Pre-Pharmacy
January 8, 2025 2025-12-09 15:36Pre-Pharmacy
Prepare for Pharmacy School
Pre-Pharmacy
Develop the knowledge needed for pharmaceutical studies.
Pre-Professional Program in Pharmaceuticals
The Pre-Pharmacy Advising Track is not a major — it is a specialized advising program designed for students interested in applying to Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programs. Pharmacy schools accept students from a range of majors, but most require a focused background in chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. The track supports you in completing those requirements while also helping you plan for pharmacy-related experience and the PharmCAS application process.
Whether you major in Chemistry, Biomedical Science, or another field, the Pre-Pharmacy Advising Track provides structured guidance on prerequisites, recommended electives, pharmacy shadowing, entrance exam expectations, and building a strong professional profile. Faculty advisors work with you to ensure that your academic and experiential preparation aligns with the expectations of PharmD programs nationwide.
How to Declare a Pre-Pharmacy Advising Track
To officially join:
- Contact the Office of Academic Advising.
- Request to declare the Pre-Pharmacy Advising Track.
- You will be connected with a faculty advisor with expertise in pharmacy preparation.
Declaring ensures access to correct course sequencing, professional preparation support, and application resources.
Recommended Majors
Pharmacy programs do not require a specific major, but Lynchburg students typically choose:
Students in Public Health or Exercise Physiology may also pursue a career in pharmacy with careful course planning.
Prerequisite Courses for Pharmacy School
Most PharmD programs require:
Core Sciences
- General Chemistry (2 semesters with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (2 semesters with lab)
- Biology (2 semesters with lab)
- Microbiology
- Human Anatomy & Physiology (I and II)
Additional Requirements
- Calculus
- Statistics
- Physics
- English Composition
- Social Sciences
- Public Speaking (preferred or required by some programs)
Some programs may also require Biochemistry or upper-level biology electives.
Recommended Lynchburg Courses
- CHEM 111, 112, 221, 222
- BIOL 113, 114
- PHYS 161–162 or PHYS 141–142
- ENGL 123W
- Additional upper-level biology and chemistry electives, such as Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Cell Biology
Clinical & Pharmacy Experience
Pharmacy schools strongly prefer applicants with direct exposure to the profession. Recommended experiences include:
- Shadowing a licensed pharmacist
- Volunteering in community pharmacies
- Assisting in hospital pharmacy settings
- Participating in healthcare outreach or vaccination clinics
- Working as a pharmacy technician (optional but encouraged)
These experiences strengthen your understanding of the profession and demonstrate your commitment to the field.
What Jobs Can I Get With Pre-Pharmacy?
Graduates typically continue their education in pharmacy school to become pharmacists. Job titles include:
- Pharmacist: $128,000
- Clinical Pharmacist: $120,000
- Pharmacy Technician: $34,000
- Pharmaceutical Sales Representative: $84,000
- Pharmacy Manager: $140,000
- Research Pharmacist: $110,000
- Hospital Pharmacist: $120,000
- Community Pharmacist: $125,000
- Compounding Pharmacist: $130,000
- Regulatory Affairs Specialist: $90,000
Salary and job projections come from national averages in the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other sources, including Glassdoor, Indeed, and industry-specific posts and publications. The data is meant to provide you with an idea of career options and salary ranges, not as a guarantee of obtaining these positions after graduation. These represent national averages and may vary by source and time frame collected. Actual salaries vary by region. Some jobs may require additional training or graduate education.
