Navigating the University of Central Florida Pharmacy Program Requirements

The University of Central Florida (UCF) provides various pathways for students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy. While UCF itself doesn't directly offer a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, it offers undergraduate programs like the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, which can serve as excellent preparation for applying to pharmacy schools. This article will explore the requirements and options available to aspiring pharmacists at UCF and beyond.

Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences: A Foundation for Pharmacy

The Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences at UCF is a four-year, 120-credit-hour program designed for students with an interest in human health. It is designed for students with an interest in human health who plan to pursue careers in medicine, other health professions, and health promotion. The curriculum provides students with a solid educational background encompassing required core science courses and application-oriented courses that provide a strong foundation for advanced degree programs in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physical therapy, physician assistant, occupational therapy, public health and others. Full-time students who transfer with an AA degree from a Florida public state college or university complete the degree in an average of two to three years. Most courses are offered face-to-face; however, some courses have both face-to-face and online versions. Most courses in the major are offered in the morning and afternoon. Very few courses are offered in the evening.

Tracks within Health Sciences

The Health Sciences major offers two distinct tracks:

Health Promotion: This track is suited for students interested in careers such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, clinical/behavioral health research, and public health.
Pre-Clinical: This track is specifically designed for students aiming for careers as physicians, physician assistants, dentists, pharmacists, and other healthcare careers. A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 is required for entrance and graduation in this track. The Pre-Clinical track provides students with a solid educational background in basic and health-related sciences, while providing the foundation courses required for admission to graduate level clinical programs including but not limited to medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, optometry, physician assistant/associate, and other health-related professions.

Selecting a track depends on the student’s interests and goals. Both tracks offer a wide variety of restricted elective courses and career paths. Restricted electives should be selected based on graduate and/or career goals. Restricted electives are determined based on tracks (i.e., Health Promotion or Pre-Clinical) and may not be interchanged.

Admission and Enrollment

Prospective students must apply online via UCF Admissions for admission to UCF as an undergraduate student. To declare the Health Promotion track, no specific requirements need to be met. However, the Pre-Clinical track is a restricted access track, requiring students to have an overall GPA of 3.0 or above. Students wishing to pursue this track will be placed in pending status until their GPA is reviewed. Students meeting the requirements will be admitted to the Pre-Clinical track. No additional application is required.

It is strongly recommended that students wishing to transfer to the Health Sciences major at UCF complete an AA degree from a Florida public state college or university. Some courses required for the major may also meet general education requirements.

Academic Advising

UCF provides comprehensive advising services to guide students through their academic journey. CHPS Student Academic Services (SAS) provides academic advising for current students majoring in Health Sciences and prospective Health Sciences students. The academic success coaches can assist students with information about the major, schedule planning, selecting a track, restricted elective options, registration assistance, possible course substitutions, override information, transfer course equivalencies and general career information. The CHPS academic success coaches are available by appointment only.

Students can schedule appointments with the Health Sciences Academic Advising Office by calling 407-823-0946.

Course Information

To identify the mode of instruction for a particular course, visit my.ucf.edu and log on using your NID and NID password. To find the times and days that courses are offered, visit my.ucf.edu and log on using your NID and NID password. Click on Student Self Service and select Search at the top left of the page. You can also visit my.ucf.edu and click on the “Class Search” link located under the myUCF login.

Opportunities for Health Sciences Students

The Health Sciences Internship (HSC 4943) is available as a 3-credit restricted elective course. Students also are encouraged to get involved with student organizations. These organizations can provide opportunities for leadership development, service and networking. At UCF, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research projects. No matter your major, there’s a wide range of opportunities within each discipline. The Office of Undergraduate Research also offers two 1 credit hour courses to help you engage in research. Research is governed by ethics and compliance requirements that all researchers need to know and follow. Members of a research team need training to ensure that the research they conduct adheres to ethical standards and compliance requirements. Completing the necessary training in advance of seeking an opportunity to be involved in research can help you learn what you need to know and may increase the chance of being selected to work with faculty on a research project. The training course completed by researchers at UCF is the CITI Program. Broaden your views of the world around you through opportunities with UCF Abroad.

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Preparing for Pharmacy School

While UCF does not have a pharmacy program, the Health Sciences major, particularly the Pre-Clinical track, is an excellent stepping stone toward a PharmD degree. The curriculum includes pre-requisite courses needed for entrance into these programs.

Essential Considerations for Pharmacy School Admission

Pre-requisite Courses: The Health Sciences curriculum includes two required nutrition courses. Students should note that graduate programs may require a higher level of performance for admission.
GPA: A minimum grade of "C" (2.0) in each program prerequisite course, in each core requirement course, and in each restricted elective is required. Students must achieve a minimum 3.0 overall GPA for graduation. Students who do not meet the minimum overall 3.0 GPA graduation requirement, and have an overall GPA between 2.5-2.99, will be automatically moved to the Health Sciences - Health Promotion track during their graduation term and will earn the Health Sciences - Health Promotion track B.S. if they have met all other program requirements. Students with an overall GPA less than 2.5 will be automatically moved to the General Health Studies, B.S. degree during their graduation term if they have met all other program requirements.
Experience: Examples include involvement in student organizations, community service, volunteering and work experience.
Letters of Recommendation: Two letters are required from separate references.

Additional Resources at UCF

Office of Pre-Health and Pre-Law Advising (PHPL): Assists pre-professional students in any undergraduate major by offering advising for students interested in careers in any health profession.
Career Services: Access numerous resources and services from Career Services - from discovering your interests and UCF majors to exploring careers and industries to preparing for internship or job searches.

Beyond UCF: Graduate Programs in Pharmacy

For students pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree after completing their bachelor's at UCF, it's crucial to research and understand the admission requirements of various pharmacy schools.

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

As an example, the University of Florida (UF) College of Pharmacy has specific requirements for admission to its PharmD program:

Coursework: In-class lecture and lab formats are preferable for the completion of preprofessional coursework. Online preprofessional coursework involving sciences with labs may be accepted. At public institutions in Florida, the course prefix and last three digits of a course number will match exactly among institutions even though the course title may vary. All non-UF students who have applied for admission into the UF Pharm.D. program and want to take Biochemistry online as non-degree seeking should apply here. It is important that you include in the comments section that you are applying to the UF Pharm.D program. Please also notify the PharmD admissions team when you have submitted your application.
Grade Forgiveness: PharmCAS and the University of Florida College of Pharmacy do not grant grade forgiveness. The UF College of Pharmacy does not have a time limit on when academic work would not be acceptable.
Transfer Students: Due to the structure of our curriculum, we do not accept transfer students. Our curriculum is block-style, with patient care courses early in the curriculum.
Essential Functions: Candidates for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must be able to perform the essential functions in each of the following categories: Observation, Communication, Motor, Intellectual, and Behavior/Social. However, it is recognized that degrees of ability vary among individuals. Individuals are encouraged to discuss their disabilities with the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and consider technological and other facilitating mechanisms needed in order to train and function effectively as a pharmacist. The UF College of Pharmacy is committed to enabling its students by any reasonable means or accommodations to complete the course of study leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Graduate Programs in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science at UCF

The Department of Health Sciences in the College of Health Professions and Sciences at the University of Central Florida offers a Master of Science degree in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science. The Master of Science in Health Promotion and Behavioral Science includes thesis and non-thesis options. The HPBS program trains students to conduct systematic reviews, translate scientific research into evidence-based practice, and design and implement innovative health promotion, education, and advocacy programs and campaigns aimed at preventing and reducing the risk of chronic disease and its associated impacts. Students also gain skills in behavior modification, health coaching, and health communications. The curriculum includes coursework required to achieve competencies needed for specialty certification eligibility as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and a Certified Health and Wellness Coach.

M.S. Admission Requirements

Undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher, calculated (roughly) on upper-division coursework.
Please follow the instructions on this worksheet and include the worksheet in your application.
Pursuant to Florida Statute, your application requires inclusion of all post-high school education and employment, as well as information about ongoing international affiliations and research funding.
Letters of recommendation are not required for admission to the program.
If you are nearing completion of your bachelor’s degree, you may apply for admission to the online graduate program before your degree is officially conferred. If admitted, your bachelor’s degree must be conferred prior to the first day of classes in your term of admission.

Note: A graduate certificate can be obtained for any of the four specialty tracks.

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Undergraduate GPA of 2.5 or higher, calculated (roughly) on upper-division coursework.
Please follow the instructions on this worksheet and include the worksheet in your application.
Letters of recommendation are not required for admission to the program.
If you are nearing completion of your bachelor’s degree, you may apply for admission to the online graduate program before your degree is officially conferred. If admitted, your bachelor’s degree must be conferred prior to the first day of classes in your term of admission.
International students may be required to pass a test of English language fluency.

Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy

Students who would like to pursue a Ph.D. degree can apply directly for the Ph.D. program. Prior enrollment in the POP M.S. program or attainment of an M.S. The deadline for submitting a complete application is December 1. Ph.D. applicants deemed competitive for admission will be invited for a video conference interview in early January and M.S. applicants will be interviewed later in January. Ph.D. may also be invited for an in-person interview in February. If there are exceptional circumstances related to the application deadline, please contact Dr. The Ph.D. and M.S. program are open to any individual regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, handicap. All applicants are considered on a competitive basis. The GRE is no longer required for admission to the UF College of Pharmacy’s graduate programs. Official transcripts and degree certificates/diplomas. Note, we will begin review of applications based on the provision of unofficial transcripts and degree certificates, if provided instead of official documents. For International applicants, proof of competency in oral and written English. The graduate program in Pharmaceutical Outcomes & Policy requires substantial quantitative skills, as the coursework and training involve biostatistics and programming. Meeting the general requirements does not guarantee admission. Admission to the Ph.D. For general questions about our graduate programs or the admissions process, contact Dr.

Community College Pathways

The College of Central Florida (CF) and other state colleges offer Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degrees that can serve as pathways to UCF's Health Sciences program.

Benefits of Starting at a State College

Cost Savings: By starting with an A.A. degree at the College of Central Florida, students can save thousands of dollars on tuition and fees.
University Partnerships: CF also has university partnerships with University of Central Florida, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University and University of South Florida through programs that give you even more perks while earning your A.A. View A.A.
Baccalaureate Options: Upon completing an A.S. degree, students also have the option to continue their education with a coordinating bachelor’s degree. View A.S. A bachelor’s degree can open doors to more employment opportunities and higher compensation for graduates. The College of Central Florida offers several bachelor’s degrees ranging across different areas of study. There are additional admissions requirements for CF’s baccalaureate programs, such as successful completion of an associate degree.

Other Programs at CF

College Credit Certificates provide enhanced skills in specialty areas, preparing students for entry-level employment and provide supplemental training for currently employed professionals. The Career and Technical Certificate is perfect for students wishing to learn the principles and skills necessary to enter into a vocation directly. A new student seeking an occupational/vocational certificate must complete the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) or the Computerized Placement Test (CPT). CF offers one Applied Technology Diploma in Dental Assisting. An A.T.D. Advanced Technical Certificates are for students who have previously completed an associate degree. They provide advanced, specialized instruction in specific career and technical fields. If you’re interested in advancing your career or knowledge without pursuing a degree, we offer many noncredit courses ranging from teacher education to music to customer service.

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