Pharmacy

What is a Pharmacist?

Pharmacists dispense drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and provide information to patients about medications and their use. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection of dosages, interactions, and side effects of medications. Pharmacists must understand the use; clinical effects; and composition of drugs, including their chemical, biological, and physical properties.

Printable Pre-Pharmacy Information Sheet

Definition taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
Web Site: stats.bls.gov

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Educational Requirements

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree is a 2+4 program. Students complete 2 years of prerequisite courses at an accredited college or university and then apply for admission to a professional school to complete 4 years of professional coursework that includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical education. Admission to professional schools is competitive and is not guaranteed by the University of Maryland (UM). In 1992 most of the colleges of pharmacy in the United States agreed that the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree would be the recognized professional degree in pharmacy. Since that time, Bachelor's of Science degrees in Pharmacy have been eliminated.

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Pharmacy Experience

It is important to gain exposure to the field of Pharmacy prior to committing to this profession.  One of the best ways of doing so is becoming a Pharmacy Technician.  In order to do so, you will need to obtain a certification.  The following website will give you more information on certification exam and requirements.

Pharmacy Technician Certification Board 
https://www.ptcb.org/

Professional School Programs and Colleges of Pharmacy

Howard University, Washington, D.C.
www.howard.edu
202-806-6530

Shenandoah University, Winchester, VA
www.su.edu
540-665-4581

Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), Richmond, VA
www.pharmacy.vcu.edu/
804-828-3000
888-212-9287

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Association and Contact Information for Pharmacy

Contact the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy for specific information about individual Pharm.D. program prerequisites.

American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
1426 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2841
703-739-2330
www.amcp.org

American College of Clinical Pharmacy
816-531-2177
www.accp.com

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Pharmacy Prerequisites

Pharmacy prerequisites for the University of Maryland Baltimore School of Pharmacy
20 N. Pine St., Baltimore, Maryland 21201
www.pharmacy.umaryland.edu

Printable Pre-Pharmacy Information Sheet

NOTE: Pre-Pharmacy is not a degree-granting program at University of Maryland College Park (UMCP). The prerequisites listed on the UMB School of Pharmacy website are required prior to matriculation in the professional curriculum for UM School of Pharmacy. Admission to professional schools is competitive and is not guaranteed by UMCP.

NOTE: Admission requirements vary depending upon the institution and pre-requisites are subject to change. Contact programs for most current requirements.

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Web Site Resources

Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy
800-827-2627
www.amcp.org

American Pharmaceutical Association
202-628-4410
www.aphanet.org

American Society of Consultant Pharmacists
703-739-1300
www.ascp.com

National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
847-698-6227
www.napb.org

National Association of Chain Drug Stores
703-549-3001
www.nacds.org

National Community Pharmacists Association
703-683-8200
www.ncpanet.org

Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America
202-835-3400
www.phrma.org

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook
stats.bls.gov
The US Department of Labor handbook on working conditions, employment, training, qualifications and advancement, job outlook, earnings, and related occupations

About.com
www.about.com
Descriptions of various career opportunities, including description of job, salary, training, and national contacts.

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