Why Choose the College of Pharmacy?
Over one-half of the pharmacists practicing in Michigan are graduates of Ferris. Graduates are well prepared for the North American Pharmacists Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), which is required for licensure in Michigan and most other states.
Ferris offers a six-year program leading to a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. The entering-level program operates on a 2-4 format. Pre-Pharmacy is two years with the last four years spent in the professional program provided by the College of Pharmacy. At Ferris, Pre-Pharmacy is offered through the College of Arts and Sciences. Transfer guides are available for most of the state's colleges and universities.
Pre-Pharmacy subjects include general biology, microbiology, general and organic chemistry, calculus, statistics, economics, English, communication skills, psychology or sociology, and cultural enrichment. All course work designated as pre-pharmacy must be completed in order to finalize admission. Prospective students should familiarize themselves with the University's General Education Guidelines.
Beginning Fall 2009, the pre-pharmacy subjects will include general biology, anatomy and physiology, general and organic chemistry, calculus, economics, English, communication skills, psychology or sociology, and cultural enrichment.
Great Career Options
Since its inception in 1893, the College of Pharmacy has adapted its programming to meet the challenges and complex demands of an ever-changing profession. Current emphasis is on clinical practice and the provision of pharmaceutical care to ensure that the patient's drug therapy is appropriate, safe, effective for the condition being treated and cost-effective. Graduates of the College will be prepared to deliver pharmaceutical care to patients in a wide range of practice settings.
Some of the many fields of specialization open to the pharmacist include:
Community pharmacy: most pharmacists are engaged in this type of professional practice in either independently owned or chain pharmacies.
Hospital pharmacy: this field offers a variety of assignments in support of physicians, nurses and other members of the health care team in dealing with the medication needs of patients.
Industrial pharmacy: opportunities include those related to production, quality control, research, administration and sales promotion. Included also are the medical service representatives needed to keep physicians, dentists and pharmacists informed of new developments.
Other career options include home health care, long-term care, nuclear pharmacy, public health, law and various areas of pharmacy education and specialization.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the College of Pharmacy entry-level programs is highly competitive and is granted to the best qualified applicants on a space available basis.
Admission criteria include:
1. Academic Achievement in pre-pharmacy courses;
2. Score on Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT);
3. Results of an in-person interview (verbal and written);
4. Pharmach Technical Standards;
5. Course load (average number of hours per semester, repeats, withdrawals);
6. Supplemental application information; and
7. Results of a criminal background check.
For complete admission policies, check at the link below:
http://www.ferris.edu/htmls/colleges/pharmacy/link_desc.cfm?LinkID=59
Although the minimum acceptable cumulative GPA obtained in pre-pharmacy is 2.5, the average of successful applicants is much higher. The Pre-Pharmacy program can be taken at Ferris or at any other accredited college or university.
Graduation Requirements
The College of Pharmacy at Ferris State grants the doctor of pharmacy degree. Graduation requirements for the Pharm.D. degree include completion of all work outlined in the Pharm.D. curriculum, a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 and recommendation for the degree by the faculty of the College of Pharmacy based on academic performance and ethical and professional standards.
Accreditation
The College of Pharmacy is recognized by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy and is accredited by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education, the national accrediting agency for all colleges of pharmacy. Ferris is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
More Information
College of Pharmacy
Ferris State University
220 Ferris Drive
Big Rapids, MI 49307-2740
phone: (231) 591-3780
