The Pre-Pharmacy path at FGCU is a structured advising plan within the OneHealth Pre-Professional Studies program. Like other pre-health tracks, it is not a single course, but a set of recommended and required courses that prepare students to apply to pharmacy school (PharmD programs). Most students major in Biology – Pre-Professional Concentration, but other majors may also be appropriate. Please remember to reach out the OneHealth Pre-Professional Program Coordinator at prehealth@fgcu.edu for the most personalized support.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
- General Biology 1 with Lab (BSC 1010C)
- General Biology 2 (BSC 1011) and General Biology 2 Lab (BSC 1011L)
- General Chemistry 1 (CHM 1045)
- General Chemistry 1 Lab (CHW 1045L)
- General Chemistry 2 (CHM 1046)
- General Chemistry 2 Lab (CHW 1046L)
- Fundamentals of Communication (SPC 1017)
- Organic Chemistry 1 (CHM 2210)
- Organic Chemistry 1 Lab (CHM 2210L)
- Organic Chemistry 2 (CHM 2211)
- Organic Chemistry 2 Lab (CHM 2211L)
- Calculus 1 (MAC 2311)
- Statistical Methods (STA 2023)
- Microeconomics (ECO 2023)
- Human Anatomy (ZOO 3733C)
- Human Physiology (PCB 3703C)
- General Microbiology (3020C)
- Biochemistry (BCH 3023C)
- College Physics 1 (PHY 2053)
- College Physics 1 (PHY 2053L)
- College Physics 1 (PHY 2054)
- College Physics 1 (PHY 2054L)
- General Education Courses
- Public Speaking Course
- Genetics (PCB 3063C)
- Immunology (PCB 4233C)
- Ethics or Philosophy
BEYOND CLASSROOM
Pharmacy Experience
-
Work or volunteer in a pharmacy setting (retail or hospital-based).
-
This experience is often required or highly recommended by PharmD programs.
-
Consider earning a pharmacy technician certification, if possible.
Shadowing a Pharmacist
-
Observe pharmacists in various roles: clinical, community, hospital, compounding, etc.
-
Keep a log of dates, hours, and reflections for your application.
Community Service
-
Volunteer regularly in your community.
-
Activities in health education, public health, or service to underserved populations are especially valued.
Leadership & Campus Involvement
-
Join student organizations like Pre-Pharmacy, Pre-Health, or American Chemical Society.
-
Take on leadership roles to demonstrate initiative and communication skills.
Seminar Courses
Enroll in Seminar in Medicine I & II (BSC 1930L, BSC 2930L), which include:
-
Personal statement writing
-
Interview preparation
-
Choosing and approaching references
-
Application strategies
Undergraduate Research (Optional but Valuable)
-
Join a biology or chemistry lab to develop analytical and critical thinking skills.
-
You can pursue BSC 4910C (Senior Project – Research) as a capstone course your senior year.
Prepare for the Application Process
-
Track all hours and experiences.
-
Start drafting your personal statement early.
-
Though many pharmacy schools no longer require the PCAT, check with individual programs.
