TCTC PRE-PHARMACY PROGRAM GUIDE
The Pre-Pharmacy major serves the role of a preparatory major for the Doctor of Pharmacy (professional)
program. For admission into the professional curriculum leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.),
completion of the entire Pre-Pharmacy program is required, after which successful applicants to the Pharm.D.
program continue their studies for an additional four years. Admission into and completion of the PrePharmacy program does not guarantee admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy Program.
The entire curriculum is highly structured, allowing time for only a modest amount of elective study. The
specific courses required vary between schools so you must carefully consider this fact as you plan your
course of study. In general the pre-pharmacy curriculum includes a strong background in the sciences and
mathematics as well as varied courses in the arts and humanities.
There is a similar “core” of classes that most all pharmacy schools require. Beyond this core, each school may
have additional classes that they require or highly recommend. A complete listing of schools, websites, and
prerequisite courses is available at http://www.aacp.org/
Although it is possible to complete the pre-pharmacy requirements in 2 years, the majority of student’s now
entering pharmacy school has 3 or more years of college coursework. The “2-year plan” is highly demanding,
and only exceptional students are successful in getting admitted in this accelerated timeframe.
All grades received for college credit will likely be calculated into your GPA, even if you have retaken courses.
If you have taken any courses at a different school or if you have retaken courses, your TCTC GPA will not
reflect the accurate GPA calculation for Pharmacy schools. For purposes of Pharmacy College admission, all
grades are reflected. Check with each individual school regarding their policy on retakes. GPA is a vital part of
your application and Pharmacy Colleges will consider your science GPA, non-science GPA and cumulative
GPA.
Minimum GPA considered: typically 3.2 (subject to change)
The PCAT is a standardized examination required by many Pharmacy programs as part of your application.
Average accepted PCAT Composite Score: 66%
If you are considering a career as a pharmacist there are many things to consider, typically, both the steps
involved in the process of becoming a pharmacist as well as the career options available to pharmacists. Even
more importantly, you must consider the responsibilities and qualifications of a Pharmacist relative to your own
abilities.
An excellent source of information which may help you investigate these considerations is a booklet entitled
"Shall I study Pharmacy?" published by the American Association of the Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). The
AACP also has a web page, entitled "Is Pharmacy for You?“ that tells more about the profession of pharmacy
and the career options available to pharmacists.
Your pre-pharmacy advisor is your greatest source of help in this endeavor. Upon entrance to the PrePharmacy program at TCTC, the student is assigned an individual academic advisor. Advisors help in planning
schedules and advise on electives. The advisor is the first person to go to when a student is having academic
or personal problems, and should be considered a personal friend. Remember, your advisor is interested in
you, and has the experience and ability to give you help when you need it. Students are required to meet with
their advisor every semester as part of the regular registration process.
The goal of this program is to provide the basic foundation for admittance to a school of pharmacy. Your
success will depend on your personal commitment to your professional goal. Admission is determined by GPA
and PCAT scores among other factors such as pharmacy work experience, extracurricular activities, and
volunteer or community service.
July 2014
The common “core” of classes includes:
FIRST YEAR
Lec
Lab
3
3
3
3
3
3
0
0
4
4
3
3
14
SECOND SEMESTER
BIO 102
Biological Science II
CHM 111
College Chemistry II
PSY 201
General Psychology
ENG 101
English Composition I
3
3
3
3
3
3
0
0
4
4
3
3
14
FIRST SUMMER SEMESTER
BIO 210
Anatomy and Physiology I
BIO 211
Anatomy and Physiology II
3
3
3
3
4
4
8
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
0
3
0
4
4
3
4
3
18
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
0
0
0
4
4
3
3
3
17
6
0
6
3
0
3
9
FIRST SEMESTER
BIO 101
CHM 110
MAT 130
PHM 101
Biological Science I
College Chemistry I
Elementary Calculus
Introduction to Pharmacy
Credit Hours
SECOND YEAR
THIRD SEMESTER
CHM 211
BIO 225
SPC 205
PHY 201
ENG 102
Organic Chemistry I
Microbiology
Public Speaking
Physics I
English Composition II
FOURTH SEMESTER
CHM 212
Organic Chemistry II
PHY 202
Physics II
*
Humanities Course
CHM 213
Biochemistry
ECO 211
Microeconomics
SECOND SUMMER SEMESTER
Communications/
Social Science Courses
MAT 120
Probability and Statistics
*Most Pharmacy Colleges require an ethics course. Take either PHI 110 or BIO 285
July 2014