Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may provide advice on how to lead a healthy lifestyle, conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, and oversee the medications given to patients. Pharmacists work in pharmacies, including those in grocery and drug stores, in addition to hospitals and clinics. Also, there are exciting opportunities to work in areas of research.
Many students complete an undergraduate degree in biology or chemistry before entering pharmacy school. However, the pre-pharmacy requirements can be completed in about 3 years. The three schools of pharmacy in Georgia are the University of Georgia School of Pharmacy, Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy, and South University School of Pharmacy. The pre-pharmacy curriculum varies slightly among pharmacy schools. Therefore, it is important that students consult with admissions counselors at the individual schools.
Resources for Success
Study + Excel. A competitive GPA is essential when considering a career in the health field. We recommend maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA. Talk with your academic advisor, professors, and the Academic Success Center for help with study skills through various workshops and tutoring.
Resume + Interviews. Create and/or improve your resume at the Office of Career and Professional Development. You can also gain confidence and develop your interview skills with a video-taped mock interview.
Job Shadow. We recommend that you gain experience by shadowing pharmacists in a retail, hospital and/or privately owned pharmacies. Document your experiences in a physical or digital format, and obtain at least one letter of reference from a pharmacist you have shadowed.
Relevant Work Experience. Pharmacy schools like to see relevant experience; consider becoming a Registered Pharmacy Technician to market yourself for part-time employment.
Volunteer + Lead. We recommend that you participate in volunteer activities that benefit others. Contact the Office of Leadership and Community Engagement for more information about volunteering with local weekly trips, Alternative Break Trips, and more. We also recommend that you participate in leadership seminars, workshops, retreats and LEAD courses. Get involved and join a student club or organization, such as the Future Pharmacists’ Association.
Connect + Explore. Get to know your professors and local health care professionals. These individuals are valuable resources for research experience, volunteering, shadowing and letters of recommendation. Consider Study Abroad programs through the Office of International Programs and Services. Attend information sessions, workshops, field trips, and other events for pre-pharmacy students offered by the Office of Medical Professions Advising.
Research. Talk with your professors and peers who are involved with undergraduate research and consider opportunities within the College of Science and Mathematics.
Biology and Anatomy/Physiology Courses
- BIOL 1107/1107L: Principles of Biology I/Lab (4)
- BIOL 1108/1108L: Principles of Biology II/Lab (4)
- Microbiology (one course required)*
- Options:
- Armstrong: BIOL 2010, 2275, or 4310 (4)*
- Note: each of these courses has at least two prerequisites, be sure to check the course descriptions!
- Statesboro: BIOL 2260 or 4240 (4)
- Note: BIOL 4240 has multiple prerequisites, be sure to check the course description!
- Armstrong: BIOL 2010, 2275, or 4310 (4)*
- Note: many pharmacy schools do not require the lab portion of this course; however, Georgia Southern does not offer a separate lecture and lab for any of the five microbiology course options
- Options:
- Human Anatomy and Physiology (two courses required)*
- Options:
- Armstrong: BIOL 2081/L and BIOL 2082/L*
- Statesboro: KINS 2531 and KINS 2532*
- Note: lectures and labs are not offered separately on the Armstrong Campus; pharmacy schools in Georgia do not require the lab portion of this course.
- Options:
Chemistry Courses
- CHEM 1211K: Principles of Chemistry I/Lab (4)
- CHEM 1212K: Principles of Chemistry II/Lab (4)
- CHEM 3401: Organic Chemistry I/Lab (4)
- CHEM 3402: Organic Chemistry II/Lab (4)
- BCHM 3200: Principles of Biochemistry (3) or BCHM 5201: Biochemistry I/Lab (4)
- Note: pharmacy programs do not require the lab portion of this course
Mathematics and Physics Courses
- MATH 1112 or 1113: Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus, if necessary (3)
- MATH 1441: Calculus I (4)
- STAT 1401: Elementary Statistics (3)
- PHYS 1111K: Intro to Physics I (4), or 2211: Principles of Physics I/Lab (4)
- PHYS 1112K: Intro to Physics II (4), or PHYS 2212K: Principles of Physics II/Lab (4)
Social Science and Other Courses to Consider
- COMM 1110: Principles of Public Speaking (3)
- ENGL 1101: Composition I (3)
- ENGL 1102: Composition II (3)
- Social Sciences*
- World Languages and Culture*
- Humanities*
*Refer to each school’s prerequisite requirements for specific information. Students not planning to complete an undergraduate degree prior to applying to Pharmacy school are strongly encouraged to meet with a Pre-Health Advisor to ensure correct prerequisite courses are planned out and/or fulfilled prior to application.
Pharmacy Schools in Georgia:
- Mercer University, College of Pharmacy – Atlanta, GA
- Philadelphia School of Osteopathic Medicine – Suwanee, GA and Moultrie, GA
- South University – Savannah, GA
- University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy – Athens, GA
Pharmacy Programs in US: PharmCAS PharmD School Directory and American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
