Pre-Pharmacy (AS)
Your first dose of pharmacy schooling starts at USF.
Why Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)?
Clad in their white lab coats, pharmacists are respected and trusted health care professionals that serve others from behind the counter, at the microscope, on patient care teams and within the community.
Earning your doctorate of pharmacy sets you up for a rewarding, life-long, lucrative career as a retail, clinical, hospital or research pharmacist. To prepare for the rigors of a Pharm.D. program, you should first complete a solid, science-driven pre-pharmacy program.
Why Study Pre-Pharmacy at USF?
The University of Saint Francis, highly regarded for its health professions education, offers a well-rounded, rigorous associate degree in chemistry designed specifically to prepare you for pharmacy schooling.
In addition to our traditional, two-year pre-pharmacy track, you have the opportunity to apply for a dual-degree Pharm.D. program or fast-track your admission decision to a partner doctorate of pharmacy program.
Take the first step:
Request InformationCareer Outlook & Success
100%
of pre-pharmacy students accepted into pharmacy school or medical technology programs (2019)
12:1
student-to-teacher ratio
$128,090
National median salary for pharmacists (BLS, 2019)
Our Partner Programs: Associate to Pharm.D.
Guaranteed Acceptance: Dual AS/Pharm.D. Degree with Midwestern University
Through a partnership with Midwestern University’s College of Pharmacy, accepted students will be able to earn an associate degree and doctor of pharmacy:
- Complete two years of core science courses at USF
- Transition into Midwestern’s Pharm.D. program
View full admissions requirements.
Reserved Admission: Manchester University College of Pharmacy, Natural & Health Sciences
Through this unique partnership, Manchester University reserves two spots for qualified USF students in its Pharm.D. program.
View admissions requirements.
Hands-On Learning Experiences: Campus & Community Engagement
During your pre-pharmacy schooling at USF, you’ll participate in hands-on learning and have plenty of opportunities to get involved on campus and in the community. Here are just a few examples:
- Student groups like the Chemistry Club and Pre-Professional Healthcare Honor Society
- Service-learning and volunteer opportunities
- On-campus employment, such as working as a lab assistant or peer tutor
Additionally, between their time at USF and completing their Pharm.D., our pre-pharm students have interned with Kroger, Walgreens, Eli Lilly and Company, Parkview Health and other locations.
Service Story: While earning her AS in pre-pharmacy/chemistry at USF, Ashley Cross ’16 collected 1,002 lbs. of plastic bottle caps and turned them into a recycled park bench.
Faculty & Facilities
USF is an engaging, welcoming learning community. Your professors and instructors are research scientists, clinicians, practitioners, pharmacists, technicians and healthcare business professionals who bring expertise and professional experience to the classroom. You will learn and experiment in chemistry labs and other facilities equipped with high-tech equipment and instrumentation.
Meet a Few Chemistry Students & Professors
This program definitely helped me get into Pharmacy school. I did very well on the PCAT (pharmacy school entrance exam), which shows the level of education I received at USF.
Mary Langemeier ’18
Pharm.D. candidate at Purdue University, College of Pharmacy
USF to Pharmacy School: Pharm.D. Program Acceptance
USF pre-pharmacy students are accepted into doctorate of pharmacy institutions such as:
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Pharmacy
- Manchester University College of Pharmacy, Natural & Health Sciences
- Midwestern University College of Pharmacy
- Purdue University College of Pharmacy
- University of Charleston School of Pharmacy
With their Pharm.D and state licensure in hand, USF pre-pharmacy graduates start their careers at retail stores, hospitals, clinics, research centers, universities and at pharmaceutical companies. They often pursue additional pharmacy schooling or certifications to expand their career opportunities.
Where You’ll Find Our Graduates
With their Pharm.D and state licensure in hand, USF pre-pharmacy graduates start their careers at retail stores, hospitals, clinics, research centers, universities and at pharmaceutical companies. Many pursue additional pharmacy schooling or certifications to expand their areas of practice and boost career opportunities.
Pharmacists who got their start in USF associate and bachelor’s programs are practicing in our region and beyond:
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Pharmacist, Advocate Healthcare
- Infectious Diseases Clinical Pharmacy Specialist, Mercy Hospital and Healthcare
- Pharmacist, Saint Anthony’s Hospital
What Else Can You Do With a Pre-Pharmacy/Chemistry AS Degree?
Your chemistry-based associate in science can lead to entry-level positions, such as pharmacy technician, laboratory technician, quality control specialist or pharmaceutical or medical device sales.
Your pre-pharmacy schooling serves as excellent preparation for a bachelor’s program at USF or elsewhere.
I firmly believe that pharmacy stewardship is my calling. The best way that I am able to use my gift to help others is not limited to one aspect of pharmacy, nor would I want it to be.
Nathan Gregory ’13
(PharmD., Manchester University), pharmacist at Lutheran Health
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