Pre-Health Pharmacy Advising

Pharmacists play a vital role in the health care system through the medicine and information they provide. They are the drug experts ultimately concerned about their patients’ health and wellness. Pharmacist responsibilities include the following:

• Dispensing medications;
• Monitoring patient health and progress to maximize their response to the medication;
• Educating consumers and patients on the use of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications;
• Advising physicians, nurses, and other health care professionals on drug decisions;
• Providing expertise about the composition of drugs, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties and their manufacture and use;
• Ensuring drug purity and strength and making sure that drugs do not interact in a harmful way.

• Timeline - Students should refer to Alfred University's Pre-Health Timeline and Checklist (below) to assist them in career planning.
• A balanced and comprehensive high school and college education is an important first step in the pursuit of a professional degree in pharmacy, especially in the areas of math and science.
• Students should refer to the Checklist to ensure that they have completed all course requirements.
• The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program requires at least two years of pre-professional (undergraduate) study followed by four academic years of professional study.
• The majority of first year students enter a pharmacy program with three or four years of college experience. The requirements for admission into a pharmacy program vary.
• It is important to get to know faculty members so that they can write appropriate letters of recommendation. The Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee at Alfred University can prepare a Pre-Medical Committee Letter for students.

Applicants should apply through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) and should be prepared to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT).

Early Acceptance Program

LECOM has special Early Acceptance Programs with Alfred University that grants qualified students a provisional early acceptance to LECOM’s School of Pharmacy. Application to the EAP is separate from the application to the undergraduate school.

A student may apply for EAP consideration as a high school senior. While current undergraduate students may apply, they should contact the prehealth advisor at their school to see if they qualify. Students must submit their inquiry form before the beginning of their third year at Alfred University.

Programs

• The LECOM phase is four years in Bradenton, FL, three years in Erie, PA but is not available at Seton Hill. A distance education (DE) pathway is also available but with some restrictions. EAP students are encouraged to take the PCAT but it is not required for admission.
• 3+ Track (3 years at Alfred) – The student must have a provisional letter of acceptance in the EAP before starting their second year at the undergraduate institution. Upon submitting a PharmCas application, completing three years of undergraduate study and meeting certain GPA and other requirements, they enter LECOM the following August. LECOM graduates receive a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. To complete the undergraduate degree at Alfred University, students will major in Biology and follow the academic schedule designed. If the courses listed are not completed by the end of the student’s third year, entrance to the LECOM program will be postponed another year. Courses may be added to the schedule if space permits.
• 4+ Track (4 years at Alfred) – The student must have a provisional letter of acceptance in the EAP before starting their third year at the undergraduate institution. Upon submitting a PharmCas application, completing four years of undergraduate study and meeting certain GPA and other requirements, they enter LECOM the following August. LECOM graduates receive a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.

Step 1

Students apply to enroll in the EAP by following the link “Early Acceptance Program Inquiry” found on the My LECOM Portal. LECOM will review the application. Student must meet the requirements to be successful.

Requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (international students may apply to Pharmacy);
• Must not hold a bachelor’s degree or higher;
• Must have at least two years remaining as a full-time student at Alfred University;
• SAT Score (Math and Verbal Reasoning) greater than or equal to 1170 on a single exam taken before 3/1/16, a SAT score of 1240 or higher on a single exam taken after 3/1/16 or an ACT Composite score greater than or equal to 26 on a single exam;
• A high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or higher.
• Students already attending Alfred University must have at least a cumulative overall GPA of 3.2 and a science GPA of 3.1 or higher
  Step 2

Step 2

If the student meets the requirements, LECOM will offer the student a list of EAP interview dates to self-schedule an interview.

Step 3

Following a successful interview, LECOM will notify the student that they qualify for a provisional letter of acceptance from LECOM and they will be enrolled for participation in the EAP upon approval by Alfred University of their choice and submission of their school email address to LECOM. The student and Alfred will then be sent the provisional letter of acceptance.

Step 4

Additional requirements, including a final application to LECOM, must be met for final acceptance to LECOM, but another interview is not required.

Major

Due to the number of science prerequisites required to apply to Pharmacy schools, most applicants are science majors, such as Chemistry or Biology.

The minimum course requirements for most U.S. Chiropractic Colleges are listed below with their AU equivalent courses. You should check the websites of specific schools you plan to apply to for more information.

Liberal Arts

Math/Statistics (requirements vary by school)

Physics

Chemistry

Biology

Additional Required or Relevant Coursework

Please consult the website, American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, for information regarding specific requirements for the schools you plan to apply to. Suggested courses include genetics, immunology, biochemistry, psychology, economics, and public speaking.

Experience

Pharmacy colleges encourage or require applicants to have volunteer or paid experience working with patients in a pharmacy or health-related setting (hospital, nursing home, etc.). Ongoing work or volunteer experience in a pharmacy setting may be an important factor in the admissions process. If you are unable to gain work or volunteer experience directly related to pharmacy, contact your selected pharmacy school admission offices to determine what other experiences they might accept that will adequately demonstrate your knowledge of the profession.

Entrance Exam (PCAT)

The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) is a national, standardized exam that is required of all Pharm.D. applicants. The PCAT tests the following areas: Biology Processes, Chemical Processes (including general and organic), Quantitative Reasoning (including calculus), and Critical Reading. The last test date for the PCAT is at the beginning of November to be considered for admission the following Fall.

Timeline

The Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) is a centralized application service to apply to multiple Pharm.D. programs offered by schools and colleges of pharmacy. PharmCAS is designed for first-year professional Pharm.D. programs. Most students apply the summer of their junior year. Applications are due (depending on the school) by the beginning of November.

Early Acceptance Program (EAP)

Alfred University has a special Early Acceptance Program that grants qualified students a provisional early acceptance to LECOM’s School of Pharmacy. A student may apply for EAP consideration as a high school senior. Current undergraduate students must apply before the end of sophomore year for acceptance. This is a 3+ program; students will complete 3 years at Alfred University and then matriculate to LECOM. The first year at LECOM will apply towards the last year at Alfred to attain the Bachelors degree. Therefore, there is a specific academic schedule that students entering this program must follow.

More information about career opportunities and links to all U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy is available from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.