Future Pharmacy Students
Why Pharmacy?
Pharmacists are medication experts who enhance patient care and promote wellness. You will use your professional knowledge as a pharmacist to prepare and dispense prescriptions, ensure medicines and doses are correct, prevent harmful drug interactions, and counsel patients on the safe and appropriate use of their medications. As a pharmacist, you will have unique and specialized expertise about the composition of medicines, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties, as well as their manufacture and use. Other health care professionals will rely on you to select and administer medications that offer the best results and quality of life for a particular patient. As a pharmacist you may prepare personalized medications, participate in patient rounds at the hospital, reduce the spread of infections, conduct research or clinical trials, or focus on a specific patient population or disease state (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, asthma, HIV, and pain management). Be a pharmacist and help people live better, healthier lives!
Admissions
Ready to apply? The Admissions section allows you to explore resources regarding the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), Pharmacy School Admission Requirements, the Cooperative Admissions Guidelines (CAG), and Frequently Asked Questions.
Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
This entrance exam is no longer required by any colleges and schools of pharmacy and will be retired in 2024. Learn more here.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Find resources on funding and scholarship opportunities available to future and current student pharmacists.
Background Checks and Drug Testing
Colleges and schools of pharmacy require criminal background checks and drug testing as part of the admissions or enrollment process.
International Students and Graduates
Non-U.S. citizens and international pharmacy graduates who wish to pursue pharmacy in the United States can find pertinent information about next steps on the International Students and Graduates page.
Non-Traditional Students
Pharmacists who previously earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in pharmacy can choose to pursue a Pharm.D. degree program. Learn more on the Non-Traditional Students page.
School Locator
The School Locator allows you to view the AACP member schools and colleges of pharmacy around the world.
Do you want to be a pharmacist? Review the information below and visit AACP's Pharmacy Is Right for Me website to learn more about pharmacy education and career pathways! A diverse and rewarding career with opportunities for patient care, scientific research, and innovation – Pharmacy might be right for you!
