Grant and scholarship programs for pre-pharmacy students provide students with funding to complete courses required for admission to professional pharmacy studies. Pharmacists must complete a pharmacy program at an accredited school, pharmacy or college, and pass state licensure requirements. Pharmacists distribute prescription drugs to customers. The amount of scholarship or grant funding depends on student need and overall academic achievement.
Pre-Pharmacy Programs
To work as a pharmacist, students must graduate with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from a pharmacy school or accredited college. Admission eligibility depends on the completion of at least two years of pre-pharmacy studies. These studies include courses in biology, chemistry, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, physics and the social sciences. Pharmacists receive training in drug therapy programs, communication with health care providers and patients, business management, public health and ethics.
Universities
Students interested in pursuing pharmacy studies can apply for scholarships or grants from academic institutions that have a school of pharmacy. Universities such as Cedarville University in Ohio, Weber State University in Utah, and Kentucky University offer Pre-Pharmacy Scholarship funding to eligible students who enroll in pharmacy studies.
Organizations
Companies and other organizations associated with the pharmaceutical industry also provide scholarship and grant funding to students pursuing pre-pharmacy studies. For example, Walgreens provides a pre-pharmacy grant to eligible employees who enroll in pre-pharmacy studies at an accredited college or school of pharmacy. Students who receive a grant or scholarship funding from a company or pharmaceutical organization may have to complete a pre-determined amount of work hours for the organization upon completion of their degree as part of a scholarship return-for-service agreement.
Eligibility
To apply for pre-pharmacy grant or scholarship funding, eligible students must demonstrate completion of a relevant high school curriculum with emphasis in science courses leading to pharmacy. They must also provide proof of enrollment in pre-pharmacy studies and meet the cumulative grade point average, American College Testing or Student Assessment Test score requirements for the respective academic institution or organization.
Application
Grant and scholarship applications are evaluated based on submission of an essay, or letter of intent describing the applicant's leadership experience, previous recognition and awards, community service and interest in a career in pharmacy. Applicants must provide a copy of their academic transcripts, a description of their qualifications and career goals, and a statement of financial needs.
Licensure
Pharmacists must obtain a license to practice in the U.S. and its territories. Upon graduation from a pharmacy program recognized by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, applicants must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam, and/or the Multi-state Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam, or MPJE. The MPJE tests candidates knowledge of pharmacy law, depending on the state in which they reside. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy administers both exams.
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Serena Cassidy has written reports, policies, and research documents since 2000 on community development and government policy issues, and she has been featured in "CIO Canada." She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology from Saint Mary's University and a Master of Public Administration from Dalhousie University. She currently works as a government policy analyst.