In recent years, ADEA has consistently ranked pharmacists among the best jobs in the United States. A pharmacist's duties include dispensing medications prescribed by physicians and other health practitioners and monitor patient health. They also give physicians and other health providers appropriate advice regarding dosages and side effects of medication. Pharmacists protect the public by ensuring drug purity and strength.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
The average cumulative GPA for PharmD Program matriculants was 3.35 and the average science GPA was 3.21 for the 2020-2021 application cycle. It is important to do you best in sciences courses related to your area of study such as microbiology, organic chemistry and other prerequisite courses.
Coursework
There are 142 accredited pharmacy schools in the United States, and three located in South Carolina. South Carolina schools include the Medical University of South Carolina, the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, and the South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Listed below are the coursework requirements for the pharmacy schools in South Carolina. (Last updated July 20, 2023). Remember to double-check these requirements on your own.
ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
The average cumulative GPA for PharmD Program matriculants was 3.35 and the average science GPA was 3.21 for the 2020-2021 application cycle. It is important to do you best in sciences courses related to your area of study such as microbiology, organic chemistry and other prerequisite courses.
Coursework
There are 142 accredited pharmacy schools in the United States, and three located in South Carolina. South Carolina schools include the Medical University of South Carolina, the Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, and the South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Listed below are the coursework requirements for the pharmacy schools in South Carolina. (Last updated July 20, 2023). Remember to double-check these requirements on your own.
NON-ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
When looking for shadowing opportunities it is best to call around and/or make face to face visits to local pharmacies near you. Here in Clemson we pharmacies located at CVS, Walgreens, and Redfern who may offer shadowing opportunities to Pre-pharmacy students. Occasionally, undergrads are hired as pharmacy technicians where they have the opportunity to assist the Pharmacist with serving customers and maintaining the Pharmacy Department. Finding a job as a Pharmacy Technician is a wonderful learning experience so be sure to keep a look out for job postings near you. Also remember that pharmacies such as Rite Aid require a Technician certification before working. If can’t seem to get in at a pharmacy and find yourself struggling with building your hours don't waste time. Until you can find a pharmacists to shadow or work under, I encourage you to build your resume with other general medical experiences you may be interested in and community volunteering. Pharmacy schools want to see students with well rounded personalities, therefore just studying and making good grades is not enough. Start today and make yourself stand out.
Research
Getting involved in research is another great experience. Research shows that students are capable of working successfully on a team with other students. During the interview process of the application, asking about a student's research is fair game, therefore it is crucial to be fully educated so you are able to fully elaborate on the research. A lot of research is conducted here on campus, and your professors and advisors become the gateway to research. Check out Clemson's list of Creative Inquiries to get involved in undergraduate research.
APPLY
You will want to begin to think about the application process in your junior year. If you're ready for that step and want some more information or tips on the process, click the link below to get started.
When looking for shadowing opportunities it is best to call around and/or make face to face visits to local pharmacies near you. Here in Clemson we pharmacies located at CVS, Walgreens, and Redfern who may offer shadowing opportunities to Pre-pharmacy students. Occasionally, undergrads are hired as pharmacy technicians where they have the opportunity to assist the Pharmacist with serving customers and maintaining the Pharmacy Department. Finding a job as a Pharmacy Technician is a wonderful learning experience so be sure to keep a look out for job postings near you. Also remember that pharmacies such as Rite Aid require a Technician certification before working. If can’t seem to get in at a pharmacy and find yourself struggling with building your hours don't waste time. Until you can find a pharmacists to shadow or work under, I encourage you to build your resume with other general medical experiences you may be interested in and community volunteering. Pharmacy schools want to see students with well rounded personalities, therefore just studying and making good grades is not enough. Start today and make yourself stand out.
Research
Getting involved in research is another great experience. Research shows that students are capable of working successfully on a team with other students. During the interview process of the application, asking about a student's research is fair game, therefore it is crucial to be fully educated so you are able to fully elaborate on the research. A lot of research is conducted here on campus, and your professors and advisors become the gateway to research. Check out Clemson's list of Creative Inquiries to get involved in undergraduate research.
APPLY
You will want to begin to think about the application process in your junior year. If you're ready for that step and want some more information or tips on the process, click the link below to get started.