A pharmacist is a graduate of a college of pharmacy and has a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) after a minimum of 6 years of study. This independent healthcare professional dispenses medication prescribed by the appropriate healthcare provider (physician, physician assistant) in a variety of settings including community retail, hospital, or by internet online. The pharmacist plays a consultative role with other healthcare providers and informs patients about medications, their uses, possible adverse reactions, and possible drug interactions. In addition the pharmacist may make recommendations about non-prescription drugs, home medical equipment, and other health care supplies.
The pre-pharmacy curriculum includes coursework in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, mathematics, and statistics as well as English, humanities, and social science disciplines. The pre-pharmacy student should contact the individual college of pharmacy about requirements specific for that college. The student should consult with an advisor to help plan a course of study that complies with the requirements for admission to the college of pharmacy of the student’s choice. Some colleges of pharmacy require the applicant to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) and participate in the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS).
For more information about pharmacy contact: American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (http://www.aacp.org); Academic & Career Planning Center, 677-5381; Health Professions Advisors, 605-658-6326 or 658-6334 or by visiting the following web site: http://www.usd.edu/admissions.
Rachelle Kotnour, MPA
Health Sciences/Pre-Professional Advisor
Lee Medical Room 221
605.658.6326
Rachelle.Kotnour@usd.edu
Amy Nelson
Health Sciences Major
Interim Program Director
Beacom Room 226
605.658.5951 Office
Amy.M.Nelson@usd.edu
