A pre-pharmacy program typically requires classes in natural sciences, like chemistry, physics and biology. Continue reading to learn more about these campus-based programs, what you'll study and your career options.
What Degree Options are Available in Pre-Pharmacy?
Pre-pharmacy programs are undergraduate degree programs meant to prepare people for graduate-level pharmacy training. At some schools, degrees aren't awarded in pre-pharmacy specifically, but rather, they're most commonly awarded in a science area with pre-pharmacy as a designation.
These degree programs are designed to prepare for a career as a pharmacy technician or admission into a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. As of April 2016, pre-pharmacy programs are not offered online. This is likely due to the lab requirements for the science courses. However, after graduating from a pre-pharmacy program, some schools allow students to complete Pharm.D. degrees online.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b> Degree Levels</b></td><td> Associate, bachelor's</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Calculus, statistics, biology, chemistry, and physiology</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Other Requirements</b></td><td> Registration with a state pharmacy board may be necessary depending on post-graduation plans</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Options</b></td><td> Pharmacy technician, pharmaceutical sales, pharmaceutical manufacturing</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Median Salary (2020)</b> </td><td> $35,100 (<i>for all pharmacy technicians </i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td><b> Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td> 4% growth (<i>for all pharmacy technicians</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatTopicsWillIStudy">What Topics Will I Study?</h3><p>A typical pre-pharmacy major accounts for about 60 credits of coursework that's prerequisite to a Pharm.D. program. The courses include a strong foundation in calculus, statistics, biology, chemistry and physiology. You could also take specific pharmacy classes training you in the different drugs and their effects, especially when combined with other pharmaceuticals. Other topics you may study include:
</p><ul><li>Measuring techniques
</li><li>Symptoms of disease
</li><li>Disease immunology
</li><li>Reasons for treatment
</li><li>Experimental design
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AreThereAnyOtherQualifications">Are There Any Other Qualifications?</h3><p>If you want to become a pharmacy technician after completing your pre-pharmacy training, you'll likely need to register with your state's board of pharmacy. Although certification isn't required, you can become certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board by passing the national Pharmacy Certification Technician Exam (<i>www.ptcb.org</i>). This can lead to more employment opportunities. If you want to continue your studies to become a pharmacist, you must earn the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Entrance requirements for the Pharm.D. include a bachelor's degree and the pre-pharmacy courses.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatOtherCareerOptionsAreAvailable">What Other Career Options Are Available?</h3><p>Although the purpose of the pre-pharmacy degree is to work as a pharmacy technician or to continue your studies in pharmacy, you can still pursue other options. For instance, with a bachelor's degree you could become a pharmaceutical sales technician, which involves selling pharmaceuticals to hospitals, physicians, nursing homes and other medical facilities. You could also go into pharmaceutical manufacturing, where you could develop and set up testing for new products and medications.</p>
