prerequisites for entry into pharmacy programs
typically include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
through college algebra/trigonometry, and perhaps one course
in calculus. Additionally students are expected to complete
general education courses, including humanities, social sciences,
and courses emphasizing communications such as English composition
and speech.
PHARMACY
SCHOOL REQUIREMENTS
ADMISSION
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program requires at
least two years of specific pre-professional (undergraduate)
coursework followed by four academic years (or three calendar
years) of professional study. The majority of students enter
a pharmacy program with three or more years of college experience.
College graduates who enroll in a pharmacy program must complete
the full four academic years (or three calendar) years of
professional study to earn the Pharm.D. degree.
Basic to the science in pharmacy are contributions from four
broad fields-mathematics, physics, chemistry, and biology so
courses in these basic sciences are required in pharmacy curricula.
Additionally students are expected to complete general education
courses, including humanities, social sciences, and courses
emphasizing communications such as English composition and
speech.
The courses required for admission into a pharmacy program
vary significantly from one institution to the next. Due to
the variations in admission requirements and procedures among
the colleges and schools of pharmacy, it is advisable to research
different pharmacy programs. The pharmacy programs will be
pleased to supply details concerning admission or curriculum.
STANDARDIZED TESTS
Some of the 105 colleges of pharmacy require the Scholastic
Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Assessment
(ACT) for admission. Many also require or recommend the Pharmacy
College Admission Test (PCAT).
For more information about PCAT go to www.pcatweb.info
PREPARATION COURSEWORK
* This list below simply gives an overview of what most Pharmacy
schools are looking for in subject area that relates to courses
provided at UCLA. Individual schools will determine how many
courses or units you will need in the specific subject areas
so it is important to consult the school for more specific
information.
• BIOLOGY
Taking the Life Sciences series 1-4 can satisfy one-year of
biology with lab. The study of biological sciences, including
anatomy, physiology, zoology and biochemistry, is important
for building a strong foundation of knowledge of natural drugs
and their actions within the body. This will prepare you for
the Biology section of the PCAT.
• CHEMISTRY
Chemistry 14A, 14B/BL, 14C/CL, 14D or Chemistry 20A, 20B/L,
30A/AL, 30B/BL, 30C will cover general and organic chemistry
courses. Many schools will list how much lab work they are
looking for in both general and organic chemistry. This can
vary quite a bit amoungst schools. The chemistry coursework
will prepare you for the Chemistry section of the PCAT.
• BIOCHEMISTRY
Chemistry 153A/153L (biochemistry) Some schools will require
chem 153B and 153C as well, please check with them individually
to confirm.
• HUMAN ANATOMY
Phy Sci 13 (offered only in the summer or through UCLA Extension)
• MICROBIOLOGY
MIMG 101 and 101L, some schools will also accept MIMG 102/102L),
embryology (MCD Bio 138), histology (EE Bio 157), and cellular
biology (any upper division cell biology class will work for
most schools) are all recommended. Check with individual department
counselors for availability of upper division courses.
• PHYSIOLOGY
Phy Sci 3, 5, 166 (whole animal or human physiology) Phy Sci
3 is offered only in the summer. Some schools require human physiology with lab. Check with
individual schools.
• PHYSICS
Physics 6A, 6B, 6C or 6AH, 6BH, 6CH or 1A, 1B, 1C, 4AL, 4BL
is one year of calculus-based physics with lab.
• MATH
Math 3A, 3B, 3C or 31A, 31B, 32A is one year calculus. Several
schools require one year of college level math. For other schools,
this requirement is strongly recommended, especially as preparation
for physics. The one year of math can possibly include statistics
(10, M11, M12, 13, Biostatistics or Biomath, Psychology 100A*)
and/or computer programming classes (PIC 10A, 10B, 10C). One
quarter of statistics is required for some schools including
UCLA, and strongly recommended for others. These courses will
prepare you for the Quantitative Ability section of the PCAT.
• ENGLISH
The amount of English will differ between schools. The majority
require at least two courses. Writing I and Writing II courses,
select general education literature courses, and any upper
division English literature or English Composition courses
should satisfy this requirement. A list of additional English
courses that will satisfy this requirement can be found at
http://career.ucla.edu/gradschool/health/englishreq.asp. These
courses will prepare you for the Verbal Ability and Reading
Comprehension sections of the PCAT.
• ECONOMICS
Basic economic theory is required or strongly recommended.
Econ 1 and/or 2 are possibilities to fulfill this requirement.
Some schools will require micro or macro specifically.
• HUMAN BEHAVIOR
Psychology, Sociology, Cultural Anthropology or similar courses
• SPEECH
Some schools may require at least one course in speech communications/oral
communication competency. This can possibly be satisfied through
Comm. Studies 10 or Speech 1.
Other STRONGLY RECOMMENDED courses
• Other HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCE courses are strongly
recommended
Courses in the following can enhance your communication skills
and overall understanding of the world: Anthropology, Communication
Studies, Economics, any ethnic studies area (e.g. Women’s Studies,
LGBT Studies, Afro-American Studies, Chicana/Chicano Studies,
Near Eastern Studies), Philosophy, Political Science.
• COMPUTER SKILLS are highly recommended
Many programs have incorporated computers and electronic media
into their curriculum. It is not necessary to take computer
courses if you feel you have sufficient knowledge. Several
programs are strongly recommending that students own a computer.
Other programs have indicated that students will soon have
to purchase a computer as part of the requirements of their
program.
UCLA is not responsible for coursework being accepted by recipient
schools.
In addition to academic preparation, you should evaluate your
personal qualifications to meet pharmacy's demands for judgment,
dependability, and conscientious performance. Pharmacists,
by law, are entrusted with the proper handling and dispensing
of potentially dangerous and habit-forming substances. They
must have high ethical standards, communicate well with patients
and other health care providers, maintain reliable records,
and be knowledgeable about existing and new medications on
the market to ensure each patient has optimal drug therapy
results. Pre- pharmacy students are also encouraged to participate
in an internship experience in a pharmacy setting in order
to become acquainted with the field prior to making formal
application to selected professional programs.
Useful Websites:
www.career.ucla.edu
www.aacp.org
www.pharmweb.net
www.pharmacy.org
www.ashp.org
www.aphanet.org
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ADDITIONAL
INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
HOW
CAN THE UCLA CAREER CENTER HELP?
CAREER
EXPLORATION
A
combination of written information, experiential opportunities,
testimonials or exposure to others and academic experience
are helpful in exploring possible career opportunities. The
career center affords various resources and services to assist
students in this process including the Career Center Library,
Workshops, Counseling, assessments, and special programming.
A career in pharmacy requires diligence and a desire to help
people. Make sure this is the career you desire and take
the steps necessary to attain your goals.
HEALTH
CARE RELATED INTERNSHIPS
Experiential
educational and volunteer programs are an excellent way
to expand your knowledge of the health professions beyond
the classroom. Participation in health related internships
will strengthen your application to professional schools
and provide exposure experiences that can be highlighted
in the personal statement. A select number of health care
internships focusing on research, legislation and public
policy are available through the Career Center's internship
office on a local, national and international basis. A
sampling of internship opportunities include (but are not
limited to) the National Institute of Health, the Surgeon
General's Office, Cedar Sinai, AIDS Action, the U.S. Dept.
of Health and Human Services and the American Heart Association.
Visit the Career Center's Internship and Study Abroad Services
Office for a resource sheet handout providing an overview
of health related internships. Please visit career.ucla.edu for
more information.
MOCK
INTERVIEW
After
reviewing your materials, most schools grant interviews
prior to making final decisions regarding admissions. The
Career Center offers Interviewing workshops as well as
an opportunity to receive a mock interview and feedback
prior to your actual interviews.
ADDITIONAL
RESOURCES
LIBRARY
Careers
In Pharmacy, Brenda M. Ecclestone, ed. Pharmaceutical
Press
Opportunities
In Pharmacy Careers, Fred B. Gable VGM Career Horizons/NTC
The
Pfizer Guide: Pharmacy Career Opportunities, 2nd ed. N.a.
Merritt Communications, Inc.
Pharmacy
School Admission Requirements, American Association
of Colleges of Pharmacy American Association of Colleges
of Pharmacy
Pharmacy
Student Companion, The: Your Road Map To Pharmacy Education
And Careers, 3rd Ed., Daniel H. Albrant & Linda
R. Harteker American Pharmaceutical Association
WEB
For information on pharmacy as a career,
pre-professional and professional requirements, programs
offered by all the colleges of pharmacy, and student
financial aid, contact:
American
Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, 1426 Prince St., Alexandria,
VA 22314. Internet: www.aacp.org
Pharm
Web www.pharmweb.net
Pharmacy
Virtual Library www.pharmacy.org
General
information on careers in pharmacy is available from:
American
Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 7272 Wisconsin Ave.,
Bethesda, MD 20814. Internet: www.ashp.org
American
Pharmaceutical Association, 2215 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington,
DC 20037-2985. Internet: www.aphanet.org
National
Association of Chain Drug Stores, 413 N. Lee St., P.O. Box
1417-D49, Alexandria, VA 22313-1480. Internet: www.nacds.org
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