Since 2003, the United States requires a doctor of pharmacy degree to become a licensed pharmacist. The doctor of pharmacy degree requires completion of four years at an accredited college of pharmacy (most students applying for admission into a college of pharmacy already have an undergraduate degree). A list of pharmacy schools can be found on the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy website.
The pharmacy curriculum includes courses in medicinal chemistry, physiology, pharmacology, and toxicology. Additionally, pharmacy education includes a practicum.
A bachelors degree from UNC Asheville will prepare you for the rigors of pharmacy school. As an undergraduate, you should focus on excelling at academics and preparing to take the PCAT.
What is the PCAT?
The PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) is a the test for pharmacy schools. It consists of four parts: a writing prompt, 2) the Biological Processes and Chemical Processes multiple choice test, 3) the Critical Reading multiple choice test, and 4) the Quantitative Reasoning multiple choice test.
How important is my grade point average?
Your grade point average is an important criterion for evaluation. You must demonstrate that you are able to achieve good grades under a challenging course load. It is critical that you do well from the onset, and that you learn to develop good study skills during your freshman year. Your advisor can provide helpful suggestions on developing good study habitats beyond the obvious of attending every lecture and taking copious notes.
How important is pharmacy-related experience prior to applying?
It is strongly recommended that you have relevant experience prior to applying. If possible, volunteer or seek paid positions at clinics or pharmacies. There is probably no better way to decide whether you wish to pursue being a pharmacist than through hands-on experience.
Did you know that UNC Asheville has an Early Assurance Program with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy?
UNCA has a partner, or linked agreement, with the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Early Assurance Program in order to offer pre-pharmacy students the opportunity to be accepted into UNC’s PharmD graduate program in the sophomore year of their undergraduate career. Students who complete one year at UNCA can submit the application, receive an early acceptance, and participate in the Eshelman Pharmacy seminar series and professional mentoring while completing their remaining pharmacy school prerequisite undergraduate coursework.
UNC also has an Eshelman School of Pharmacy Asheville Campus located a MAHEC. This training site emphasizes patient-centered care, place-based learning, and interprofessional education and practice. UNC partners with MAHEC to offer PGY2 residency programs in Ambulatory Care and Geriatrics, as well as with Mission Health to offer PGY2 residencies in Ambulatory Care, Emergency Department, and Administration.
For more information follow the link above, check out this easy-reference informational sheet, and contact Hannah Amundson <hamundso@email.unc.edu> to learn more.
Applications are due on Feb. 2, 2026 for the next cohort of the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy Early Assurance Program and can be found at https://applynow.unc.edu/