Pre-Pharmacy Timeline

This timeline serves as a general guide for the Pre-Pharmacy track at Florida State University. Individual pathways may differ based on factors like transfer or accelerated credits, course availability, study abroad, or a gap year. For tailored guidance, meet regularly with your FSU Pre-health Advisor and your major academic advisor via Campus Connect.

 
 

year 1

Courses: General Biology I & II (BSC 2010/2011), General Chemistry I (CHM1045 + lab), English Composition, College Algebra or Pre-Calculus, General Psychology or Sociology.

  • Resources:

    • Join FSU Pre-Pharmacy and pre-health clubs via NoleCentral.

    • Schedule a Pre-health Advising appointment via myFSU Campus Connect to map out pharmacy school prerequisites and credits.

  • Experience:

    • Begin volunteering or shadowing in pharmacy settings (retail, hospital, or clinical).

    • Explore pharmacy-related service or research opportunities.

SUMMER 1 – CLINICAL EXPOSURE

  • Gain pharmacy exposure by working or volunteering in a pharmacy or healthcare setting.

  • Attend FSU Pre-health workshops (e.g., Pre-health 101) and begin tracking hours and experiences.

 

year 2

Courses: Organic Chemistry I & II (CHM2210/2211 + labs), Physics I (PHY 2053C or 2048C), Anatomy & Physiology I & II (PET3322/3323), Statistics, Public Speaking.

  • Continue gaining pharmacy-related experience through shadowing, volunteering, or pharmacy tech certification.

  • Begin leadership or service involvement on campus.

  • Meet with your advisor to ensure you're meeting prerequisite requirements for target pharmacy schools.

SUMMER 2 – TEST PREP & EXPERIENCE

  • Continue clinical or pharmaceutical experience.

  • Begin preparing for the PCAT (if required—note that many pharmacy schools are moving away from it).

  • Research pharmacy programs and note deadlines, required coursework, and recommendation guidelines.

 

year 3

Courses: Microbiology (MCB 4403/L), Biochemistry (BCH 4053), Economics, upper-level electives in health sciences or ethics.

  • Take the PCAT by early spring (if applicable).

  • Begin your personal statement and request letters of recommendation (including one from a pharmacist and one science professor).

  • Attend workshops on the PharmCAS application process and interview strategies.

SUMMER 3 – SUBMIT APPLICATION

  • Submit your PharmCAS application (opens in July; apply early for rolling admissions).

  • Continue working in pharmacy-related settings and prepare for interviews.

 

YEAR 4

Courses: Complete any remaining major and elective requirements, maintain GPA.

  • Attend pharmacy school interviews as scheduled.

  • Meet with your Pre-health Advisor to review next steps or gap year plans.

  • Graduate!

GAP YEAR (OPTIONAL)

  • Use this year to complete final prerequisites, improve GPA, gain additional experience, or reapply.

  • Consult with your major advisor and Pre-health Advisor for a personalized plan and PharmCAS timeline.