Knowing the right pharmacy school to apply to will enhance your chances of getting into the one.
In the same vein, it is easier to get admission into a pharmacy school that doesn’t require PCAT than those that do.
First, the cost of writing the PCAT exam is removed. Second, the PCAT is one admission requirement less.
According to Pharmacy.org, about 80% of pharmacy schools in the USA do not require PCAT.
However, many schools in the remaining 20% have also made PCAT optional for the 2023 academic session.
Now is the best time to apply to a good pharmacy school. But, you must first know the best pharmacy schools that don’t require PCAT and those that made it optional.
Stay with us!
Table of contents
- What Is PCAT?
- How Does PCAT Relate TO Pharmacy Schools?
- Is MCAT harder than PCAT?
- What Are The Best PCAT Scores For Pharmacy Schools?
- List of Pharmacy Schools That Don’t Require PCAT In 2023
- Best Pharmacy Schools In USA That Don’t Require PCAT
- How Long is Pharmacy School?
- What GPA do you need for pharmacy school?
- Conclusion
- FAQS on List Of Pharmacy Schools That Don’t Require PCAT In 2023
- References
- We Also Recommend
What Is PCAT?
PCAT is short for the Pharmacy College Admission Test. It is a specialized test that helps identify qualified pharmacy school and college applicants.
It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education.
How Does PCAT Relate TO Pharmacy Schools?
Some U.S. colleges and schools require the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) of pharmacy. It is constructed specifically for colleges of pharmacy.
Because of this, pharmacy schools and programs that don’t require PCAT are more competitive than those that do.
This is due to the increased number of applications they get yearly.
What Is The MCAT?
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands.
It is designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, written analysis, and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles.
Before 2006, the exam was a paper-and-pencil test; since 2007, all administration of the exam has been computer-based.
Is MCAT harder than PCAT?
The MCAT is generally considered to be more difficult than the PCAT. For instance, biology questions are more advanced. And there’s no physics in the PCAT.
The PCAT is also much shorter than the MCAT and less expensive. Overall, it’s likely a much easier and more convenient test.
What Are The Best PCAT Scores For Pharmacy Schools?
The average PCAT score is 400; most top-tier pharmacy schools prefer a 400 or above.
Again, an applicant should take the PCAT approximately one year before the fall semester he wants to start pharmacy school.
According to the University of Texas at Austin, the PCAT scores most top pharmacy schools that require PCAT ask for are broken down below;
- PCAT scores should ideally be > 70 percentile with a writing score of at least 3.
- 75% of successful applicants have a PCAT composite score of ≥ 70 percentile
- 50% of successful applicants have a PCAT composite score of ≥ 85 percentile
- All subsections (Reading Comprehension, Verbal, Quantitative, Biology, and Chemistry) of the PCAT are considered significant when reviewing your PCAT results.
Did you know you can become a Pharmacy technician? 10 Best Pharmacy Technician Schools in the World | 2023
List of Pharmacy Schools That Don’t Require PCAT In 2023
Many pharmacy schools and programs in the USA don’t require PCAT as an admission criterion.
We have listed them according to categories.
Private Pharmacy Schools That Don’t Require PCAT
- Belmont University
- Butler University
- California Health Sciences University
- California Northstate University
- Keck Graduate Institute
- Campbell University
- Lebanese American University
- Loma Linda University
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Boston, MA
- Nova Southeastern University
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Manchester, NH
- Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Worcester, MA
- Ohio Northern University
- Northeastern University
- Notre Dame of Maryland University
- St. John’s University
- University of the Pacific
- Pacific University of Oregon
- Samford University
- South University (GA)
- The University of Findlay
- Touro University California
- University of New England
- University of Southern California
- West Coast University
- Western University of Health Sciences
- Xavier University of Louisiana
- William Carey University
Public Pharmacy Schools That Don’t Require PCAT
- Chicago State University
- East Tennessee State University
- Ferris State University
- Florida A&M University
- Idaho State University – Anchorage, AK
- Idaho State University – Pocatello and Meridian, ID
- The University of Texas at Tyler
- Marshall University
- The University of Tennessee
- Oregon State University
- Purdue University
- University of Kentucky
- University of Washington
- Temple University of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education
- The University of New Mexico
- The University of Rhode Island
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
- University of California, San Diego
- Washington State University
Pharmacy Schools Where PCAT is Optional
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Appalachian College of Pharmacy
- Cedarville University
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
- Auburn University
- Concordia University Wisconsin
- Creighton University
- Drake University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Harding University
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lipscomb University
- Medical University of South Carolina
- Mercer University
- University of Florida
- Sullivan University
- University of the Incarnate Word
- University of Connecticut
- St. John Fisher College
- University of Colorado
- Northeast Ohio Medical University
- Midwestern University -Downers Groove campus
- Presbyterian College
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University
- Regis University School of Pharmacy
- Southern Illinois University
- Roseman University of Health Sciences
- Shenandoah University
- University of South Florida
- The University of Oklahoma
- South College
- The Ohio State University
- South Dakota State University
- University of Kansas
- The University of North Carolina (UNC)
- The University of Texas at Austin
- University of Toledo
- Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Saint Joseph
- Touro College NY
- Union University
- University of California, San Francisco
- University of Cincinnati
- Wingate University
- West Virginia University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- University of Wyoming
- University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
Pharmacy Schools that Usually Requires PCAT but don’t Require PCAT in 2023
There are many pharmacy schools that usually require PCAT but for the 2023 session, they do not need the test scores.
In this section, we will list just a few of them.
- University of Kentucky
- University of Michigan
- Texas A&M University
- North Dakota University
- University of Toronto
Best Pharmacy Schools In USA That Don’t Require PCAT
These schools are the best pharmacy schools and programs in the USA for 2023 and they do not require PCAT for admission.
Ranking Criteria
These pharmacy schools are ranked using the following criteria;
This is an important feature of pharmacy schools because they require a license to practice.
Attending a pharmacy school that is not accredited means that your certificate of graduation is invalid.
In esssence, this is one of the major requirements to consider when choosing a pharmacy school.
This is another major requirement for these pharmacy schools on this list. Even if the schools are the best but require PCAT scores, they will not be on our list.
We also considered the rankings by other international platforms like USNews.
This is also another factor we considered. Low acceptance rate means the pharmacy school is well sought after.
Now, to the top pharmacy shools in USA that don’t require PCAT.
#1. University of California–San Francisco
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
PCAT: Optional
As the oldest school of pharmacy in the West, UCSF has a long history of science accomplishments, patient care, and research clinician successes.
The University of California San Francisco school of pharmacy offers PharmD programs, Ph.D. programs, and Postdoctoral and short courses under the departments of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, clinical pharmacy, and pharmaceutical chemistry.
Its School of Pharmacy focuses on improving health through precise therapeutics—medicines, medical devices, and diagnostic tests.
Lastly, if you believe the PCAT provides evidence of your academic strength, you may take the PCAT and submit your scores to PharmCAS although it won’t be considered during acceptance.
#2. University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
Accreditation: American Council for Pharmacy Education
PCAT: Optional
College of Pharmacy at the University of Michigan was named in 1916. Today, it has become a strong member of the University of Michigan Health System.
This is one of the best colleges of pharmacy in the USA with a proven record of excellence. For instance, over 65% of 2018 PharmD graduates were named to top residencies or fellowships.
Because of her reputation for academic and research excellence, its PharmD and Ph.D. programs are among the most sought after in the US. It typically offers admission into PharmD, MS, Ph.D., Bachelors programs that have different specializations as well as residency programs.
In conclusion, you may submit a PCAT if your GPA is lower than 3.0 and your academic grades are poor.
#3. Purdue University
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
PCAT: No
The Purdue College of Pharmacy is unrivaled. In over 125 years of successful operation, we have produced elite pharmacy leaders who are improving lives worldwide in rewarding, top‑paying healthcare careers.
Basically, Purdue offers the Pre-pharm, BS pharmaceutical sciences, Pharm D, and Graduate programs to students. Whichever program you want to enroll for, there is a space for you here.
In the same vein, this pharmacy education will give you an array of knowledge in science, healthcare, technology, business, math, and counseling. It is one of the pharmacy programs that don’t require PCAT.
Read Also: Purdue University Acceptance Rate In 2023
4. University of Kentucky
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
PCAT: No
The UK has the largest Pharmacy Education & Research Building in the World. Similarly, we’re known for two things: being bold and innovative.
Continually, the University of Kentucky college of pharmacy has been ranked as a top-ten institution, and our research funding more than doubled since 2012.
So, whether you want to obtain your PharmD, this is the best pharmacy school that do not require PCAT.
5. Ohio State University
Accreditation: Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
PCAT: No
This is another pharmacy school that don’t require PCAT.
You can typically enroll in its undergraduate, PharmD, MS/Ph.D., continuing professional development, online, and early assurance programs.
The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy is home to world-class faculty, dedicated students, and innovative researchers working toward improving medications and medication-related health outcomes.
Lastly, since 1885, there has been innovation in drug discovery and development, pharmaceutical sciences, and translational clinical research. This has led to more than 40 patents in the past five years for treatments ranging from cancer to heart failure.
How Long is Pharmacy School?
To get the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, you require at least two years of undergraduate college study followed by four academic years of professional pharmacy study.
Most students enter a pharmacy degree program after completion of three or more years of college.
Read About: Study at Ohio State University: Admission, Courses, Tuition …
What GPA do you need for pharmacy school?
Most PharmD programs require a minimum GPA of 3.0. This means that you will need to have a C grade or above in the required courses.
If you can, take pharmaceutical science-related courses.
Conclusion
The accredited pharmacy schools and programs in the USA that don’t require PCAT are numerous.
In the same vein, we have also written about the best pharmacy schools in the USA that consider PCAT to be optional.
Do well to read the post carefully and ask questions where you need further clarification.
Kiiky cares!
FAQS on List Of Pharmacy Schools That Don’t Require PCAT In 2023
The average PCAT score is 400, and most top-tier pharmacy schools prefer a 400 or above.
These are the best pharmacy schools that do not require pcat. They are;
University of California- San Francisco
University of Michigan
Purdue University
University of kentucky
Ohio state university
PCAT is short for the Pharmacy College Admission Test. It is a specialized test that helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy schools and colleges.
It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education.
49 schools do not require PCAT and they are accredited. While 62 are optional.
References
- Pharmacyschoolshq.org – list of schools that do not require PCAT
- Usnews.com- Best graduate schools ranking
- Blog.blueprintprep.com – Pharmacy programs with no PCAT requirements
- Pharmcas.org – Accredited pharmacy schools in USA
