Pre-Professional

Pre-Pharmacy

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At the University of Kentucky, pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and academic program of study. Pre-professional advisors offer support and guidance to University of Kentucky students, from all majors, interested in applying to pharmacy programs. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, pre-professional advisors also direct students to University programs, such as UK Education Abroad or UK Service and Community Engagement, that foster well-rounded pharmacy school applicants. 

What courses should I take?

Please note that pharmacy school admissions requirements vary from school to school. Research schools early for specific information about requirements.

The following courses are generally required for most pharmacy schools:

  • One semester of biology with labs
  • Two semesters of general chemistry with labs
  • Two semesters of organic chemistry with labs
  • One semester or two quarters of microbiology
  • Two semesters of human anatomy/physiology
  • One semester of statistics
  • One semester of biochemistry
  • One semester of business
  • Two semesters of English
  • One semester of oral communications

 

Interested in the UK College of Pharmacy?

The pre-pharmacy pathway provides guidance for students preparing to apply to any pharmacy school. For specific details about the UK College of Pharmacy program and application process, visit their official admissions page.

Learn More about UK College of Pharmacy


Meet with an Advisor

Students planning to pursue a career path in pharmacy should meet routinely with their primary academic advisor and pre-professional advisors in the Stuckert Career Center. Students can schedule an appointment with a pre-professional advisor in the Stuckert Career Center through Handshake or by emailing UKCareerCenter@uky.edu.

Pre-pharmacy students are strongly encouraged to attend pre-pharmacy workshops, meetings, and events at the UK College of Pharmacy each semester. 


Imagine Your Future

Pharmacists

Pharmacists dispense prescription medications and provide information to patients about the drugs and their use.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.

Median Salary

$136,030

per year in 2023

Number of Jobs

334,200

in 2023

10 Year Job Outlook

8,700

new jobs (average)

Work Environment

Pharmacists work in pharmacies, including those in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores. They also work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities that are open 24 hours. Most pharmacists work full time, and some work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Read More

What should I major in?

At the University of Kentucky (UK), pre-professional programs are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and academic program of study.  Successful pharmacy school applicants come from a variety of majors and backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While philosophies among the nation’s pharmacy schools differ, all recognize the importance of a broad education with a strong foundation in the sciences blended with the social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to meet with their primary academic advisor and pre-professional advisors in the Stuckert Career Center to explore their options and to ensure required coursework is completed.

Entrance Exam

The PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) was retired on January 10, 2024. No PCAT testing dates will be offered during the 2024-2025 admissions cycle or beyond. 

*Please note the PCAT is no longer required for admission to the University of Kentucky’s College of Pharmacy: https://pharmacy.uky.edu/admission-aid/pharmd-program/pre-pharmacy.


Contact

Stuckert Career Center

408 Rose St.

Lexington, KY

Pre-Professional

Stuckert Career Center

859-257-2746