Set yourself up for success in becoming a highly-skilled, patient-centered pharmacist. First-time freshmen complete their undergraduate requirements in the same environment as their PharmD studies. Our graduates have consistently had a higher first-time pass rate for the NAPLEX exam than the national average.

 

Since 1955, the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy has been training pharmacists who are problem-solvers, innovators and leaders. The Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program gives first-time freshmen the opportunity to complete their undergraduate requirements in the same environment as their doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) studies. Our pre-pharmacy program lays a strong foundation, setting you up for success as you pursue a career in pharmacy.

 

Pharmacy student in classroom

Guaranteed PharmD admission

Pacific offers two freshman admission pathways for completing the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program. Each pathway requires a minimum overall 3.0 GPA and a 2.7 GPA in specific math and science courses, in addition to submission of an advancement application, an interview and a writing sample. Completion of these requirements guarantees admission into our PharmD program.

Access to faculty and current students

Our Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program brings current PharmD and pre-pharmacy students together. You will have access to opportunities, resources and support systems throughout your time at Pacific.

Pathways

Earn your PharmD in as few as five years. Based on academic standings, you will be placed in one of three pathways, completing your PharmD in five or six years.

Five-year (2+3)

Two years of undergraduate study followed by three years of study in the professional PharmD program.

Six-year (3+3)

Three years of undergraduate study followed by three years of study in the professional PharmD program.

The Pre-Pharmacy Advantage program offers admitted students the opportunity to complete their Doctor of Pharmacy program admission requirements while earning credits toward a Bachelors of Arts in Applied Science (BAAS).  Learn more.

Student success is a top priority at Pacific

Our pre-pharmacy curriculum and academic requirements are focused on helping you become a highly-skilled, patient-centered pharmacist. Starting the first semester, you will be assigned a pharmacy faculty member as your academic advisor. They will help you navigate your course load, plan each academic semester and support you every step of the way.

Plenty of opportunities to get involved

Choose from over 150 student organizations. Enjoy some friendly competition by joining an intramural or club team. Rush a fraternity or sorority. We are proud to have two chapters of pharmacy honor societies and four professional pharmacy fraternities.

Perspectives of Pharmacy Courses

The Perspectives of Pharmacy courses provide pre-pharmacy freshmen a glimpse into a PharmD education. Students learn basic pharmaceutical calculations and practice skills such as sterile compounding, aseptic technique and prescription interpretation and filling. They also hear from guest speakers who discuss the various pharmacy career specialties.

Curriculum Vitae Workshop

The workshop focuses on helping students create a curriculum vitae tailored to their career aspirations.

Pharmacy Residency Panel

Recent Pacific PharmD graduates who are currently completing residencies are invited to campus to share their experiences and advice on how to pursue postgraduate training opportunities.

Pre-Pharmacy Society

The student-run Pre-Pharmacy Society hosts pharmacy guest speaker events, advancement panels with former pre-pharmacy students, PharmD program mock interviews, mentor-mentee mixers and other networking opportunities.

The Office of Pre-Pharmacy also hosts social events throughout the year to build relationships between students, faculty and staff.

Pre-pharmacy students painting pumpkins

Academic Advising and Support

From the beginning of their admission, each pre-pharmacy student is assigned to one of our committed faculty advisors to help guide them along every step of the way. Our faculty advisors are full-time Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy faculty members who know exactly what it takes to prepare our pre-pharmacy students for advancement into the PharmD program. They are highly-trained and experienced in the intricacies of the program requirements, exploring different pathways in the pharmacy profession and connecting students with the right resources.

Students meet with their advisors and the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program staff regularly every semester to ensure they have the support and tools they need to succeed, as well as individualize their study plans to achieve their goals. Our program coordinator and career path coordinator also work closely with students to provide additional support in academic and professional issues, from registration problems to proofreading resumes and preparing for interviews. Our team strives to build a sense of community and support network for our pre-pharmacy students through every step of their professional journey.

For further information or to get connected with our Academic Advising services, please contact prepharmacy@pacific.edu.

Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program
Contact us

209.946.2563
prepharmacy@pacific.edu

Marcus C. Ravnan, PharmD, FCSHP, FASHP
Professor, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs
prepharmacy@pacific.edu

Melanie A. Felmlee, PhD
Associate Professor, Director of the Pre-pharmacy Advantage Program
prepharmacy@pacific.edu

Kim Eayrs
Coordinator of the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program
keayrs@pacific.edu

Erica Betz
Pharmacy Undergraduate Programs Success Coach
eruiz@pacific.edu

“Having a faculty advisor who currently teaches at the Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy is a great asset in working through my undergrad years and making sure I’m prepared for that next step in my education. I’ve received a lot of helpful advice, all of which has helped me in learning how to more effectively plan ahead, whether it be figuring out my classes for the next semester or the steps I should be taking now to prepare for my future career.”

- Olivia Laprade, pre-pharmacy student

All applicants are encouraged, and admitted students are required, to carefully read and agree to the PharmD Technical Standards. It is also highly recommended that all applicants review the California State Board of Pharmacy licensure requirements.


Undergraduate transfer students: There is no formal “pre-pharmacy advantage” available to a student who transfers to Pacific. We have excellent undergraduate programs to which transfers are welcome to apply, but once here, these students will compete with those applying from other institutions for space in the PharmD program.

Degree Offered

Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program

Contact Us

Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy

3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA 95211