Pre-Pharmacy Resources

Click on the categories below to learn more about the pre-pharmacy track at UCCS, examination requirements, shadowing and clinical experience, and UCCS resources.  

Choosing a Major 
Upon starting your undergraduate education, one of the first decisions you are faced with is choosing a major. Pharmacy programs do not require applicants to complete a specific undergraduate major, as long as they have completed the required prerequisite coursework. It is important to choose a major that you both enjoy and can excel in academically.

In addition to selecting a major of your choice, you have the option to select the UCCS Pre-Pharmacy Track: Pre-Pharmacy Preparation 2025-26

IMPORTANT: UCCS does not have a pharmacy program. Pre-Pharmacy track is not a major or a minor but a listing of prerequisite courses and recommendations needed to be eligible for admission into CU Skaggs School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO.

Other programs may have different requirements. Students should check admissions requirements for all schools to which they plan to apply. 

Completion of requisite coursework does not guarantee acceptance into any professional degree.

 

 

Applying to pharmacy school typically involves submitting a centralized application through PharmCAS, the Pharmacy College Application Service. Applicants complete required prerequisite coursework, submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and document pharmacy or healthcare experience through the application, which usually opens in mid-July. Many schools also require supplemental applications and interviews. 

The PharmCAS website provides detailed information on the pharmacy school application process, deadlines, and requirements. The following resources provide additional information about the application timelines for applicants:

 

Currently, there is no single standardized admissions exam required for pharmacy school in the United States. While some schools may accept scores from other standardized tests if applicants choose to submit them, pharmacy programs often do not require any specific exam for admissions. Applicants should check each school’s requirements individually. Visit the PharmCAS School Directory and the Standardized Tests | PharmCAS website to read the standardized test requirements for your designated programs.

 

Shadowing
Shadowing involves observing licensed pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, or other healthcare professionals in a pharmacy or clinical setting to gain insight into the daily responsibilities, workflow, and patient interactions within the field. Through shadowing, pre-pharmacy students develop a deeper understanding of medication management, counseling techniques, and interprofessional collaboration. This experience also allows students to witness real-world applications of pharmacological knowledge, ethical decision-making, and the communication skills necessary for effective patient care.

Clinical
Clinical experience provides pre-pharmacy students with hands-on exposure to patient care environments, such as hospitals, clinics, or community pharmacies. Unlike shadowing, clinical experience often includes active participation in tasks such as assisting pharmacists with medication preparation, patient education, inventory management, or observing medication therapy management processes. This immersive experience helps students develop practical skills, professional competencies, and an appreciation for the patient-centered role of pharmacists in healthcare teams.

Additional Resources

UCCS Clubs and Organizations