Pre-Pharmacy

Congratulations on your interest in becoming a Pharmacist! As a pre-Pharmacy student at Radford University, you will have unique opportunities to engage in research, complete Pharmacy school course prerequisites, participate in STEM clubs, and so much more; all while learning in a community-based education environment. Radford’s small class sizes and demanding laboratory experiences will allow you to connect with faculty and study with classmates in a way that prepares you for the rigors of Pharmacy school.

While there is not a Pre-Pharmacy degree, most students choose to major in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Psychology and often minor in programs that celebrate their individual interest. However, pre-Pharmacy students have the opportunity to select a major that reflects their primary interests, so long as the specific Pharmacy school’s prerequisite courses are complete. Pharmacy school prerequisites often include biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, but all pre-Pharmacy students must investigate the specific requirements of each institution where an application will be sent. As a pre-Pharmacy student, you and your advisor will compose a degree path that suits your interests and best prepares you for Pharmacy school. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) website is also a valuable resource when considering Pharmacy school after graduating from Radford University.

Use AACP’s website as a resource to investigate all things pre-Pharmacy, including information that will help you decide if pharmacy is the right career path for you)

Is pharmacy right for me?

If you are interested in learning more about Pharmacy as a potential career path, try taking this quiz and reading more about Pharmacy as a career option here

Pre-Pharmacy Pathway

The information and roadmap laid out below is recomended by Pharmacy is Right for Me.

Pharmacy Study (First 2-4 years):

Coursework may be completed at any accredited college or university. Some pharmacy schools offer early assurance pathways to pre-pharmacy students. Most pharmacy schools do not require students to complete a bachelor’s degree before entering the professional Pharm. D. curriculum.

Pharmacy College or School (3-4 years):

Most pharmacy colleges and school in the U.S. require 4 years of study in the professional Pharm. D. curriculum. Some pharmacy institutions offer accelerated programs that require the same amount of professional coursework to be completed within 3 years.

Licensure Exam and State Board Requirements:

All Pharm. D. graduates must successfully complete the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and other licensure assessments required by a state board of pharmacy before they can legally practice as a pharmacist in the U.S.

Other Career Development Options:

  • Residency: 1-2 years of postgraduate training focused on certain patient populations or disease states in a clinical setting
  • Fellowship: individualized postgraduate training with a focus in academia, research, or industry
  • Other degrees: Licensed pharmacists may choose to become board certified to demonstrate pharmacy expertise in a specialty area of practice, such as Cardiology, Critical Care, Geriatric, Infectious Diseases, Pediatric, and Psychiatric.