Becoming a Pharmacy Student

Welcome to the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy, where our unwavering commitment lies in providing a transformative and enriching educational experience that equips you to create a meaningful impact within the realm of healthcare. Before embarking on your invigorating journey, you'll gain access to essential resources and orientation materials, aiding your preparation for the upcoming academic adventure. Immerse yourself in the realm of our state-of-the-art facilities, connect with fellow incoming students, and delve into the curriculum insights that will empower your journey.

Jason Gardner (College of Medicine) and Matthew Robson (College of Pharmacy) are researchers working together to study how burns and traumatic brain injuries can be better treated. Graduate student: Evan Reeder

As you set foot on our vibrant campus for your inaugural day of classes, you'll seamlessly integrate into a dynamic community of learners and innovators. Engage in intellectually stimulating lectures, hands-on laboratory experiences, and collaborative ventures that emphasize the cultivation of critical thinking and pragmatic skills. Our esteemed faculty members, distinguished leaders in their respective domains, are wholeheartedly dedicated to nurturing your growth and accomplishments. Throughout your academic voyage, you'll be afforded invaluable access to mentorship, research prospects, and resources for professional development that will foster your expertise, propelling you toward a gratifying career in pharmacy.

Starting Your Journey

If you aspire to be at the forefront of healthcare while fostering meaningful connections within your community, a career in pharmacy should top your list of choices. Beyond this unique patient connection, pharmacy offers competitive compensation (with a median pay of $128,000 per year in 2020) and a range of settings, from small community pharmacies to advanced pharmaceutical labs. It's a fulfilling career where you can make a positive impact on the world.

So, how do you embark on this journey? Here are the essential steps:

Begin your journey by earning your bachelor's degree or completing a pre-pharmacy curriculum. A strong background in these subjects, even during high school, will prepare you for your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and your future career in pharmaceuticals. At UC, we recommend completing one of our Pre-Pharmacy programs before applying to the James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy. If you hold or are pursuing a different degree, check our list of prerequisites.

Navigating the competitive landscape of pharmacy school admissions is your first step towards realizing your ambitions. Once you've identified the program that resonates with your ambitions, the application process awaits. Our user-friendly online application portal, PharmCAS, streamlines the submission of your academic records, letters of recommendation, and personal statements. Our dedicated admissions team is readily available to guide you through this stage, ensuring a seamless experience. Take advantage of our application deadlines and ensure you have all the necessary materials prepared once you create an account.

After gaining admission to a pharmacy program, you will embark on the journey of completing coursework towards achieving your PharmD degree. At UC, the PharmD program unfolds over four professional years. It's worth mentioning that the specific program structure might differ depending on the institution you select.

After earning your PharmD, you must obtain licensure by passing two exams: the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).

The James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy offers a wide array of career paths once you're licensed. 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 our programs 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:

Explore our Programs

Begin your journey today by exploring our comprehensive array of programs designed to align with your unique aspirations. Whether you're interested in the traditional Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program or innovative dual-degree options like PharmD/MBA or PharmD/MPH, dive into the details of each program, admission requirements, and career opportunities to make an informed choice. 

Embark on the application process and anticipate the excitement of your first day of classes, as you take the first step towards becoming a pharmacy leader of tomorrow. Your future in pharmacy starts here.