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Within Pharmacy

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the status of the D'Youville College School of Pharmacy?
The D’Youville College School of Pharmacy was awarded candidate status from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) at its June 22-24, 2011 board of directors meeting. Graduates of a class designated as having candidate status have the same rights and privileges of those graduates from a fully accredited program, generally including eligibility for licensure. For further information, contact: ACPE – 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 4100 Chicago, IL 60603-4810; (312) 664-3575; FAX (312) 664-4652; www.acpe-accredit.org.
2. How should I prepare in high school to succeed in pharmacy school?

Good Preparation

  • 4 units of English
  • 4 units of Math (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc)
  • 3 units of laboratory science (Biology 1 plus Chemistry 1, and either Physics, AP Biology, Biology 2, or AP Chemistry). A second level biology or chemistry is preferred.
  • SAT > 1100
  • Class rank > top 25%

Better Preparation

  • 4 units of English
  • 4 units of Math (Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calc)
  • 4 units of laboratory science (Biology 1 plus Chemistry 1 plus Physics and either AP Biology, Biology 2, AP Chemistry, or Chemistry 2). A second level biology or chemistry is preferred.
  • SAT > 1100
  • Class rank > top 15%

Best Preparation

  • 4 units of English
  • 1 unit of Public Speaking
  • 4 units of Math (Geometry, Trigonometry, Pre-Calculus, Calculus)
  • 5 units of laboratory science (Biology 1 plus Chemistry 1 plus Physics and AP Biology or Biology 2 plus AP Chemistry or Chemistry 2).
  • SAT > 1200
  • Class rank > top 10%
  • Good performance in honors courses
3. What courses should I take when I enroll in college?
Check with your college advisor. In general, you will need to complete two semesters each of biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry (with labs), math through calculus, and physics. Some programs require microbiology or a human anatomy and physiology course. Most programs require an introductory statistics course and a communications course (usually public speaking). The required general electives vary from program to program. A complete listing of pre-requisite requirements for schools of pharmacy can be found at the PharmCAS web site at www.pharmcas.com. Since requirements vary from school to school, interested applicants should check the web site for the programs to which they apply to make sure that the pre-requisite courses have been completed.
4. Should I work in a pharmacy?
Most (not all) of the students who enroll in a school of pharmacy have some work experience in pharmacy. Working in a pharmacy will give you some insight into the duties of a pharmacist and the role of the pharmacist in the health care system. Working in a pharmacy is not required however.
5. What is PharmCAS?
PharmCAS is a web-based application service utilized by more than 50 colleges and schools nationwide. The system enables the applicant to complete one application that can be used to apply to multiple schools of pharmacy. Most applicants to colleges of pharmacy apply to 2 to 3 schools. See www.pharmcas.com for more information.
6. What is PCAT?
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is a standardized exam that helps to identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges. Many, but not all, schools of pharmacy require applicants to take the exam. The exam tests general academic ability and the scientific knowledge necessary to succeed in pharmacy school. More information about PCAT can be found at www.pcatweb.info
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