Pre-Pharmacy Program vs. Biology Major

imthebest
Tue, 08 Mar 2011 17:49:38 +0000

So, I’ve been accepted into a few 6 year pharmacy programs, St. John’s university 6 year program, Gannon 2+ 4 year program with Duquesne college of Pharmacy, and Butler university’s 6 year program. In each of these programs you will graduate with a PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy degree). I want to become a pharmacist. I know that for a fact. But, I don’t know if it would be better for me to complete a pharmacy program in 6 years or fulfill an undergraduate degree in Biology/Microbio/Biochem (4 years) and then apply to Pharmacy School and graduate from there receiving my PharmD (another 4 years.) [The Undergrad/PHarm school is a total 8 year process.]

I feel like having that bachelors degree would be important, but, I think that completing a program would save me more money in the long run…? (Am I wrong in thinking this?)

I have heard, however, that for Clinical Pharmacists to gain the respect of doctors, they should have attended Undergrad and Grad school instead of a quickie 6 year program.

Is there a difference between completing a program versus attaining a bachelor’s degree? If I wish to be a Clinical Pharmacist, is there any difference, academically speaking/ based on credentials, in completing a program versus completing a bachelors degree?

As the FAFSA letters pile in, I really am starting to think that saving money is the most important and fulfilling a bachelor’s is not necessary for what I want to do. Saving on those two years may be critical. I am NOT rich, I have a sister in private school (Highschool) while i will be at college and my EFC is 37000. I’m restless because I am unsure whether I will get enough $$ to go to St. John’s in NY.

I got a $14,000 scholarship from Gannon. The Pharmacy program at Duquesne is approx. $24,000.
St. John’s is a total $45,000/year
Butler is $40,000/yr as well.
and so far, I only have a $5,000 scholarship from St. John’s – where I really want to go. They have a great program.

Can I get some opinions of people who are in programs (of any sort)? or from people who chose the undergrad route over a program?
also, how difficult is it to get into Pharmacy school without being in a program? I assume just as competitive as med school?

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