Prepare to Study Pharmacy

Take Math and Science Classes

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.

Gain Pharmacy Experience

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.

Complete Prerequisites

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).

  • General Chemistry I with lab
  • General Chemistry II with lab
  • Organic Chemistry I with lab
  • Organic Chemistry II with lab
  • General Biology I (Botany)
  • General Biology II (Zoology)
  • Human Anatomy
  • Cell Biology or Human Physiology
  • Microbiology with lab
  • English Composition I
  • English Composition II
  • Communications/Public Speaking
  • Calculus I
  • General Physics with lab
  • U.S. Constitution course: American History I or II or Political Science/American Government
  • Medical Terminology
  • Basic Statistics

If you want to complete your required Pre-Pharmacy courses at UMKC, please direct questions and application materials to the Office of Admissions. To see how your courses/credits transfer, read our transfer equivalency sheets.

Attend Pharmacy Camp

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 and networking activities with current students, and experience what it’s like to be a pharmacy student at UMKC.

Register for Pharmacy Camp

Visit the School of Pharmacy

The UMKC School of Pharmacy offers several options for students interested in visiting campus.

Major-specific Roo Visits

Current 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.

Preview Days

Offered 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.

Admitted students

Admitted 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!

Individual appointments

All 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.