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Factors to Consider When Selecting a Pharmacy School

Higher Education Articles March 30, 2015

Those interested in becoming a licensed pharmacist should look into a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Students in Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science (B.S.P.S.) programs can find work in the pharmaceutical industry, but those who graduate will not be able to become pharmacists. They will, however, be ready for graduate studies, but it is not always a requirement for a Pharm.D.

Selecting a Pharmacy School

Four-year universities and colleges commonly offer bachelor’s degree programs in pharmaceutical science. In this article, we take a look at some important things to consider when you select a pharmacy school:

Specialized Degree Choices

Schools that offer specialized degrees are useful for individuals who have specific career goals in the field. Although a broad and varied education may be available through some B.S.P.S. programs that cover numerous aspects of pharmaceutical science, specific majors within the degree are offered by others; these include pharmaceutics, toxicology, molecular pharmacology, and medicinal and biological chemistry. Students enrolled in these individualized majors may gain a competitive edge in the profession and can enhance their expertise in specific areas of interest.

Educational Requirements

A student is usually allowed enrollment to the college’s school of pharmacy and undergraduate pharmaceutical science program after he or she completes his or her first year of study and some prerequisite coursework with satisfactory grades. These prerequisites include biology, chemistry, and math. High school seniors with exceptionally high ACT and GPA scores are allowed early admittance to some schools, entailing direct enrollment into the pharmaceutical program.

Internship Choices

Students may gain professional, hands-on experiences through internships devised to enhance their employment prospects. While some programs merely encourage internships, others include them as a mandatory component of coursework. In programs with specific majors, focused internships may be selected by students. Some undergraduate internships include stipends.

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Science (B.S.P.S.) Programs

Completion of a B.S.P.S. program will help students seek employment in pharmaceutical regulations, administration, management, research and development, marketing, and sales. They can use the degree as a stepping stone to continuing education at a higher level, including a Pharm.D., as well as master’s level programs in medicine, optometry, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.

Cooperative work experience, internship, and research opportunities are often available in programs. Core coursework includes topic areas such as:

•Anatomy and physiology
•Pathophysiology
•Organic chemistry
•Dosage forms

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