Below is a suggested timeline for students pursuing Pre-Pharmacy at Cleveland State.

Year One:

• Begin coursework
• Begin obtaining hands-on experience in the pharmacy/health care field
• Get acquainted with relevant student organizations and activities
• Get acquainted with faculty and their research interests
• Meet with your academic and pre-professional advisors

Year Two:

• Continue coursework, utilizing tutoring and other support services as necessary
• Begin learning about and preparing for the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
• Begin networking with pharmacists/professionals in the health care field and faculty for letters of recommendation
• Visit NEOMED’s campus, either through an Open House or an individually-scheduled visit
• Begin your application to NEOMED through PharmCAS (see Applying to NEOMED for more details)
• Meet with your academic and pre-professional advisors

Year Three:

• Schedule and complete the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)
• Obtain/submit final letters of recommendation
• Open application to NEOMED through PharmCAS in the summer (see Applying to NEOMED for more details)
• Continue hands-on experiences and extracurricular activities
• Finish required coursework
• Polish up your interviewing and writing skills
• Meet with your academic and pre-professional advisors

Other helpful hints:

• Take a chemistry course each semester of enrollment in order to complete the coursework in a timely manner. The sequence of Pre-Pharmacy coursework requires three different levels of chemistry, and they must be taken in order.  See the Sample Course Sequences for more details.
• Plan to complete all required course work by at least May/June of the year that you anticipate beginning the PharmD program.  For example, if you plan to begin the PharmD program in Fall 2013, you should plan to complete your remaining requirements in Spring 2013. If summer courses are necessary, they must be taken during the first 6-week session.