Career Change Professionals
Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and many have significant personal responsibilities. However, once they enter pharmacy school, they are working toward the same goal — becoming a pharmacist. Our students develop strong relationships with each other and our faculty. They are active in the community and dedicate time to leadership and professional development outside the classroom.
Making a career change isn't easy, but we are excited to help you determine if a career in pharmacy is right for you.
Prerequisites
Our Pharm.D. program requires almost 60 credit hours of undergraduate coursework before you can be accepted into the program. If you have already earned some college credit or a bachelor’s or advanced degree, some of your coursework may satisfy these requirements. However, it is likely that you will need to take the majority of our required courses, especially those that must be completed within five years of beginning the Pharm.D. program.
Review required Pre-Pharmacy coursework (PDF)
View transfer credit information
Meet With an Advisor
You're not on your own. A member of our Office of Student Affairs will help you determine which courses you need to take and work with you to develop a general timeline for your application at all three sites.
Please email to schedule an appointment, or call:
- 816-235-1613 in Kansas City
- 573-884-9683 in Columbia
- 417-837-3600 in Springfield
Gain Pharmacy Experience
We understand that you're probably working full time, but it is important to gain pharmacy experience before you apply to the program. There is no minimum number of hours required.
You could contact a local pharmacist to arrange a job shadow experience. You could also apply to become a pharmacy technician. The Missouri Board of Pharmacy and the Kansas Board of Pharmacy provide information about these positions and licensing. Most pharmacy technicians work as registered technicians, whereas technicians certified by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board work in specialty roles, especially in hospitals.
Other Recommendations for Career Changers
Although the situation for every student pursuing a career change is unique, there are some things you can do to make the transition smoother. Review our recommendations specifically designed for career changers entering the Pharm.D. program.
Pharm.D. Program Requirements
The professional Pharm.D. program curriculum (PDF) requires four years to complete. Students must attend the program full time at one of our three sites in Kansas City, Columbia or Springfield, Missouri.
Students should begin the application process about one year before their intended start date.
The School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee evaluates the whole student in its search for the best candidates, but applicants must meet our minimum academic requirements.
Minimum Academic Requirements
Once it has been determined you have met the requirements, your application is reviewed to determine your overall preparedness for the pharmacy practice profession, your ability to meet the rigors of the program and your skill sets, including decision-making, caregiving and communication abilities, for working with health care professionals and patients.