Pharmacy
PHARMD
Why study Pharmacy?
Elevate your pharmacy education with our nationally acclaimed Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the esteemed James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. Immerse yourself in a comprehensive curriculum combining rigorous didactic coursework with immersive experiential learning. Benefit from our program's distinct advantages, including intimate class sizes, invaluable peer mentoring, seamless access to direct patient care, immersive experiential learning throughout all four years, and a diverse range of rotation sites conveniently located within the vibrant Greater Cincinnati region.
Our student pharmacists benefit from unparalleled access to world-class faculty members who are at the forefront of scientific discovery and clinical advancements, contributing to the development of future treatments and the management of complex diseases.
Choose our program and experience firsthand our vibrant community that prepares you for success and empowers you to make significant impact in enhancing the well-being and lives of others.
Admission Requirements
Our admissions review process takes a holistic approach, considering various factors to assess candidates' qualifications. Achieving a minimum academic profile is an important requirement for consideration, although there are additional criteria we evaluate. These criteria encompass various aspects and include, but are not limited to, the following:
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Evaluating applicants based on their strong academic background
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Demonstrated leadership and involvement in community, student, and professional affairs, compelling essays and personal statements, and a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacy profession.
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A preferred minimum GPA of 3.0.
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Submit all college transcripts directly to PharmCAS. For detailed information on transcript submission, please visit the Official Transcript Submission Policy for Enrollment page.
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Three letters of recommendation are required for applications, and we strongly recommend that applicants seek letters from individuals who can provide insights into their research experience. Please note that letters of recommendation from family members, friends, current students, politicians, or clergy will not be accepted.
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International Applicants: qualifying English language proficiency score.
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It is strongly encouraged for students to work in a pharmacy setting or engage in pharmacy shadowing experiences before applying. This will allow students to explore the field of pharmacy to provide a knowledge base of the profession. Previous pharmacy work experience is not a requirement.
All application documents must be electronically submitted through the online portal by the application deadline. Please note, once the college receives your application, you will receive an email notification regarding your application status at UC. To conveniently track the progress of your PharmCAS application, all you need to do is log into your account.
Pre-Pharmacy Courses
Pre-Pharmacy courses can be taken at the University of Cincinnati or another accredited institution. It is recommended to complete the curriculum at a 4-year college or university. All courses must be finished prior to enrolling in the Pharmacy program.
Taking Pre-Pharmacy courses at UC provides students with a plethroa of unique advantages. As a UC student, you'll benefit from having a knowledgeable Pre-Pharmacy advisor who will guide you through the College's requirements and ensure you take the necessary courses. This personalized support will help you feel more connected with the College, alongside engaging with various student organizations and events. Moreover, meeting specific criteria, such as maintaining a cumulative college GPA of 3.5 or above (as calculated by PharmCAS), and earning a "C" or better in core required courses, guarantees you an interview. If admitted to the PharmD program, your transition to pharmacy school will be seamless as you're already familiar with UC.
For students completing Pre-Pharmacy elsewhere, contact the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy for guidance, while those in Ohio or Kentucky can use the u.select website to determine equivalent courses.
For more information on:
- PharmD Quality Indicators
- Performance on Pharmacy Licensure Exam (NAPLEX)
- Professional Graduation Rates and Time to Completion
Please visit the college's Office of Professional Education & Assessment page.
A career in pharmacy presents exceptional prospects for individuals passionate about science and healthcare. With its diverse and fulfilling nature, pharmacy offers opportunities for patient care, scientific research, and innovative breakthroughs. Graduates of the program can embark on rewarding paths in community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, managed care, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, academia, and other sectors. Pharmacists assume pivotal leadership positions across the entire healthcare system.
To explore further career opportunities in pharmacy, we recommend visiting the following resources:
University of Cincinnati PharmD students benefit from immersive experience-based learning at 200+ pharmacy practice sites in the Greater Cincinnati area, including various pharmacies, hospitals, and corporations. Being part of UC's Academic Health Center allows students to train alongside medical, nursing, and allied health students. Notably, Cincinnati students consistently achieve top-tier scores on licensing examinations, such as NAPLEX and MJPE, leading to successful careers as licensed pharmacists.
Connections to Pharmacy: Early Assurance Program
The University of Cincinnati offers an Early Assurance Program (EAP) for high school students who have an interest in pursuing a career in pharmacy. By participating in this program, students can secure a guaranteed interview for the UC James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, provided they meet and maintain all the criteria outlined by the EAP throughout their undergraduate studies. To take advantage of this opportunity, students can enroll in the University of Cincinnati College of Arts & Sciences.
Benefits of the EAP program includes the assurance of admission into the PharmD program if all program requirements are satisfied. It is important to note that EAP students must fulfill all program requirements and complete the necessary courses to gain admission into the PharmD program. On the other hand, non-EAP students are required to maintain specific GPA requirements and undergo a competitive admissions process. Another advantage of the EAP program is the possibility of graduating sooner.
Please visit the EAP program page for more information.
Pre-Pharmacy Courses From a Foreign Institution
Students who have completed equivalent pre-pharmacy courses at a non-US institution should have foreign transcripts evaluated by World Education Services (WES). Students are advised to e-mail (pharmacy@uc.edu), mail, or fax (513-558-4372) a copy of the WES evaluation to the College to determine if the foreign coursework is acceptable, or if additional courses must be completed.
Pre-Pharmacy Requirements
All students must complete the required pre-pharmacy requirements regardless of a previous degree. Whether you've earned the degree from a US or foreign institution, you must complete the required pre-pharmacy courses to qualify for admission consideration.
TOEFL
To be considered for admission, international students must achieve a TOEFL score of 100 or higher (internet-based).
In accordance with rules 4729-30-02, 4729-3-03, 4729-5-31, 4729-5-32 and 4729-5-34 of the Ohio Administrative Code: International applicants must establish spoken English proficiency by completing the TOEFL IBT with the following minimum scores or higher:
- Writing: twenty-four
- Speaking: twenty-six
- Listening: eighteen
- Reading: twenty-one
Application Deadlines
Regular Application Deadline: March 1st.
The Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education.
Contact Information
3255 Eden Avenue
135D Kowalewski Hall
Cincinnati, OH 45229
(513) 558-0059
pharmacy@uc.edu
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Program Code: 25PHM-PHRM-PHRMD