Before applying to a pharmacy school, you must meet basic requirements. To enroll in a program to become a pharmacy tech, you must graduate from high school or earn a GED. Those who intend to enroll in a doctoral pharmacy program must complete a bachelor's degree. In addition, applicants must complete pre-pharmacy requirements during their undergraduate years or anytime prior to applying to the doctoral program.
Vocational schools don't typically require that students attain a specific GPA prior to enrollment. Many doctoral programs, however, will factor in your high school and undergraduate GPA. It is important to maintain "A" or "B" grades in all science-related classes. You should also try to maintain a high GPA in other subjects. For example, the University of California in San Francisco's (UCSF) School of Pharmacy requires all applicants have at least a 2.80 cumulative GPA in their undergraduate work.
Many doctoral pharmacy programs require that applicants complete several prerequisites before applying. UCSF requires applicants to complete one year of general chemistry with lab, one year of organic chemistry with lab, one year of biology with lab, one semester of physiology, one lab in electricity and magnetism, two semesters of calculus, two semesters of English composition, and a host of non-science related coursework including one semester of economics, public speaking, humanities or social sciences and psychology or sociology.
Whether completing a doctoral or vocational program, you must receive an intern license to complete the externship portion of the program. The state board of pharmacy may deny those who have misdemeanor or felony convictions, especially if they deem that the nature of the conviction will pose a threat to your work as a pharmacist. Pharmacy students will also need to submit to several immunizations including MMR, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, TST and Varicella Zoster.