Your Pathway to a Pharmacy CareerPre-Pharmacy Associate in Science Transfer Program
Program Overview
The Pre-Pharmacy Associate in Science Transfer Program prepares students for entry into competitive Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy programs at four-year institutions. This two-year program provides a strong foundation in sciences and mathematics while meeting most pre-requisite requirements for advanced pharmacy studies.
Designed as a transfer pathway, this program allows students to complete general education and science requirements at a more affordable community college before transferring to a pharmacy school. Students will receive comprehensive academic advising to ensure their coursework transfers smoothly to their intended four-year institution.
Strong Science Foundation
Rigorous coursework in biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology provides the scientific foundation necessary for success in pharmacy school.
Transfer Pathways
Established transfer agreements with multiple pharmacy schools ensure smooth transition of credits and continued academic progress.
Hands-on Experience
Opportunities for laboratory work, research projects, and potential healthcare volunteer experiences enhance practical understanding.
Dedicated Advising
Pre-pharmacy academic advisors provide personalized guidance on course selection, transfer requirements, and application processes.
Program Curriculum
The Pre-Pharmacy Associate in Science Transfer Program consists of approximately 60-64 credit hours designed to meet the requirements of most pre-pharmacy programs. The curriculum includes:
Required Science Courses
- Biology I & II with labs
- General Chemistry I & II with labs
- Organic Chemistry I & II with labs
- Physics I with lab
- Microbiology with lab
- Anatomy & Physiology I & II with labs
Mathematics and Statistics
- Calculus I
- Statistics for Health Sciences
English and Communication
- English Composition I & II
- Public Speaking or Introduction to Communication
Social Sciences and Humanities
- Introduction to Psychology
- Introduction to Sociology or Humanities Elective
- Economics (Microeconomics recommended)
- Ethics or Philosophy
Sample Semester Plan
| SEMESTER 1 (FALL) | SEMESTER 2 (SPRING) | SEMESTER 3 (FALL) | SEMESTER 4 (SPRING) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition I | English Composition II | Organic Chemistry I + Lab | Organic Chemistry II + Lab |
| General Biology I | General Biology II | Microbiology | Presentation Comm/Public Speaking |
| College Algebra/Pre-Calculus | General Chemistry II + Lab | Anatomy & Physiology I | Anatomy & Physiology II |
| General Chemistry I + Lab | Introduction to Psychology | Humanities Elective | Social Science Elective |
| Freshman Seminar | Statistics |
Benefits of the Program
- Cost-Effective: Complete lower-division requirements at a fraction of the cost of four-year institutions.
- Small Class Sizes: Benefit from individualized attention in science courses.
- Expert Faculty: Learn from dedicated professors focused solely on teaching.
- Transfer Agreements: Take advantage of articulated transfer agreements with various pharmacy schools.
- Flexible Scheduling: Evening and online course options accommodate working students.
- Support Services: Access to tutoring, writing centers, and academic advising.
Transfer Opportunities
Our graduates have successfully transferred to prestigious pharmacy programs nationwide, including:
- State University College of Pharmacy
- Metropolitan University School of Pharmacy
- River Valley College of Pharmacy
- Mid-Atlantic University Health Sciences
- Coastal University College of Pharmacy
Transfer requirements vary by institution. Our pre-pharmacy advisors work closely with students to ensure they complete the specific courses needed for their target pharmacy school. Most pharmacy programs also require the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), and our curriculum provides excellent preparation for this examination.
Career Outlook
The pharmacy profession continues to offer rewarding career opportunities with competitive salaries and diverse work environments. According to recent statistics:
- Employment of pharmacists is projected to grow in various healthcare settings.
- The median annual wage for pharmacists is approximately $128,000.
- Pharmacists work in retail pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and government agencies.
- Specialized areas include clinical pharmacy, pharmaceutical research, regulatory affairs, and academic pharmacy.
Admission Requirements
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Completion of high school biology and chemistry with a grade of C or higher
- Placement into college-level mathematics and English based on placement test or SAT/ACT scores
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 (3.0 preferred)
- Strong performance in science coursework
Next Steps
To apply to the Pre-Pharmacy Associate in Science Transfer Program:
- Complete the college application form
- Submit official high school transcripts or GED scores
- Submit official transcripts from any previous college coursework
- Take college placement tests if required
- Attend a pre-pharmacy program orientation session
Once admitted, students will be assigned a pre-pharmacy advisor who will help develop a personalized academic plan customized to their transfer goals.
Important Note
Admission to pharmacy school is competitive. Students should maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0, though most pharmacy schools prefer a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Additionally, many pharmacy schools require volunteer or work experience in a pharmacy setting. Our program provides guidance on acquiring these valuable experiences.
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