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    Pharmacists educate patients about prescription and over-the-counter medications, advise other health care professionals on drug decisions for patients, provide expertise about the composition of drugs, including chemical, biological and physical properties as well as use, endure drug purity and strength, ensure drugs do not interact in a harmful way.

    Acceptance to pharmacy schools is extremely competitive and requires not only a strong academic record and standardized test (PCAT) Pharmacy College Admission Test score, but pharmacy schools also expect evidence of:
    • Leadership
    • Service/Volunteerism
    • Written and oral communication skills
    • A working knowledge of the health profession
    • Research
    Students interested in a career in Pharmacy have the option of completing a four-year degree in any major or completing only two years of study before starting pharmacy school, as long as the required courses are taken.

    Most students choose the 4 year option majoring in chemistry (health professions track). Students interested in pharmacy, come from a variety of educational backgrounds, including those who majored in English, business, communications biology, etc.  Students should major in the subject they enjoy most.  This will more than likely ensure better grades and better understanding since the majority of the courses he/she is taking are ones that he/she enjoys.

    Academic Admission Requirements: VARIES by pharmacy school, but usually require the following courses. If you are interested in Pharmacy contact the schools you are interested in applying to and verify their pre- requisite courses.
    Students interested in pharmacy school must take the following courses regardless of their major:

    Courses   Recommended
    English FYS 101, ENG 102 Freshmen Yr
    General Chemistry
    with Lab    		 CHM 111, CHM 112 Freshmen Yr
    General Biology
    with Lab    		 BIO 101, BIO 102 Freshmen Yr
    Organic Chemistry
    with Lab    		 CHM 227, CHM 228 Sophomore Yr
    Physics
    with Lab    		 PHY 201, PHY 202 OR PHY 223, PHY 224 Sophomore Yr
    Math* Calc I, II, (MAT 111, MAT 112) or stats (MAT 141 or PSY 201)
    (1-2 semesters) some combination of      		 Freshmen Yr
    Humanities and/or
    Social/Behavioral Science    		 One to four semesters of psychology, sociology, anthropology, speech communications, U.S. history, theology and/or philosophy.  
    Anatomy/Physiology** BIO 107, BIO 108 Junior/Senior Yr
    Microbiology
    with Lab**    		 BIO 307 Junior/Senior Yr
    Biochemistry** BCH 301 Junior/Senior Yr
    Economics ECO 101 OR ECO 102
    One semester of micro or macro economics    		 Junior Yr

    *Chemistry majors must take MAT 141
    **Some schools may require

    AP Credit: Most health professional schools do not accept AP credit in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.  Students with AP credit in a science are highly advised to take the freshman sequence (CHM 111/112, BIO 101/102).

    NOTE:  The program is flexible; it represents a model that could be modified to meet the requirements of most departments.  Once students have decided upon a major, they must design their own curriculum with the guidance and approval of both the chair of that major and a Health Science advisor.  The program must meet the requirements of the core curriculum, the particular major chosen and the requirements of the health-professional schools.
    For more information:
    American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP)     www.aacp.org
    Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) www.pharmcas.org
    Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)     www.tpcweb.com/pse/g-conts0.htm
    Graduate Record Exam (GRE) www.gre.org

    NOTE: Not all pharmacy schools use PharmCas, the PCAT or the GRE be sure to check with the schools you are applying to so that you apply correctly and take the correct admission exam.

    Canisius Students have gone on to the following programs:

    • University at Buffalo, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Buffalo, NY
    • University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
    • St. John Fisher College, Wegmans School of Pharmacy, Rochester, NY
    • Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Erie, PA
    • Midwestern University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Pharmacy, Downers Grove, IL
    • Duquesne University, Mylan School of Pharmacy, Pittsburg, PA