3 Routes: Become a PharmacistEveryone's pathway to become a pharmacist is different. Common routes for OSU students include:
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OSU Bachelor's + Pharmacy School
OSU bachelors degree then attend a doctoral-level pharmacy program.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor's degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
- Apply to an accredited pharmacy professional school. If accepted, begin your Pharm.D. program.
- Following your Pharm.D. program, sit for national exams and licensure.
-
2-3 years at OSU + Pharmacy School
Complete pharmacy school prerequisites and then attend a doctoral-level pharmacy program.
Steps:
- Study at OSU for 2-3 years (or more/less depending on your academic/self-development) and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
- Apply to an accredited pharmacy school and if accepted, begin your Pharm.D. program.
- If accepted to pharmacy school, you will leave OSU without a bachelor’s degree to begin your Pharm.D. professional program.
- If you are not accepted, return to OSU to complete your bachelor's degree (of your choice) and later apply (depending on your academic/self-development).
- Following your Pharm.D. program, sit for national exams and licensure.
- OSU Bachelor's + Gap Year + Pharmacy School
Taking additional time can be to your advantage as a pharmacy school applicant.
Steps:
- Earn a bachelor’s degree (of your choice) from OSU and complete all of your prerequisite courses for an accredited Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program.
- If you feel you need more holistic development (academic or non-academic) to be ready to professionally apply, consider taking a “gap/enhancement year” to help you further develop.
- Unsure of what to do during a "gap/enhancement" year? Visit the Pre-Professional Academic Services Office to discuss your options.
- When holistically ready, apply to an accredited pharmacy program. If accepted, begin your Pharm.D. program.
- Following your Pharm.D. program, sit for national exams and licensure.
National Exams and Licensure
Following your Pharm.D. program you will be eligible to sit for national boards and other licensure assessments required by state boards of pharmacy to begin practicing as a Pharmacist. Additional Residency & Board Certification pathways, including OSU Medical Center - Pharmacy Residency Program.