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Courtney Johnson
Digital Content Specialist, Grand Canyon Education
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Pre-pharmacy builds the foundations necessary to sit for the PCAT or GRE and enter a Pharm.D. program. At GCU, the program blends active learning with Christian values to shape compassionate, competent pharmacists.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Associate Dean of the College of Natural Sciences on July 29, 2025.
Pre-pharmacy is an educational pathway designed to equip you with useful knowledge from courses needed to pursue a graduate-level Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
Dr. Taylor Bramlett, an instructor at Grand Canyon University’s College of Natural Sciences, describes the pre-pharmacy route as “step one on your journey to becoming a pharmacist. It is designed to help you build the science background needed in the field, sharpen your problem-solving skills and show pharmacy schools you are ready for the challenges ahead.”
There are other important aspects to becoming a pharmacist outside of acquiring a strong foundation in science and mathematics. As you pursue pre-pharmacy, you should also consider the skills that will help you best serve your future patients. Among these important skills are:
Dr. Bramlett adds that compassion, curiosity and resourcefulness are also key skills needed as a pharmacist. She shares that grit and resilience are often critical, heavily emphasizing their importance in both completing a Pharm.D. program and succeeding as a professional.
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"We combine academics with Christian values, which aid in preparing students to lead with both competence and compassion within healthcare."
— Dr. Taylor Bramlett, Instructor
A physics undergraduate program tends to focus on mathematics, a key part of pharmaceutical studies. Completing an undergraduate degree in physics will also demonstrate your dedication, analytical skills and deep understanding of mathematics to potential pharmacy schools.
Choosing a chemistry major can be an ideal option for those wanting to enter a pharmacy program, as understanding chemical compounds is crucial in the pharmaceutical industry. A background in chemistry will also help you understand the interactions between certain drugs and the human body.
"It is not just about checking boxes off. Ultimately, it is about preparation."
— Dr. Taylor Bramlett, Instructor, College of Natural Sciences, Grand Canyon University
Due to the science-heavy nature of pharmacy, aspiring pharmacists can expect to cover various sciences in our pre-pharmacy routes. If you plan to pursue pharmacy school, the goal of your undergraduate program should be to take relevant courses and gain hands-on skills that best prepare you for advanced pharmaceutical studies.
According to Dr. Bramlett, the following courses will be advantageous to have under your belt:2
Dr. Bramlett also emphasizes that while academics are important, it is crucial that students do not hyper-focus on these alone as they travel their pre-pharmacy path. She states that students should also “work to develop leadership and service skills through volunteer opportunities,” as pharmacy schools “love well-rounded applicants.”2
Grand Canyon University offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy for those looking to build the foundations necessary to sit for the PCAT or GRE and enter a Pharm.D. program. Dr. Bramlett explains that GCU prepares students for this by “[focusing] on active learning.” For example, “in our chemistry labs, you do not just follow the steps laid out in the course manual; you think through problems in real time and solve them.” Our hands-on, problem-solving approach will help you develop the critical thinking skills essential for pharmacy school and beyond.
Because there is not one clear-cut path to pursuing pharmaceutical studies, you may be wondering, “What major should an aspiring pharmacist choose as an undergraduate?” There are several options that future pharmacy students can pursue to equip them with knowledge of the most critical topics for their future.1 Some of these include:
There are various subjects you will cover in a biology program that can prove useful as you pursue pharmacy, especially if you choose to pursue a BS in Biology: Pre-Pharmacy Emphasis program. Some of these include genetics, biochemistry and pharmacology, all of which are important for understanding the interactions between the human body and pharmaceuticals.
After completing your pre-pharmacy studies at Grand Canyon University, it will be time to apply for entry into an accredited Pharm.D. program. There are specific requirements you must meet to gain acceptance into such programs, including:3
Other considerations include gaining relevant experience, which may come from serving in a position like a pharmacy technician in a retail or hospital setting. Letters of recommendation will likely also be required in your application; building strong connections with educators and professionals throughout your pre-pharmacy studies is therefore invaluable. Dr. Bramlett adds that students should “heavily consider applying for summer internships to shadow a pharmacist or work as a tech to get practical experience,” and to prepare early for the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), if required.
There is currently no universal standardized test required for entry into a Pharm.D. program. However, historically, pharmacy students were required to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT); some schools may still hold this requirement. Other schools may require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) instead, while still others may not require any standardized testing for entry.4
Gain Essential Skills
Begin your pre-pharmacy studies at GCU.
