Pre-Pharmacy
Studying pre-pharmacy is a preparatory phase for those aspiring to become pharmacists or work in related pharmaceutical fields. The program provides the necessary academic foundation, practical experience, and skills required for success in pharmacy school and beyond.
Carthage has numerous faculty/staff members to support your journey to professional school. Make sure you are working closely with your assigned faculty advisor to address any questions relating to your major or minor requirements. For questions regarding pharmacy school requirements and preparation, please contact a pre-health coordinator.
While different schools will have different expectations on what classes you should take, the following are often required.
- 2 Semesters of Introductory Biology (BIO 1110 and BIO 1120)
- General Chemistry with Labs (CHEM 1010 and CHEM 1020)
- Organic Chemistry with Labs (CHEM 2070 and CHEM 2080)
- 1-2 Semesters of Physics (PHY 2100 and PHY 2110 or PHY 2200 and PHY 2210)
- Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 2010 and 2020 or BIO 3300 and 3310)
- Microbiology (BIO 3340)
- 1-2 Semesters of Calculus (MTH 1120 and 1220)
- Statistics (MTH 1050)
- 2 English Courses (COR 1200 and another course)
- Public Speaking (CDM 1200)
Other suggested courses
- Ethics (ex. Contemporary Ethical Issues – PHL 1100)
- Introduction to Sociology (SOC 1000)
- Introduction to Psychology (PSY 1500)
- Biochemistry (CHM 3010)
- Principles of Microeconomics (ECN 1010)
- Advanced Cell Biology (BIO 3500)
Preparing for professional school starts year one at Carthage, and we are here to help you each step of the way! We recommend that you reach out to your advising team as soon as possible regarding your plans so they can help you start preparing.
Applying to Healthcare Professional School
Carthage students usually apply to around 4-7 schools in total. However, the number of schools you are applying to may change based on your qualifications, test scores, and level of interest in the colleges you are considering applying to. You should only apply to schools you would genuinely consider attending.
Applications will be submitted through the PharmCAS platform. This opens in the summer, and if you plan on attending right after your undergraduate degree, you should apply in the summer of your junior year. Since Pharmacy School has a rolling admissions decision process, it is recommended that you have all materials ready when the platform opens and submit them in mid-July. Your application will be most competitive if you submit it before September 1. Below is the list of application materials.
- Shadowing hours
- PCAT scores (if required)
- Personal statement
- Three or more letters of recommendation
- Transcripts (official copy)
Shadowing and Volunteering Amount/Location
We advise you to shadow in various settings, with at least 50 hours per set. While schools require different minimums for shadowing, having at least 150 hours puts you in a competitive position. You should be shadowing in different pharmacy settings and under different pharmacists.
Entrance Exam: PCAT
The pharmacy schools you plan to apply to may or may not require the PCAT. Make sure you check your list of schools you plan to apply to before registering. Preparing for the PCAT largely depends on you and how you study. You should pace out study hours around your own current and anticipated schedules. Less or more time studying may vary depending on how extensive your knowledge of the material is. We recommend that you take the PCAT at least one full year before you submit your application. This would align with the summer going into junior year or the fall of your junior year, allowing adequate time to prepare if you need to retake it and ensures you have your results before your application deadline.
Personal Statement
You will need to submit a personal statement with your application. To help craft your personal statement, attend our Personal Statement Workshop, typically held in the fall semester.
Letters of Recommendation
Expect to send around 2-3 letters of recommendation, with four being the maximum that the PharmCAS will allow. While different schools may have different requirements as to where these letters should be coming from, it is typical to need at least one from a science faculty member and one from a healthcare worker you shadowed under.
You should ask within six months of working with the professor or pharmacist you are asking for a letter from or 2-3 months at the latest before the application deadline. This way, they have adequate time to reflect upon their experience and write the best possible letter they can.
3+4 Program with Rosalind Franklin University
Carthage has a 3+4 program with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. If students successfully complete 96 credits from Carthage and fulfill all stipulated degree requirements, they could be eligible for early admission to Rosalind Franklin. Once they successfully complete 45 pharmacy credit hours, they will be granted both a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and a Doctor of Pharmacy from Rosalind Franklin. If you are interested in this, please reach out to the pre-health advising team.
3+3 Program with Medical College of Wisconsin
Carthage has a 3+3 program with the Medical College of Wisconsin. The 3+3 dual-degree program consists of three years at Carthage and then three years at the Medical College of Wisconsin, allowing students to finish their studies sooner and save significantly on tuition. Qualifying Carthage students receive automatic admission to the School of Pharmacy at the Medical College, leading to both bachelor’s and doctorate degrees. If you are interested in this, please contact the pre-health advising team.
Learn more about the Pharmacy Dual-Degree Opportunities at Carthage
Please note that different professions require different degrees and levels of education.
Hospital Pharmacist
Hospital pharmacists specialize in managing the medication therapy for hospitalized patients, collaborating with doctors and nurses to ensure appropriate drug use and adjust treatments as necessary.
Industrial Pharmacist
Industrial pharmacists work within pharmaceutical manufacturing companies to ensure that drugs are produced according to quality standards, helping with formulation, production, and quality control.
Pharmaceutical Research Scientist
Pharmaceutical research scientists conduct studies to develop new drugs, improve existing medications, or explore innovative treatments, often working in laboratories or with pharmaceutical companies.
Pharmacist
Pharmacists dispense medications, provide patient counseling on proper drug use, monitor for drug interactions, and collaborate with healthcare providers to optimize therapeutic outcomes.
Pharmacovigilance Specialist
Pharmacovigilance specialists monitor and assess the safety of pharmaceutical products, collecting data on side effects or adverse reactions and helping to ensure drugs are safe for public use.