Pharmacy

Pharmacy Advisor: Kim Harrington

The first two years of prerequisite courses for pharmacy school may be completed at Tacoma Community College. Upon successful completion of courses chosen in consultation with the pharmacy transfer advisor and the schools of pharmacy, students may transfer to most four-year institutions as juniors and/or apply to pharmacy school. Although the pharmacy transfer advisors make every effort to consult with various colleges, universities, and pharmacy schools regarding requirements, students are encouraged to consult catalogs and advisors at their chosen four-year institution and pharmacy schools during their freshman year.

Degree: Associate in Arts and Sciences (Option B)

Preparation: While in high school, students should pursue all the available courses in mathematics, chemistry, biology, and physics.

Students should also gain exposure to the pharmacy profession through experience in a pharmacy setting and exploration of the pharmacy literature.

Program Planning: Students should meet with a pharmacy advisor as soon as they are admitted to Tacoma Community College. Many courses have prerequisites, are offered only once or twice a year, and are sequential. Careful selection of classes each quarter is necessary to complete the program without delay.

As soon as possible, students should contact the pharmacy schools they plan to apply to for specific information regarding required prerequisite course work and application procedures. Some pharmacy schools have specific admissions requirements that differ from those listed below.

The Pre-Pharmacy transfer program given below should be modified with the assistance of a Tacoma Community College pharmacy advisor to meet the specific requirements of the student's chosen pharmacy schools. Students should frequently check the pharmacy schools' websites for changes in their admissions requirements or procedures.

University of Washington

The Pre-Pharmacy transfer program given below should be modified with the assistance of a Tacoma Community College pharmacy advisor to meet the specific requirements of the University of Washington School of Pharmacy. Students should frequently check the University of Washington School of Pharmacy Prerequisite List to ensure they are taking the correct courses. The UW School of Pharmacy faculty has revised its prerequisites for 2009 admission. For more information, see the UW School of Pharmacy Prerequisite List web page. For 2009 admission, an Interpersonal Communications or Public Speaking course must be taken.The UW School of Pharmacy highly recommends a biochemistry course that must be taken at a four year university.

• Some students may need to take additional prerequisite courses.
• MATH& 148 may replace MATH& 151
• Students should consult the UW Course Equivalency Guide for TCC when choosing their Humanities and Social Sciences courses.
• Many pharmacy students are best served by completing an Associate of Science Degree.

University of Washington School of Pharmacy

Washington State University

The Pre-Pharmacy program given below should be modified with the assistance of a Tacoma Community College pharmacy advisor to meet the specific requirements of the Washington State University College of Pharmacy. The WSU College of Pharmacy requires a biochemistry course that must be taken at a four year university. They also require a First Aid course that also covers CPR certification, and a computer course that provides spreadsheet knowledge and "hands on" experience. Students should frequently check the Washington State University College of Pharmacy Pre-Pharmacy Course List to ensure they are taking the correct courses.

• Some students may need to take additional prerequisite courses.
• MATH& 151 may replace Math 111
• Consult the WSU transfer guide to ensure that the humanities and social science classes will transfer to fulfill GER requirements.
• Many pharmacy students are best served by completing an Associate of Science Degree.

Washington State University College of Pharmacy

Contact the Washington State Board of Pharmacy to obtain an Application for Pharmacy Assistant.

For more information about the profession of pharmacy and pharmacy school, see:

• American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy list of U.S. Pharmacy Schools
• The National Institutes of Health LifeWorks Pharmacy page
• Berlex's Careers in Pharmacy student guidebook
• The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy For Students & Applicants page

For more information about the Pharmacy transfer program at TCC, please contact a Pharmacy advisor: Kim Harrington.

TCC also offers a Pharmacy Technician Program through the Health, Justice & Human Services Division.