Can I still get into a PharmD program if...?

Question

I got a letter back from MCPHS saying that I didn't get accepted into the Doctor of Pharmacy program, but they offered alternatives, such as Pharmaceutical Marketing and Management, Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dental Hygiene, Health Psychology, Nuclear Medicine Technology, Radiation Therapy, Radiography, or Nursing.

I decided on nursing, but I'm feeling a bit skeevy on this major. I really want to be a pharmacist as drugs always fascinated me. Now the real question is, I wonder if I can do nursing for two years and then transfer into PharmD?? Is it possible? I mean, is it worth it...?

My other alternative is Pharmaceutical Science.

Oh, btw, I'm average at Chemistry. HELP! >O<

I need a reply as soon as possible b/c I have to reply back to this college~! Thank you!

I'm already a senior in hs. All of you have said pharmacy is very competitive and tough to get into. Hearing this is bringing my spirits down. Should I just stick with nursing?? Since I already got admission there?? The main objective is that I'm helping people rite?? Thanks for answering.

Answer 1

If you don't really want to do nursing, it is probably better to wait and apply to other pharmacy schools. Nursing is a good field with high demand right now, so it could be a rewarding career for you. But if your heart is set on pharmacy, try to think of other ways to get into the program. It would probably not be easy to transfer from nursing to pharmacy as they are very different courses of study. As previous responders said, look at other schools, especially with programs where you do 2 years of undergrad in a scientific field. I majored in chemistry and had classes with many pre-pharmacy students in my first 2 years of college. If you can't get in to a program full-time by this fall, consider taking classes as a non-degree seeking student to strengthen your chemistry background.

Also, many pharmacy schools have a pre-pharmacy program that may help you get into a Pharm.D. program after 2 years. If you are "average" at chemistry, then this will probably be the best option for you. The Pharm.D. curriculum includes organic chem, biochem, medicinal chem, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics. You will need to work hard at these classes unless you become more comfortable with chemistry in general.

If you really want to work with "drugs" and cannot get into a Pharm.D. program at this time, you will probably enjoy Pharmaceutical Sciences more than the other options you listed. Also, once you complete a P.S. degree, it will be easier to transition to the Pharm.D. program. I am a pharmaceutical formulation scientist and have colleagues with varied backgrounds - chemistry, chemical engineering, biology, and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Many of them were pharmacists before pursuing Ph.D.s in P.S. In a P.S. program, you will learn how to formulate (develop) and manufacture pharmaceutical products and can work for OTC or RX pharma companies. You will take many of the same classes as the Pharm.D. students, including some of the more challenging ones I listed in the previous paragraph.

Whatever you do, don't rush into this decision because you feel you have to go to school this fall. If you need to wait for the right college program, find a job in a science related field or become a Pharmacy Tech - anything to get some work experience related to the education you desire. It might even help you during the next application process. Best of luck!

Answer 2

I don't think a nursing credits would help you get into the Pharm.D. program. They wouldn't transfer in very well, if that's what you decide to do later. I got a bachelor's in Biology & then decided to go back to school for pharmacy. That worked out pretty well, because I had a lot of the background/prerequisites done, however I still had to do the last 4 years of the program. That means I will have 8 yrs. of school when I get done! If pharmacy is what you really want, then maybe you should stick with it, but major in pharmaceutical sciences or Biology or something like that for a couple years & get all of your pre-req's out of the way. Then transfer into the program. Apply to several schools. Study hard & do well on the PCATs. Also note: Pharmacy school is difficult. Prepare to give up a good portion of your social life for the next six years. (Sorry to bring doom & gloom, but it's the truth. It'll be worth it in the end, though, if it's what you really want.)

Answer 3

The standard nursing curriculum for the first 2 years is very different than the standard prepharmacy curriculum.
My pharmacy school accepts 1 in 9 applicants, and it is a 4 year school. Pharmacy is extremely competitive right now. If you really want to do this, you've got to get good grades and a high PCAT score.
The pharmaceutical science major probably has the most overlap.

Answer 4

I just got accepted into a PharmD. program, and to be honest, it's not easy. Pharmacy is getting more and more competative. What you might try to do is major in something like biology or chemistry so you can complete your pre-requisites. If you have them completed in two years, as most colleges allow, you can apply during your sophomore year for admission the following year. Or, you could get your Bachelor's degree and apply during your senior year.

Trust me, it hasn't been an easy road for me, but the most important thing is to not to give up. There are tons of schools out there. Just focus a lot on your undergrad classes and get good grades. Experience as a pharmacy technician, good recommendations, good essays, and good PCAT scores will help, too. If you're not as strong in one area, another one may help strengthen you.

Don't apply to one school just becuase you want to stay in your hometown. I'm moving three hours away to go to school. If you're serious about pharmacy, don't give up, and get your self out there. Do some research about other schools, even regionally.

Hope I helped:-)

EDIT:
I'm not saying that you shouldn't do it! I'm sure you're capable of getting in. But most schools aren't 0-6 like MCPHS. More schools are 2 + 4, requiring two years of undergrad before you apply, and others almost seem to want three years or a Bachelor's degree. What I'm saying is that you still have a chance to get into pharmacy school, you'll just go about it a different way. I'm a junior in college and I applied this year. Apply in your sophomore year, and if that doesn't work, keep applying! Pharmacy is very demanding and no one here is going to say that it isn't. Don't let that bring your spirits down. I think people just want you to be aware that pharmacy isn't a cake walk, and that your undergrad classes really count. Organic chem is the number 1 predictor of how someone will do in pharmacy school. That's a tough class, but if you study hard for it, you'll do just fine.

Answer 5

First of all, I hope you didn't just apply to one pharmacy school. I applied to 5 different schools and was turned down at a few. Right now at my school there are 2500 applicants for 100 spots so it is difficult to get in. Talk to admissions. At my school many students are given the opportunity to start the pharm. sci. course and if they are able to hold a certain GPA, they are given a spot in pharmacy school.

EDIT:
WOW I didn't realize you were only a senior in high school! I don't know where you applied but of course you wouldn't be accepted into a PharmD program. You have to complete at LEAST 2 years of undergrad first that is followed by 4 years of pharmacy school (6 total). This is a perfect time to decide
what you want to be. your high school grades wont be looked at at all when you actually apply to pharmacy school 2 years down the road. It's a great job and the pay is 3 times better. you can start any chemistry or biology degree program and get most of your prerequisites. Be sure to get your GPA high and get involved with a part time pharmacy job or volunteer work. anything to make you look better than everyone else applying. At this stage in you life what you become is up to you. Good Luck
I think you should do a little more research and applying if you really want to do pharmacy.

Nursing may make your resume look better but it wont get you any farther along in pharmacy school

Answer 6

To get into an undergraduate pharmacy application? honestly. I did way below that yet had a three.87 GPA and have been given frequently occurring to a school of pharmacy. What you rather need to tension approximately are the events you do in college. on your first 4 years, connect golf equipment and become in touch. once you prepare for the graduate point of pharmacy college that's totally aggressive so attempt your toughest. solid luck!

Answer 7

You should probably call the college and ask someone in the admissions department.

If someone here went to a different college, you might get a different answer.

Good luck.