Pharmacy links medical science with chemistry, and it is charged with the discovery, production, control, disposal, and safe and effective use of drugs; it requires excellent knowledge of drugs, their mechanism of action, side effects, interactions, mobility, and toxicity as well as treatment and understanding of the pathological process. Pharmacy practice includes more traditional roles such as compounding and dispensing of medications, and modern services related to health care, including clinical services, reviewing medications for safety and efficacy, and providing drug information.
Pharmacists are required to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from an ACPE accredited program. There are three pharmacy schools in the state of West Virginia: Marshall University, West Virginia University, and University of Charleston.
Marshall’s PharmD program does not require a Bachelor’s degree for admission, although there are options for obtaining a Bachelor’s degree on an accelerated academic pathway. Marshall University School of Pharmacy also offers an Early Assurance Scholars Program in which outstanding high school students can be assured of early admittance to the pharmacy program at the beginning of the third year at the university.
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) has traditionally been required for admission to pharmacy schools; however, some schools are moving away from the exam. Students should check with their preferred schools.If required, the PCAT is preferably taken in the fall of the year before entry into the pharmacy program. For the most current information, review the PCAT web site.
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