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Pre-Pharmacy

Campus: Columbus

Program: Pre-Professional

The mission of pharmacy practice is to optimize medication use and improve health outcomes, ultimately contributing to a healthier society. Historically, prior to the Industrial Revolution, pharmacists primarily compounded medications by hand. However, with the rise of pharmaceutical manufacturing, the role of pharmacists shifted away from compounding toward ensuring the safe and accurate dispensing of commercially produced drugs.

In the modern era—particularly with the advent of the Information Age—pharmacy practice has evolved to emphasize pharmaceutical care. This approach centers on the shared responsibility of pharmacists, patients, and other healthcare professionals to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Pharmaceutical care places the patient at the heart of pharmacy practice, fostering a more collaborative, outcome-driven approach to medication management.

Today, pharmacists play a critical role in comprehensive drug therapy management. Their responsibilities include dispensing medications and medical devices, educating patients and healthcare providers on the proper use of both prescription and over-the-counter products, and monitoring treatment outcomes to ensure safety and efficacy.

Pharmacy is an ideal profession for students who are passionate about helping others in a healthcare setting and who have a strong interest in math and science. As drug therapy remains the most common method of treating disease, pharmacists are uniquely positioned to navigate the growing complexity of modern therapies. With an aging population, rising healthcare costs, and an increasingly complex pharmaceutical landscape, pharmacists are essential in helping patients receive maximum benefit from their medications—while also helping to reduce the estimated $177 billion annually lost in the U.S. due to the improper use of prescription drugs.

For students interested in pre-pharmacy, consider enrolling in the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program at The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy offers a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program designed to develop medication experts who serve as integral members of healthcare teams. The program emphasizes patient-centered care, interprofessional collaboration, and the application of scientific knowledge to improve health outcomes. 

Admission requirements

Admission to the PharmD program is competitive and based on a comprehensive review of the following criteria:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Completion of a bachelor's degree in any field prior to matriculation.
  • Prerequisite Coursework: Completion of specific courses, including:
    • Introductory Biology with lab
    • General Chemistry with lab
    • Organic Chemistry with lab
    • Pre-Calculus
    • Statistics
    • Basic Microbiology with lab
    • Biochemistry
    • Human Physiology

Note: Specific course numbers can be found on the Ohio State College of Pharmacy website.

  • Grade Point Average (GPA): A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7 is required; however, the average GPA for admitted students is typically higher.
  • Letters of Recommendation: Three letters are required, preferably from individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and professional capabilities.
  • Personal Statement: An essay detailing the applicant's interest in pharmacy and career aspirations.
  • Extracurricular Activities: Demonstrated leadership and involvement in relevant activities.
  • Interview: Selected candidates will be invited for an interview as part of the selection process.

Application process

Applications are submitted through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS). The application cycle typically opens in mid-July, with priority deadlines in November and final deadlines in early March. It is recommended to apply as early as possible to maximize consideration.

Combined BSPS and PharmD Degree Program

The College of Pharmacy offers a combined Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (BSPS) and PharmD degree program. This pathway allows students to complete both degrees in a streamlined manner, typically over seven years. Students in this program complete the BSPS curriculum and then transition into the PharmD program. Upon successful completion of the first year of the PharmD program, students are awarded their BSPS degree. This combined program is designed for students committed to pursuing a PharmD from Ohio State.

International applicants

The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy welcomes international applicants. International students must meet all admission requirements and demonstrate English language proficiency through standardized tests such as TOEFL or IELTS. Additional documentation, including financial verification, may be required.

Contact information

For more information or specific inquiries, please contact the College of Pharmacy Admissions Office:

The professional component of the entry-level PharmD program constitutes four years of study. The first three years consist of mostly didactic course work, and the fourth year is full-time professional experience. The professional curriculum incorporates courses or series of courses in the following areas:

  • Biopharmacy
  • Medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy
  • Physiology
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Pharmacokinetics
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacy law
  • Pharmacy practice
  • Pharmacy management
  • Therapeutics

Various courses incorporate lecture and recitation sections, case study workshops, laboratories, and field experience.

Career opportunities for Ohio State College of Pharmacy Graduates

Graduates from The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy have a diverse array of career paths available to them, tailored to individual interests and aptitudes. The program's strong emphasis on clinical training and interprofessional collaboration equips alumni to excel in various sectors within the pharmacy profession.

Residency and fellowship opportunities

A significant number of graduates pursue postgraduate training through residency and fellowship programs. In 2024, 50% of the Class of 2024 engaged in residency or combined master's programs, with a 93% match rate for those applying to residency programs. These programs offer advanced training in specialized areas such as ambulatory care, oncology, pediatrics, and cardiology, among others.

Employment in pharmacy settings

Following graduation, many alumni enter the workforce directly. In 2024, 34% of graduates secured employment in pharmacy settings. Most of these positions were in community pharmacy (85%), with smaller percentages in hospital pharmacy (8%), nuclear pharmacy (2%), clinical pharmacy (2%), and long-term care pharmacy (2%) . The average starting salary for full-time employment as a pharmacist in May 2024 was $117,483.

Pharmaceutical industry careers

The pharmaceutical industry offers a range of career opportunities for graduates, including roles in drug research and development, quality assurance, sales and marketing, and regulatory affairs. Ohio's robust bioscience sector, particularly in cities like Columbus, provides a conducive environment for such careers.

Academic and research positions

For those interested in academia, faculty positions in colleges of pharmacy offer opportunities to teach, conduct research, and provide professional service. The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, ranked fourth nationally by U.S. News & World Report, is renowned for its research initiatives and faculty expertise.

Government and regulatory roles

Graduates may also pursue careers with federal agencies involved in drug regulation or national healthcare services. Agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Public Health Service, Veterans Affairs (VA), and military services offer exciting career opportunities for pharmacists.

Nontraditional career paths

Beyond traditional roles, pharmacists can explore nontraditional areas of employment, including pharmaceutical journalism, pharmacy law, and positions on state boards of pharmacy or in professional associations. These avenues allow pharmacists to influence public policy, contribute to scientific literature, and advocate for the profession.

As of May 2024, the average starting salary for full-time employment as a pharmacist, excluding residency and fellowship positions, was $117,483. This reflects a $1,237 increase from the previous year, indicating a steady upward trend in compensation for new graduates.

Graduates of the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Ohio State can generally expect to earn a salary exceeding $100,000 annually in most career paths. The specific salary can vary based on factors such as practice setting, geographic location, and level of experience.

For more information or specific inquiries, please contact the College of Pharmacy Admissions Office:

At Ohio State, pre-pharmacy is not a major but is an officially recognized area of academic interest. Learn more about pre-professional programs at preprofessional.osu.edu.