Pre-Pharmacy

Pre-Pharmacy is a pre-professional program at Ohio State for any student who intends to enter pharmaceutical professional school after graduating with a bachelor’s degree.

Read below to learn more about Ohio State’s Doctor of Pharmacy program, which is a popular post-grad pathway for pre-pharmacy students.

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.

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the PharmD program is competitive and based on the following criteria:

• Bachelor’s degree: any field prior to matriculation.
• Prerequisite coursework: completion of these courses:
  • 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.

• GPA: a minimum of 2.7, with the GPA of admitted students often being higher.
• Letters of Recommendation: three letters are required. Recommenders must be familiar with the applicant’s professional and academic capabilities.
• Personal Statement: an essay detailing 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

Prospective students may submit applications through the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) starting in mid-July. Priority deadlines are set in November and final deadlines in early March. Apply as soon 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 allows students to complete both degrees in around 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.

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.

Students from pharmacy programs are prepared for a wide array of healthcare opportunities beyond just pharmacy settings. They also are prepared for residency and fellowship opportunities, drug research and development, academic and research positions, government and regulatory roles and other nontraditional career paths.

Employment in Pharmaceutical Industry

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.

Graduates can also find opportunities in drug research and development, quality assurance, sales and marketing and regulatory affairs.

Residency, Fellowship, Academic and Research Opportunities

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.

Government and Regulatory Roles

Graduates can also pursue careers with agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Public Health Service and Veterans Affairs (VA).

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.