PharmD Program

 

Q. How many years does it take to complete the professional PharmD Program?
A. Approximately two years of pre-pharmacy coursework is required prior to admission to the PharmD Program. Once admitted, it takes four years to successfully complete the PharmD Program.

Q. What degree do you earn?
A. You will earn the PharmD degree (Doctor of Pharmacy). This degree is NOT a baccalaureate, masters or PhD degree. It is a clinical, professional degree that prepares students for pharmacy practice.

Q. What is the difference between a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and a Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy (PhD)? Is there an opportunity for a joint dual degree in these areas?

A. The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) is a professional degree and prepares an individual to become a practicing pharmacist. The Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmacy (PhD) is a research, dissertation-based degree and prepares an individual to become a scientist.  Dual degree opportunities (PharmD/MS and PharmD/PhD) are available with the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences.

Q. Does the UNT System College of Pharmacy accept international applicants?                                            A.  Yes, we are accepting applications from international students. Please refer to the Admissions Information page.

Q. Is a bachelor’s degree required?
A. No, we do not require a bachelor’s degree. The UNT System College of Pharmacy requires students to complete 72 semester credit hours of prerequisites. Completing a bachelor’s degree may help an applicant become a more competitive candidate. Approximately 60% of students entering the program each year have completed a bachelor’s degree.

Q. Is there a specific major the UNT System College of Pharmacy wants to see applicants pursuing?
A. No, we do not require or prefer students major in a specific bachelor’s degree program. The important factor is completing the correct prerequisites with a strong GPA. 

Q. Where is the UNT System College of Pharmacy Admissions Office located?
A. We are located on the first floor of the Student Service Center 1051 Haskell Ave in Suite 170.
Our mailing address is: UNT System College of Pharmacy, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd, SSC 170, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Q. Is housing available for students?
A. No, but we do have a partnership to help incoming students locate housing. If admitted into the program, you will be provided with housing information at myHSC Day in April of your matriculating year.

Q. Will all my training take place in Fort Worth, Texas?
A. The first three years of your training will take place in Fort Worth. Your last year will be comprised of clinical rotations which may be located outside of Fort Worth, Texas.

Q. How long will it take to graduate?
A. The PharmD program is a four (4)-year program.

Q. Do you have Spring start dates?
A. No, all classes begin in the Fall.

Q. What type of work experience should I do? Do I have to be a certified technician? How many hours is the college looking for?
A. A student does not have to become a certified pharmacy technician in order to apply to the UNT System College of Pharmacy. However, it is recommended, as certified pharmacy technicians typically have more opportunities to volunteer or work directly with pharmacists. UNT Health offers a Pharmacy Technician Preparation Course.

A student is always encouraged to volunteer or work, when possible, within various pharmacy environments to better assess their decision to become a pharmacist. In addition, a recommendation from a pharmacist is encouraged, and spending time with a pharmacist(s) ensures a valid and hopefully strong recommendation. There is no specified number of hours required.

Technician certification is NOT a requirement for our college admissions.

To learn more about the pharmacy technician program, see the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board website.

Q. Could you describe the curriculum?
A. In general, the PharmD Program curriculum in the academic catalog is a mix of classroom and laboratory instruction, as well as pharmacy practice experiences, in which students will work in local pharmacies, hospitals, etc. Since the program is delivered at UNT Health Fort Worth, pharmacy students will have the opportunity to work with students training in other areas of health care, such as medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy, and public health.

Q. How do I make my application competitive?
A. To be competitive, you should have the following:

  • Leave no blanks on your pharmacy applications
  • Prerequisite coursework GPA ≥2.50
  • Healthcare experience – does not need to be pharmacy experience, but it is preferred.
  • Volunteer experience – very important
  • Community service experience – very important
  • Pharmacy Shadowing experience
  • Excellent Letters of Recommendation – preferably from professors and supervisors (work or volunteer experience) who can comment on your academic, work or volunteer performance
  • Practice mock interviews and interview well when invited to interview
  • Know the difference between Pharmacy and Pharmacology
    • Pharmacy is a professional field and area of study, while Pharmacology is a more specific science that is studied either in its own right or as part of the study of Pharmacy or other fields like Medicine. Pharmacology is the science pertaining to the effect of drugs on the body.

Q. I have a lot of volunteer and extracurricular activities from High School should I include them in my application?
A. No, please list only volunteer extracurricular activities post high school in your application.

Q. Do you offer Dual Degrees
A. Yes, Applicants must first be accepted into the PharmD program before applying for a Dual Degree. The UNT System College of Pharmacy collaborates with three colleges to offer dual degrees:  the UNT Health College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, PharmD/MS and PharmD/PhD degrees; the UNT Health College of Public Health, PharmD/MPH degrees, and the UNT G. Brint Ryan College of Business, PharmD/MBA degrees.

Q. Do you need a bachelor’s degree to be accepted into the Dual Degree program?
A. Yes

Q. How many students will be admitted?
A. We can accept up to 100 students each academic year.

Q. Will I be able to work and go to school?
A. It is not recommended, during the first year, due to the rigor of the curriculum.

Q. Can I be a part-time student?
A. No.

Q. What is your tuition?
A. Please go to our Tuition and Fees link: Cost and Financial Aid

Q. Can I apply for financial aid?
A. Yes, if eligible. Financial Aid

Q. Will scholarships be available?
A. There are a limited number of UNT Health and College of Pharmacy scholarships available.