Pharmacy School Admissions Requirements
Most pharmacy degree programs in the U.S. participate in the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) for admission. Designed for first-year professional pharmacy degree applicants, PharmCAS offers a simple, efficient process to apply to multiple colleges and schools of pharmacy using a single web-based application.
The PharmCAS application opens in July for enrollment in the following year. School deadlines vary from November 1 through June 1. The PharmCAS website provides detailed information on the application process.
Prerequisites
Prerequisites for admission vary by school. Specific college requirements can be found in the PharmCAS Compare Pharm.D. Programs feature but typical prerequisite courses may include:
- General Chemistry and Biology
- Physics
- Organic Chemistry
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Biochemistry
- Microbiology
- Calculus
- Statistics
- English Composition
- Public Speaking
- Ethics or Philosophy
- Humanities
- Behavioral & Social Science
- Economics
Additionally, visit the Pharm.D. and Graduate Program directories for additional program information including features, location, deadlines, and contact information.
The Pharm.D. and Graduate Directories provide valuable information on the application process and requirements for all listed programs. Each directory page provides concise summaries of the unique features offered, including important application deadlines, contact information, and links to each program’s website.
Use the Compare Pharm.D. Programs section to explore and compare your desired programs using up-to-date statistics.
Entrance Exams
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and PCAT Practice Tests will be retired in 2024. The final PCAT testing cycle will be offered during the 2023–2024 (next) admissions cycle on the following dates:
- July 6, 2023
- October 16–27, 2023
- January 3–9, 2024
Applicants in the 2022–2023 (current) admissions cycle will be unaffected.
Some Pharm.D. Programs will have other entrance exam requirements and those can be found under the “PCAT and Other Tests“ page of the PharmCAS School Directory.