Pre-Pharmacy Pathways

Students following the pre-pharmacy track intend to pursue admission to a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program after their undergraduate studies. There are several paths one can take to gain entry into a PharmD program. While some pharmacy programs require students to earn a bachelor's degree before starting pharmacy school, other programs, like the one at Creighton, allow students to matriculate into PharmD programs after completing 2-years of undergraduate work. Students can also choose to matriculate in Creighton's PharmD program after 3 years of undergraduate study if they feel they would benefit from an extra year to complete pre-requisite courses. There are pro's and con's to all pathways, and it can be helpful to reflect on your strengths, interests and concerns when choosing which path to pursue.

If you are interested in applying to the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions after two years of undergraduate study, you should enroll in the Pre-Pharmacy Learning Community (PRX 100) during your freshman year. Contact CARS@creighton.edu for assistance.

Explore the Profession

Files to Download

Pre-Pharmacy Fact Sheet: A quick overview of the pre-pharmacy track from the EDGE.

Pre-Pharmacy Guidelines & Timeline: A year-by-year to-do list to guide you in building a competitive application.

Links to Check Out

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy: The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), founded in 1900, is the national organization representing pharmacy education in the United States. Pharmacy is the third largest health profession – after nursing and medicine – with more than 300,000 clinicians practicing in community-based practices, hospitals/health systems and many other healthcare settings. The mission of AACP is to lead and partner with our members in advancing pharmacy education, research, scholarship, practice and service to improve societal health.

- - - - Student Center

American Pharmacists Association: The American Pharmacists Association is the largest association of pharmacists in the United States and is the only organization advancing the entire pharmacy profession.

Explore Health Careers - Pharmacy: Learn about careers in pharmacy.

Pharmacy is Right for Me: Pharmacy is Right for Me provides students, parents, and educators with interactive tools, resources, and first-person testimonials that give insight into the exciting and diverse career opportunities that exist within the field of pharmacy. Pharmacy is Right for Me is a collaborative effort by American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP), a national organization representing pharmacy education in the United States, American Pharmacists Association (APhA), the largest association of pharmacists in the country; and other national pharmacy associations. Content for www.pharmacyforme.org is overseen by the Pharmacy Career Information Council (PCIC), a collaboration of national pharmacy organizations committed to promoting the pharmacy profession and the pharmaceutical sciences.

Pharmacy Podcast: Pharmacy Podcast Nation is our flagship show hosting all of the Pharmacy Podcast Networks 1,200+ episodes, 30 shows & 40 contributing pharmacists. Stay informed on the profession & Business of Pharmacy.

Shadowing Ideas

Consider contacting your family pharmacist to inquire about shadowing opportunities.

Gaining employment as a pharmacy technician at a pharmacy can also provide opportunities to explore the profession and interact with pharmacists.

Nebraksa Requirements for Pharmacy Technician Registration

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services provides information on the requirement to be registered before being employed as a pharmacy technician in the state. In Nebraska, an individual must be registered as a Pharmacy Technician before the first day of working as a Pharmacy Technician and must be certified within one year from the registration date.

It is important to ensure that any certification programs you are considering are accepted by the Nebraska Board of Pharmacy. The following certifications to comply with the mandates of LB37 are current as of May 21, 2019.

- - - - National Certification Program offered by the National Healthcareer Association
        
        The ExCPT exam is accepted in all states that require national certification except for North Dakota and North Carolina. Approval in these states is underway.
      - National Certification Program offered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board
        
        National certification accepted in all states.
      - State Certification Program offered through the UNMC College of Pharmacy
        
        Nebraska specific certification only.
      - State Certification Programs offered by Southeast Community College
      - State Certification Program offered by Nebraska Methodist College
      - State Certification Program offered by Quality Career Pathways

Connect with Other Pre-Pharmacy Students

Pre-Pharmacy Club: Creighton’s Pre-Pharmacy Club educates students interested in studying pharmacy and provide networking opportunities with professionals in the field and current pharmacy students. We have professionals from different areas of pharmacy speak at our club meetings as well as panels of current pharmacy students to explain their experiences. Through our collaboration with the EDGE program and other relevant organizations, our club works to provide our members opportunities to learn more about the field and get first hand experience.

Pharmacy Education

In 2020, 144 colleges and schools of pharmacy were recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education. Pharmacy programs grant Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees, which require at least six years of post-secondary study. Pharmacy graduates must pass a state board of pharmacy licensure examination to practice in the U.S.

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program requires at least 2-years of specific preprofessional (undergraduate) coursework followed by 4-academic years (or 3-calendar years) of professional study. Pharmacy colleges and schools may accept students directly from high school for both the pre-pharmacy and pharmacy curriculum, or after completion of the college course prerequisites. The majority of students enter a pharmacy program with 3 years of college experience. College graduates who enroll in a pharmacy program must complete the full 4-academic years (or 3-calendar) years of professional study to earn the Pharm.D. degree. (ExploreHealthCareers.org)

Pharmacy Schools in Nebraska

Creighton University School of Pharmacy and Health Professions: In the Catholic, Jesuit tradition of Creighton University, we shall serve humanity by educating pharmacists, occupational therapists and physical therapists who provide compassionate, comprehensive care to individuals and populations. We seek to advance knowledge, promote justice, foster responsible and proactive citizenship and enable positive change. We commit to developing creative and effective leaders dedicated to ethical conduct, interprofessional collaboration and service to others. Members of the School community shall contribute to the improvement of societal health through innovative teaching, learning, research, scholarship and patient/client-centered care.

- - - - Checklist of Creighton's Pre-Pharmacy Pre-Requisites

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy: The Mission of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center is to improve the health of Nebraska and beyond through premier educational programs, innovative research, and extraordinary patient care.

Other Pharmacy Schools

PharmCAS has a directory of PharmD programs.