Pharmacy

A pre-pharmacy degree is an educational credential that helps prepare students to become pharmacists. Pre-pharmacy degree programs comprise prerequisite courses that students accomplish prior to entering pharmacy school and earning their doctorate. A pre-pharmacy degree also helps students prepare for the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), which is a national exam required by most pharmacy schools.Pre-pharmacy programs are sometimes compared to pre-med programs because, at most academic institutions, pre-med and pre-pharmacy programs don't culminate in a specific degree. Many students decide to earn a bachelor's degree In a subject that overlaps with the pre-pharmacy prerequisite courses. Pre-pharmacy classes may vary by institution, but typically contain the following prerequisites:

• Biology

• Physics

• General chemistry

• Microbiology

• Physiology

The national average salary for pharmacists is $133,953 per year, but it ranges from $104,137 to $172,306 per year depending on geographic location, experience and industry. The top industries for pharmacists are general merchandise stores, food and beverage stores, hospitals and drug stores.

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is a standardized test used for admissions to pharmacy schools in the United States and Canada. It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge needed for pharmaceutical education. The PCAT consists of five subtests: Biological Processes, Chemical Processes, Critical Reading, Quantitative Reasoning, and a Writing Prompt. 

Key aspects of the PCAT:

• Purpose: To assess applicants' suitability for pharmacy programs. 

• Structure: Four multiple-choice sections (Biological Processes, Chemical Processes, Critical Reading, and Quantitative Reasoning) and a writing section. 

• Content: The multiple-choice sections include a mix of stand-alone questions, case studies, and short reading passages. The writing prompt requires an original essay. 

• Scoring: The PCAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 600. 

Pre-pharmacy programs typically require students to complete foundational courses in science and mathematics. These include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, physics, and calculus. Additionally, many programs require courses in communication, humanities, and psychology. 

Detailed Breakdown of Required Courses:

• Chemistry: General Chemistry I & II, and Organic Chemistry I & II are almost universally required. 

• Biology: General Biology I & II, and often Anatomy and Physiology (or A&P I & II) are also required. 

• Microbiology: A microbiology course is a standard requirement. 

• Physics: A physics course is frequently required.