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Prerequisite requirements for international students with a bachelor's in pharmacy

  • 1.  Prerequisite requirements for international students with a bachelor's in pharmacy

    Posted 10-02-2024 02:45 PM

    Good afternoon,

    Currently, our school utilizes WES transcript evaluation for international applicants. I am interested in learning what other schools do to evaluate prerequisites in candidates with a bachelor's in pharmacy. There are certain prerequisites (e.g. analytical reading and writing) that we require these students to take in the U.S. Do other schools require these students to complete 100% of prerequisites or make exceptions due to this international degree. I would appreciate any procedures or process others follow in this situation.

    Regards,

    Christina



    ------------------------------
    Christina Rose, PharmD, BCCCP, FCCM
    Assistant Dean of Admissions
    Clinical Professor in Pharmacy Practice
    Temple University School of Pharmacy
    She/Her/Hers
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  • 2.  RE: Prerequisite requirements for international students with a bachelor's in pharmacy

    Posted 10-02-2024 04:43 PM

    Hello Christina

     

    A timely question posed! Having an international BS in Pharmacy or PharmD certainly has an edge over regular Chemistry, Biology, Physiology, and other typical pre-requisite courses taken separately by applicants for PharmD programs in the US. Some pharmacy schools in the US also offer a pathway for earning PharmD degree for international students with a BS in Pharmacy or PharmD.

     

    At our program, we consider someone with an international pharmacy or medical degree only as having met the pre-requisites, along with having to secure a satisfactory performance on a standard Test of English Proficiency (e.g., Toefl or IELTS). Applicants would evaluate their foreign transcripts with one of NACES agencies (e.g., WES) and have them sent directly to us. Where international applicants don't have pharmacy or medical degrees, then matching courses from any foreign bachelor's degree are considered in lieu of corresponding pre-requisites and missing courses must be taken at a US institution.

     

    Given the current enrollment situation in Pharmacy programs, it's vital to broaden the search for prospective applicants by considering foreign graduates. The downside though, is most of these students have to be self-financed or should have become a US citizen or permanent resident at the time of matriculation to be eligible for federal or private financial aid.

     

    You may email me directly (ahussain@auhs.edu) and I'd be happy to chat with you.

     




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