Whats the advantages of pharmacy & optometry school? How difficult is it to get accepted in these programs?

Answer 1

You do not need a bachelor's degree to get into pharmacy school, although it does help your chances of getting accepted. Most pharmacy schools have a list of pre-requisites on their respective web pages. And some schools that have optometry schools have accelerated programs that allow a student to enter optometry school after his junior year of undergraduate studies and finish the BS degree concurrently with the first year of optometry school. Good luck, as most schools want at least a 3.0 GPA to get in, as well as work experience.

Answer 2

They're very difficult to get into. Primarily because there are so few of these schools.

You technically don't need a bachelors to get into some of them, but a bachelors degree certainly helps. In certain states, while not technically required, nearly all their accepted students have bachelors.

I wouldn't call not needing a bachelors degree a real advantage because the same holds true for some med schools as well. Many professional schools in the medical fields don't require bachelors degrees, altho they're usually honors programs for select high school kids.

The main advantage, like other medical field schools, is the high salaries you get when you graduate.

Both pharm and optometry are 4 years long. Luckily, you don't need to do a residency afterwards like in medical school. You can start making money right away. I'd say that's a big advantage.

Answer 3

You do not need a bachelor's to get into pharmacy. However, you definitely need a bachelor's to get into optometry.

Optometry (4 yrs) + Undergrad (4 yrs)
Pharmacy (6 years total)

Answer 4

Both of them are just like medical school. First you have to get your batchelor's degree then apply. I know a young man who was accepted into pharmacy school 4 yrs ago and I think he is still in school. And yes, it is very very difficult.