What is pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a health profession in which the pharmacist functions as the licensed expert responsible for oversight of drug utilization. Pharmacists work with other health professionals to ensure optimal outcomes from the drug therapy prescribed for patients and are responsible for monitoring the patient’s progress, with regard to the benefits of the therapy as well as the potential for drug-induced side effects. The increasing complexity of medications coupled with changes in the health care delivery system continue to create opportunities for pharmacists to provide direct patient care in many practice settings. This patient care includes education with regard to disease prevention and treatment within the context of drug therapy.
Pharmacy graduates share their expertise and develop cooperative professional relationships with a variety of health care practitioners, especially physicians and nurses, and have a broad array of career opportunities.
What programs of study does Temple offer in Pharmacy?
Temple offers a six (6) year program leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm.D.). The program is divided into two years of pre-professional education at Temple University or any external accredited institution of higher learning and four years of professional education at Temple University’s School of Pharmacy. Graduates are eligible to take the state licensing exam (NABPLEX), successful completion of which is required for professional practice.
At the graduate level, Temple offers Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmaceutics and Medicinal Chemistry), and a Master of Science in Quality Assurance/Regulatory Affairs.
What are the career opportunities for pharmacists?
While the majority of graduates enter community (independent or chain pharmacy) or hospital practice (within which there are numerous specializations), there are many opportunities available in a wide array of settings including:
Specialized Practice Settings
- Managed Care
- Long-term Care
- Home Health Care
Government Agencies
- Public Health
- Food & Drug Administration
- Veterans Administration
- Military Services
Pharmaceutical Industry
- Entry-level manufacturing & quality control
- Clinical Research Coordination
- Professional Affairs
- Medical Writing & Drug Information
- Quality Assurance & Regulatory Affairs
- Sales & Marketing
Post-graduate residency training can lead to careers in many clinical areas of specialization as well as academia. Post-graduate study in the pharmaceutical sciences can lead to research careers in industry and academia.
What is studied in the pre-professional program?
Potential pharmacy students must satisfactorily complete two (2) years of pre-pharmacy requirements at an accredited college or university. Required subjects include chemistry (basic and organic), physics, math, biology, macroeconomics, requisite courses in the humanities and Temple core requirements (or equivalents).
Temple undergraduate students should enroll in the College of Science and Technology (CST) and consult with advisors in CST concerning their prerequisite course sequence. Students from other schools and colleges should follow the Recommended Prerequisite Course Sequence. Acceptance into the program is based on the completion of prerequisites, academic standing, letters of recommendation, and a personal interview. (Description of pre-requisite requirements)
What is studied in the professional program?
Upon admission to the School of Pharmacy students must complete four (4) years of professional study. The curriculum is structured to prepare students for the clinical practice of pharmacy based upon principles embodied in the pharmaceutical sciences. Course work involves:
- an integrated series of topics that range from the fundamentals of drug action up to and including their safe and efficacious use in patients.
- the study of biochemical, physiological and immunological processes as they define specific disease states and determine drug use.
- the science of dosage from design, development and use as a means for drug administration at appropriate time intervals to patients.
- therapeutics, patient counseling, and drug literature evaluation.
- economic and legal principles of health care as they relate to the practice of pharmacy.
- professional electives that further strengthen practice areas of particular interest to individual students.
- patient oriented clerkship rotations in ambulatory, in-patient, and specialty practice sites.
Which Temple Campuses offer the Pharmacy Program?
Students may complete their first two years of pre-professional study at Temple University Main Campus or Temple University Ambler. The four years of professional study are completed at the School of Pharmacy at Temple University’s Health Sciences Center. This exciting center encompasses Temple’s College of Health Professions (CHP), its Medical and Dental Schools as well as the University’s world-renowned Hospital, famous for its work in cardiology, and Temple University Children’s Medical Center. With ready access to the University’s School of Podiatric Medicine in Center City Philadelphia, the Pharmacy School offers students an excellent opportunity for cross-disciplinary learning in a comprehensive health care environment.
What high school preparation is recommended for individuals who are considering pharmacy as their major?
High school students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy should take science courses. Subjects of importance include biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus (if possible). Students are encouraged to take public speaking as it provides the opportunity to develop excellent oral and written communication skills. (Academic Advising Guidelines For Freshmen)
Who should I contact at the School of Pharmacy regarding admissions?
Admission information and an application form can be obtained at the School of Pharmacy website: http://www.temple.edu/pharmacy
Students should request an application after the completion of one (1) year (e.g., 30 credit hours) of pre-professional study in an accredited college or university, or one year prior to anticipated enrollment. Individuals who have a bachelor’s degree in a separate discipline are also encouraged to apply to our School. Direct your request to the address indicated above and NOT to Undergraduate Admissions.
