Admission Requirements
E-mail: pharmd@unthsc.edu
Phone: 817-735-2004
Website: https://www.unthsc.edu/college-of-pharmacy/
Physical Location:
Student Services Center
1051 Haskell Street, Suite 180
Fort Worth, TX 76107
Admission into the Health Science Center College of Pharmacy (HSCCP) is selective. Student enrollment is set at 100.
To be admitted to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, an applicant must have participated in the competitive admissions process and must have completed the required coursework outlined below. The minimum overall grade point average (GPA) required for consideration for admission is 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. All enrolled students must meet the program’s minimum Health and Technical Standards to participate in the program.
The minimum Math and Science prerequisite coursework requirements cannot be waived and must be completed or be in progress by the posted admissions deadline(s) from regionally-accredited U.S. colleges or universities. Prerequisite coursework must be satisfied with a grade of “C” or higher (2.0 on a 4.0 scale). A single course cannot be used simultaneously to meet more than one course prerequisite. All coursework completed by the applicant will be considered in the admissions process.
Qualified applicants will be provisionally admitted to HSCCP pending submission of a satisfactory completion of prerequisites and a criminal background check, which is administered by a private company and is coordinated by Student Services. Any provisionally admitted applicant who has been convicted of, or pled guilty to, a felony offense will not be admitted to HSCCP, since he/she would not be eligible to rotate in community and hospital pharmacies as a pharmacy student. In addition to the criminal background check, students will also have a urine drug screen and an employment verification done prior to matriculation and on a yearly basis thereafter.
Course Prerequisites
| |
Credits |
| General Biology |
(At least 6 credits of coursework and 2 credits of laboratory coursework). Must be courses that apply toward a baccalaureate degree in any traditional science field. Courses for non-science majors or nursing majors are not acceptable toward the prerequisite requirements. |
8 |
| Microbiology |
(At least 3 credits of coursework and 1 credit of laboratory coursework). |
4 |
|
Human Anatomy & Physiology 1
|
(At least 3 credits of coursework and 1 credit of laboratory coursework). Functional anatomy and physiology of the human body including biological chemistry, cell morphology, membrane and tissue physiology, musculoskeletal system, and the nervous system. (A stand-alone Anatomy course will be accepted; however, a stand-alone Physiology course will NOT be accepted.) |
4 |
| Genetics |
(At least 3 credits toward coursework). Must be a course that applies toward a baccalaureate degree in any traditional science field. Courses for non-science majors or nursing majors are not acceptable toward the prerequisite requirements. Students are allowed to take Molecular Biology or Biochemistry in place of Genetics. |
3 |
| General or Inorganic Chemistry |
(At least 6 credits of coursework and 2 credits of laboratory coursework). Must be General Chemistry courses that apply toward a baccalaureate degree in any traditional science field. Courses for non-science majors or nursing majors are not acceptable toward the prerequisite. |
8 |
| Organic Chemistry |
(At least 6 credits of coursework and 2 credits of laboratory coursework). Must be courses that apply toward a baccalaureate degree in any traditional science field. Organic Chemistry courses must have “Organic” in the course title. Courses for non-science majors or nursing majors are not acceptable toward the prerequisite requirements. |
8 |
| Physics |
(At least 3 credits of coursework and 1 credit of laboratory coursework). Must be courses that apply toward a baccalaureate degree in any traditional science field. Courses for non-science majors or nursing majors are not acceptable toward the prerequisite requirements. |
4 |
| Calculus I |
3 credits of Calculus are required. Pre-calculus may not be substituted for this requirement. |
3 |
| Statistics |
One 3-credit course in statistics is required. |
3 |
| English Composition |
Two 3-credit courses that fulfill the general English requirement of a baccalaureate degree. Remedial or “English as a second language” courses are not acceptable. |
6 |
| English Literature |
One sophomore 3-credit course that fulfills the literature requirement of a baccalaureate degree. |
3 |
| U.S. History |
Two 3-credit courses that fulfill the history requirement of a baccalaureate degree. |
6 |
| U.S. Government |
One 3-credit hour course in U.S. government. |
3 |
| Fine Arts & Humanities |
One 3-credit course that may be counted as an elective requirement in the fine arts and humanities for a baccalaureate degree. |
3 |
| Social & Behavioral Sciences |
One 3-credit course that may be counted as an elective requirement in social and behavioral sciences for a baccalaureate degree. Example: Economics |
3 |
| Speech/Public Speaking |
One 3-credit course in which public speaking is a major component of the course. |
3 |
| Required Credits |
72 |
Admissions Procedures
Application
Regular Admission Application
Applicants are required to submit their applications for admission to the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) online at www.pharmcas.org. Applications must be submitted by the posted date. To be considered for admission, applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements. Applicants may be U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or foreign nationals. Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended must be submitted to PharmCAS. Three letters of recommendation are required and should be written by individuals who are familiar with the applicant’s suitability for pharmacy school, such as a faculty member or advisor or a pharmacist supervisor. Letters from family members or friends will not be accepted. All letters of recommendation must be submitted to PharmCAS using the PharmCAS-required format.
Foreign Transcripts
Applicants from foreign countries must provide additional information in their PharmCAS applications. An official copy of each international transcript (native language and certified English translation) describing all academic programs attempted must be submitted. Syllabi and catalog course descriptions for the specific courses that applicants plan to use to meet prerequisite requirements are uploaded to the Program Materials section of PharmCAS. A course by course evaluation performed by World Education Services must also be uploaded to PharmCAS. Proficiency in English is required. An official TOEFL score report indicating a minimum of 650 paper-based/280 computer-based/114 internet-based is required. Scores are submitted to PharmCAS. Students (excluding F-1/J-1 students) who have completed at least 74 semester credit hours at an accredited United States university or college will not be required to submit passing TOEFL scores.
HSCCP Early Assurance PharmDirect Program
The Health Science Center College of Pharmacy (HSCCP) Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program participates in the HSSCP Early Assurance PharmDirect Program (EAP) with select education partners.
Admission Pathways
There are two separate pathways for entry into the HSCCP EAP program: Undergraduate College Pathway and High School Pathway. Acceptance into either pathway will be determined by the Health Science Center College of Pharmacy (HSCCP) Admissions Committee per its established procedures.
Application to the HSCCP EAP and Letter of Intent (LOI)
Students seeking entrance into the HSCCP EAP, via either the Undergraduate College Pathway or the High School Pathway, will apply via PharmDirect (https://pharmdirect.liaisoncas.com/applicant-ux/#/login/) by the posted deadline and pay the application fee. A LOI will also be submitted to the Admissions Office. Applicants accepted into the HSCCP EAP program shall be notified by the Admissions Office.
Benefits to Students
Students who meet the requirements will be provisionally admitted to the PharmD program. Remaining in the HSCCP EAP and promoting to the PharmD program will be dependent on fulfilling the requirements outlined herein. Students who fulfill the requirements for promotion to the PharmD program will not compete against the traditional admissions pathway pool of applicants.
Undergraduate College Pathway
College applicants must meet the following requirements for acceptance:
- Intend to matriculate to the HSCCP PharmD program at a date beyond that for the immediately upcoming class
- Complete a minimum of 30 hours of college credit including Biology I and Biology II,
Chemistry I and Chemistry II, and Calculus with a minimum overall GPA of 3.2 and a minimum 3.2 GPA in all completed prerequisite courses
(see https://www.unthsc.edu/college-of-pharmacy/prerequisite-coursework/)
- Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing
- Submit an essay describing their motivation for pursuing a career in pharmacy, preferably including a significant healthcare experience
- Provide a positive letter of recommendation
High School Pathway
High school applicants must meet the following requirements for acceptance:
- Complete junior year of high school (11th grade) or equivalent
- Students must be ranked in the top 10% of their class and submit SAT or ACT scores or be ranked in the next 15% and have a minimum 1030 SAT or 20 ACT or have a 3.2 unweighted GPA (counselor must convert if weighted) and be on track to graduate in the Recommended or Distinguished Endorsement track.
- Maintain good academic and disciplinary standing
- Provide updated official transcripts at the end of each semester and no later than 30 days following posting of transcripts
- Submit an essay describing their motivation for pursuing a career in pharmacy. Essays that detail healthcare experiences are preferred.
- Provide a positive letter of recommendation from an academic or professional mentor that can speak on the student’s integrity, professionalism, and academic abilities.
Requirements for Remaining in the HSCCP EAP and Gaining Promotion to the PharmD Program
To remain in the HSCCP EAP and gain promotion to the PharmD program, students must meet the following requirements:
- Students entering via the high school pathway must enroll in an accredited community college, 4-year college, or university within 18 months of graduation, unless all prerequisites have been completed
- Maintain a minimum 3.2 cumulative GPA at an accredited community college, 4-year college, or university
- Maintain a minimum 3.2 GPA in prerequisite courses
- Complete all prerequisite courses by the end of Summer Session 1 prior to matriculation
- Complete all prerequisite coursework with a C letter grade at minimum
- Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Dual Credit Program credits for appropriate courses will be accepted if they appear on an official transcript
- Remain in good academic and disciplinary standing
- Remain enrolled in an accredited community college, 4-year college, or university continuously until prerequisite courses for admission have been completed
- Provide a positive letter of recommendation from an academic or professional mentor that can speak on the student’s integrity, professionalism, and academic abilities
- Provide updated official transcripts at the end of each semester and no later than 30 days following posting of transcripts
- Attend all required events at HSC campus including advising sessions and open house
Failure to maintain these minimum standards will lead to removal from the HSCCP EAP. Students who are removed from EAP are still able to and encouraged to apply to HSC Pharmacy through the Regular Admissions process.
Supplemental Application
The HSCCP requires completion of its Supplemental Application and nominal processing fee. This form is completed and submitted electronically through a link on the website at https://pharmapp.unthsc.edu. It must be submitted by the posted deadline.
Interviews
Selected applicants will be invited for interview at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (HSC) campus, located in Fort Worth. In addition to interviewing, applicants will have an opportunity to meet with a member of the HSCCP leadership team, student ambassadors, and tour the campus.
Selection Factors
The PharmD Admissions Committee seeks applicants who are academically qualified to progress through the curriculum and who show promise of becoming skilled pharmacy professionals. Although an applicant’s entire academic record is considered, this alone does not ensure acceptance. Evidence of personal integrity, maturity, creativity, motivation, dedication, and the ability to work with others are additional factors that will be considered. These qualities and attitudes are evaluated by several means, including letters of reference, the scope and nature of extracurricular activities (including work and volunteer experience), the scope and breadth of prior education and through the interview process. Ability to communicate effectively both in verbal and written format will be considered from the personal statement, interview, and onsite handwritten writing sample. Empathy assessment and calculations skills may also be measured. Motivation to become a pharmacist and prior pharmacy experience will also be considered.
Committee Evaluation of Applicants
After the interview, applicants are assigned to a Faculty Review Team. After the Faculty Review Team meets and makes recommendations, the Director of Admissions will meet with the Faculty Admissions Committee to review their recommendations. The Admissions Committee votes to accept, reject or place applicants on the HOLD or WAIT list. Admissions Committee members makes the final decision on who will receive admissions offers or denials.
The following variables are assessed when an applicant is scored:
| Admission Criteria for PharmD Applicants (not an exhaustive list) |
| Cognitive Attributes |
Academic performance as an undergraduate student and academic performance as a graduate student |
| Non-Cognitive Attributes |
Interview scores; geographic diversity; socioeconomic background; commitment to pharmacy; exposure to pharmacy; first generation college student; letters of evaluation; contribution to the diversity of the class * |
*Contribution to the diversity of the class includes race, ethnicity, or any other unique personal life experience(s), including but not limited to experience abroad, foreign language skills, overcoming adversities and hardships, community service, or previous career experience that will enhance the educational environment of HSCCP.
Admissions Notification Process
Students will be notified of acceptance on a rolling basis during the admissions cycle. Additional students will be accepted according to rank order by SCP Admissions Committee. If necessary, students will be accepted through orientation week, approximately the second week of August.
Admission in Advanced Standing (Transfer)
Students enrolled in Colleges or Schools of Pharmacy accredited by the Accreditation Council on Pharmacy education may apply for advanced standing in HSCCP. Candidates must have valid reasons for transfer, be in good academic standing in their home institution, meet all requirements of admission into HSCCP, and be eligible for continuation in their current program. Admission is competitive and depends upon availability of space in the professional year of placement.
Requirements
- A transfer request form that is available on the HSCCP website must be completed and submitted to the Senior Associate Dean.
- A letter of academic standing from the Dean or Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at the candidate’s home institution must be submitted to the Senior Associate Dean.
- Official transcripts from all U.S. colleges and universities and all colleges or schools of pharmacy must be submitted.
- Complete transfer form and supplemental application by the posted deadline.
- Interview
Selection for Admission as a Transfer Student
Candidates will be interviewed at the University of North Texas Health Science Center (HSC) campus at Fort Worth. The Admissions Committee will consider an applicant for admission if he/she has completed all requirements, has been interviewed and reviewed by the Review Team and Admissions Committee.
Upon a transfer applicant’s acceptance of an offer, the Senior Associate Dean, in consultation with HSCCP course directors, will review the students’ transcripts and available curricular materials to determine equivalence and will then determine the professional year in the PharmD program in which the candidates will be placed.
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