All applicants to the Pharm.D. program must complete approximately 60 credit hours of full-time college coursework prior to entry into the Pharm.D. program.
Students admitted to the pharmacy assurance program graduate high school knowing they are on track to earn their seat in the School of Pharmacy and go on to a rewarding career in pharmacy.
Students in the PAP spend their first two years on the UMKC Volker campus completing the pre-pharmacy requirements, which provide the academic preparation necessary for a competitive application to the Pharm.D. program.
Read about our Pharmacy Assurance Program (PAP) student experiences
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis beginning in the fall, with admission decisions being made as early as October. Students admitted to the pre-pharmacy program by the priority date are eligible to apply for a pre-pharmacy scholarship.
Applicants must be admitted one week before their Freshman Orientation date in order to enroll in proper course sequencing. Pre-pharmacy applications will be accepted until the class is full or up to the last Freshmen Orientation date, whichever comes first.
Submit to the Office of Admissions
Final acceptance into the pharmacy assurance program is contingent upon graduation from an accredited high school and full-time enrollment as a UMKC pre-pharmacy student beginning the fall semester after high school graduation.
During their sophomore year of college, PAP students apply to the Pharm.D. program.
Those who do not meet the pre-pharmacy program requirements may apply for admission under the regular Pharm.D. admission requirements.
PAP students will remain eligible for undergraduate scholarships and the UMKC Metro Rate while they complete their pre-pharmacy work.
For questions about the pharmacy assurance program, please contact the School of Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs by phone at (816) 235-1613 or email.
Take classes that help you develop a solid foundation in math and science. If you have an opportunity to take an AP or IB class — go for it! They will help prepare you for the coursework you’ll encounter in college and, eventually, pharmacy school. Your AP and IB credit may transfer to UMKC.
Your high school may also offer dual enrollment courses, which allow you to earn college credits while attending high school. These are a great way to get a jump on your pharmacy prerequisites. You can find out which classes will transfer by selecting the college or university where you received dual enrollment credit.
Working as a pharmacy technician is the best way to learn about the profession. A pharmacy technician supports pharmacists by stocking, assembling and distributing medications. There are two types of technicians. Most students become registered technicians, whereas certified technicians tend to work in more specialty settings such as hospitals.
Becoming a registered pharmacy technician requires an application, criminal background check and fee. For more information, contact your state’s Board of Pharmacy.
You must take an exam through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board to become a certified pharmacy technician.
The pre-pharmacy curriculum requires approximately two years of general education and basic science courses. Although these courses do not necessarily lead to a bachelor’s degree, students may choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree. However, it is NOT required to apply to the professional Pharm.D. program. You can complete your pre-pharmacy prerequisites at UMKC or any regionally accredited institution (community college or four-year university).
If you want to complete your required pre-pharmacy courses at UMKC, please direct questions and application materials to the general UMKC Office of Admissions. To see how your courses/credits transfer, read our College Course Transfer Sheets.
Students who have completed ninth grade or higher can attend Pharmacy Camp at one of our three campuses to learn about the field of pharmacy and how to become a pharmacist. Engage with current faculty and practicing pharmacists, do hands-on experiments in the lab, participate in social/networking activities with current students and experience what it’s like to be a pharmacy student at UMKC.
The UMKC School of Pharmacy offers several options for students interested in visiting campus.
Freshman Visit DaysCurrent high school students can explore campus and learn more about our programs. Academic visits cover everything from a general admissions visit to specific information about your major. You often have the opportunity to meet with staff, faculty and students as well as tour facilities. These visits are coordinated through the UMKC Welcome Center.
Preview DaysOffered several times a semester for current high school or college students, Preview Days are comprehensive, half-day programs where you will not only have a UMKC overview presentation and tour but also speak with representatives from academic programs and student organizations. This event takes place on the UMKC Volker campus. Coordinate your visit through the UMKC Welcome Center.
Experience UMKCAdmitted students can experience firsthand what it is like to be a UMKC Roo. Explore your academic major, meet current students and alumni, and tour classrooms, residence halls and the recreation center. Discover clubs, organizations, services and more! Explore Experience UMKC.
Individual appointmentsAll prospective students and their parents may call us at 816-235-1613 or email us directly to schedule a visit with a School of Pharmacy representative. In these one-on-one, hour-long visits, students have the opportunity to ask questions about the School of Pharmacy, prerequisites, the admissions process and any other general questions. Financial aid, scholarships, cost of attendance, housing and campus life can be discussed broadly. Specific questions will be referred to those departments.