Why study Pre-Pharmacy?

Pharmacists play a critical role in modern health care, dispensing drugs prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and providing information to patients about medications. They advise physicians and other health practitioners on the selection, dosages, interactions and side effects of medications. Pharmacists also monitor the health and progress of patients in response to drug therapy to ensure the safe and effective use of medication.

Pre-Pharmacy is a two-year pre-professional track that consists of courses in biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics that are required for application to a four-year doctor of pharmacy degree program. This pre-pharmacy non-degree program is specifically designed for students planning to apply to the PharmD program at the UC James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. Additional coursework may be required for students planning to apply to PharmD programs at other institutions. 

Pre-pharmacy students attending the UC Blue  Ash campus are encouraged to work with their major advisor and the Pre-Professional Advising Center to be sure you are the most prepared applicant.  

Career Possibilities

You must complete your doctorate (PharmD) to become a pharmacist. The profession of pharmacy offers excellent opportunities to those interested in science.

Registered pharmacists find careers in the areas of community/retail pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, wholesaling of drug products, pharmaceutical manufacturing, scientific research, government work and teaching. Community pharmacy affords pharmacists an opportunity to become owners of their own businesses. Positions are also available in drug product wholesaling, which has become an important part of the industry’s distribution method.

The manufacturing of drug products is one of the largest industries in the US, requiring astute attention, accuracy and scientific skill. Every manufactured drug product must be carefully compounded, tested and analyzed before it is offered to the public. Manufacturers also employ pharmacists as medical service representatives who provide drug, clinical and other information to health professions.

Read more about career outlook in pharmacy from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Major Maps

• Guide: Pre-Pharmacy Non-degree Program Curriculum

Advising

Academic advising is an essential part of your educational experience.

We are committed to providing advice and assistance throughout your academic journey. You and your advisor work together to create an academic plan based on your goals. 
 
Questions? Email us at ucbaadvising@uc.edu or call 513-558-9442 to schedule an appointment.

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

A solid science foundation to build upon is important to achieving success in pharmacy. Students at UC Blue Ash College enjoy small classes and well-qualified faculty as well as the many benefits afforded through study at a university ranked among the nation's top 25 public research institutions.

UC’s Blue Ash campus is conveniently located not far from major interstates. Easy to find. Plenty of parking. State-school tuition.

Admission Requirements

This program is open to all students with a high school diploma or GED and the desire to succeed in college. Although admission is open, students accepted into the program must meet the academic standards of the program to advance to upper levels of study.

As a first-year student, you will need to take an English and mathematics placement test if you have not obtained the minimum ACT/SAT score required for exemption. These tests do not affect your admission; however, the results are essential for your proper placement in classes. You must complete placement tests before you register for English, mathematics, or science courses. All placement tests are given free of charge.

Transferring to UC Requirements

For students outside UC wishing to transfer in, information can be found here.

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

 For current UC students who wish to transfer from one UC program to another:   

• Fill out an Application for Change in College and Program (sometimes referred to as the "On-Campus Transfer Form"). This form may also be obtained from your current college office.
• Submit the completed form to the college which offers the program that you want to transition into.

Once you have submitted the form, the faculty and staff of your desired major will evaluate your academic record and communicate with you about the transition process.

Students must take at least one half of the required course work in a selected program at UCBA to qualify for graduation.

International Student Requirements

International students wishing to apply to UCBA can find information here.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for a degree, you must fulfill the requirements of the program from which you expect to graduate and must have at least an overall 2.0 cumulative grade point average.

You must complete an application for degree, usually the term before you expect to graduate. You should see your advisor for specific information well in advance of your final term.

Application Deadlines

UC Blue Ash College operates on a rolling admissions policy.  This means you can begin taking courses at the start of any term, not just fall.

Accreditation