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Pre-Pharmacy

Pharmacists are medication experts who play a critical role in helping people get the best results from their medications. Pharmacists prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of their medications. They have specialized expertise about the composition of medicines, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties, as well as their manufacture and use. Other health care professionals rely on pharmacists to select and administer medications that offer the best results and quality of life for a particular patient

(source: Explore Health Careers - Pharmacist)

  • Join the Pre-Health Professions Program and request to be added to the Pre-Pharmacy Email List
  • Meet with the Pre-Health Professions Advisor each semester to make a professional and academic development plan and review your progress
  • Choose a major that you enjoy and that provides a good “back-up plan” and career path in case you change your mind about pharmacy; common majors include chemistry, biology, and medical science, but all majors will be considered if a student completes the prerequisite courses and other admissions standards established by individual pharmacy programs
  • Carefully check admission requirements at pharmacy schools of most interest and take the required coursework (see PSAR Course Prerequisites by School)
  • Use the Pharmacy School Directory to compare programs based on your individual needs and interests.

  • Get shadowing and clinical experience and maintain a formal log (Professional Development Activities Log); be sure to meet clinical experience requirements of your preferred schools, as these vary widely
  • Develop strong relationships with faculty mentors, pharmacy professionals, and others who will be writing letters of reference
  • Get involved in extracurricular, leadership, and volunteer activities
  • Attend Pre-Health Professions Program workshops and networking events

The application process commonly consists of taking the Pharmacy College Aptitude Test (PCAT), applying through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) for those schools who use the service, submitting college transcripts and letters of reference, and participating in invited interviews. The Pre-Health Professions Program office has several study materials to help students prepare for the PCAT. Please contact pre-health@uidaho.edu for more information about the Pre-Health Lending Library.

Pre-Health Professions Program

Physical Address:

Vandal Success Center
Idaho Student Union Building, 3rd floor

Mailing Address:

875 Perimeter Drive MS 2436
Moscow, ID 83844-2436

Phone: 208-885-5809

Email: pre-health@uidaho.edu