Pre-Pharmacy

Selecting a Major

So what should you major in at TAMUCC? A common myth is that you have to major in a science degree as a Pre-Pharmacy student; however, this is not true. We recommend that you choose a degree based on your interests. It is important to choose a major based on your academic interests rather than one that you think looks good to pharmacy schools. Choose a major that you are passionate about, whether it is a major in Liberal Arts, Business, Health Sciences, or something else entirely, completing the prerequisites for pharmacy schools can be accomplished. Certain degrees may cover the pre-pharmacy prerequisites; however, pharmacy schools also accept students who show broad interests in their academic coursework through a non-science major. Major in any subject you want!

If you would like to major as a Pre-Pharmacy student follow this degree plan:

  • Pre-Pharmacy Degree Plan (Under Revision)

Texas Schools

PUBLIC SCHOOLS

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

There are two new PharmD schools in Texas that are working toward accreditation status

Pharmacy Technician Certification

Obtaining your pharmacy technician certfication can help you in many ways. It can help you to get a job in the pharmacy field and gain valuable experience. It can also open doors for shadowing opportunities and is a good option to explore if you are considering applying to pharmacy school.  

Steps to getting your Pharmacy Technician Certification: 

1) Prepare for and Take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)

  • The Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) has a national certification program that enables pharmacy technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. PTCB administers a nationally accredited certification examination for pharmacy technicians which tests knowledge in all practice settings.

2) Apply for Pharmacy Technician Certification through (PTCB). 

3) Apply to become a Registered Pharmacy Technician in the state of Texas

  • Application for Texas State Pharmacy Technician Registration Application. Complete this if you are certified by Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB), complete the online application linked above to register as a Pharmacy Technician in Texas.
  • Here is a guide to help students learn about pharmacy technician programs and jobs (guide link)

Stress Management Resources

CAMPUS RESOURCES

University Counseling Center 361-825-2703

  • Individual walk-in support M-F 8-5 PM in the Driftwood Building
  • Counselor on Duty Hours M-F 9-11:30 AM & 1-4 PM
  • After Hours Crisis, call 361-825-2703 and press 2 to be connected to the Emergency counselor
  • Self Help Resources

OTHER RESOURCES

PCAT Exam

CONTENT TESTED ON THE PCAT

  • BIOL 1406, BIOL 1407 (Biology)
  • BIOL 2421 (Microbiology)
  • BIOL 2401, BIOL 2402 (Anatomy & Physiology)
  • CHEM 1411, CHEM 1412 (General Chemistry)
  • CHEM 3411, CHEM 3412 (Organic Chemistry)
  • CHEM 4401, CHEM 4402 (Biochemistry)
  • ENGL 1302 (Rhetoric)
  • ENGL 2316 (Literature)
  • MATH 1442 (Statistics)
  • MATH 2413 (Calculus)

Research Pharmacy Schools Before You Apply!

  • Pharmacy School Admissions Requirements (PSAR)

Application Services

  • PharmCAS
  • For schools NOT using PharmCAS, see individual school admissions web pages for application instructions

TEXAS PHARMACY SCHOOLS REQUIRING SECONDARY APPLICATIONS

Some health professions schools require secondary applications to be completed in addition to the primary application through PharmCAS and other application services. Applications are not considered complete until the secondary application is submitted. Most secondary applications require an additional fee and the majority of secondary application fees are non-refundable. Always check on the cost with the school. Costs can range from $50-$150.

Letters of Reference

Letters of reference are key pieces to your pharmacy school application. Each application has its own way of collecting letters and number and type of letters vary from school to school. Check with the application service you are using for additional details. We recommend you look into using Interfolio to collect your letters of recommendation.

You can have a maximum of four (4) references on your PharmCAS application. Do NOT send more than four references to PharmCAS. Send any additional references directly to your designated pharmacy schools. Pharmacy schools may not consider extra references. Check your school’s entry on the PharmCAS Directory to see what types of evaluations are required, recommended and not accepted by each institution. A few schools prefer that applicants send references directly to the institution. This information will be included on their directory page.

Personal Statements

The personal statement is a critical component of your application to pharmacy school, as the personal statement can either significantly help or harm your chances for success, it is important to take it seriously. The statement must be personal. This is your chance to let the Admissions Committee hear from you and understand who you are. Take advantage of the opportunity to express your commitments, motivations and values.

Pre-Pharmacy Resources

Director of Health Professions Office