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As healthcare professionals, pharmacists ensure the quality of medicines supplied to patients. The pharmacist is responsible for assuring the medicines prescribed to patients are suitable, as well as advising patients about medicines, including how to take them, what reactions may occur, and answering patients' questions. Pharmacists also make sure the supply of medicines is within the law.
Mercy College's Pre-Pharmacy track prepares students for and transitions them into pharmacy school. As part of an articulation agreement with a Doctoral program of Pharmacy at St. Joseph University, Mercy College offers a consolidated 6-year pharmacy program. Students are able to earn
both a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Mercy College and a
Doctorate of Pharmacy at University of St. Joseph (USJ) in these six
years.
For the first three years of the program, Mercy College courses are taken at Mercy College. The fourth year of the degree program is taken at USJ in Hartford, Connecticut. Courses completed in the first year at USJ transfer back to Mercy College for the completion of the Bachelor of Science in Biology degree. This fourth year of courses is also counted toward the first year of credit of the Doctor of Pharmacy program. With the foundational knowledge in medicine and health sciences at Mercy College, and advanced education through the USJ partnership, students gain a competitive edge to serve well and stand out in their healthcare careers.
Students who graduate from USJ's Doctor of Pharmacy program go on to work in many career paths, including clinical research, medical sales, pharmacology, and product/process development, among others.
As an educator, my concern is the student and not just the subject that I teach.I want my students to be able to see their worth, appreciate their value to society and be ready to take on the world.”
Coordinator of Physiology, Professor, Arts & Science Division
The Biology program's flexible design supports each student's individual career goals. The curriculum incorporates courses covering a range of maths and sciences. In each course, expect personal attention and 1:1 support from experienced faculty.
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 205 | General Biology I | 5 |
| CHM 210 | General College Chemistry I | 5 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition I | 3 |
| HSC 100 | Introduction to Health Careers | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 206 | General Biology II | 5 |
| CHM 211 | General College Chemistry II | 5 |
| ENG 102 | English Composition II | 3 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 220 | Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| MTH 150 | Calculus | 4 |
| PHS 220 | College Physics I | 4 |
| GEN | General Education Course in Arts, Humanities, Culture and Diversity - Religious Studies | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 221 | Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIO 240 | Career Topics for Biology Majors | 1 |
| MTH 140 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| PHS 221 | College Physics II | 4 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 200 | Science in the News | 2 |
| BIO 290 | Pathophysiology | 3 |
| CHM 320 | Organic Chemistry I | 5 |
| SOC 211 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| Total Hours | 13 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 210 | Microbiology | 4 |
| BIO 336 | Genetics | 4 |
| CHM 321 | Organic Chemistry II | 5 |
| REL 290 | Medical Ethics | 3 |
| Total Hours | 16 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 350 | Biology of Human Reproduction | 3 |
| BIO 410 | Cell Biology | 4 |
| BIO 430 | Principles of Ecology | 4 |
| PSY 201 | Lifespan Psychology | 3 |
| GEN | Elective | 1 |
| Total Hours | 15 | |
| Course Number | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| BIO 400 | Service Learning in Biology | 2 |
| BIO 420 | Histology | 4 |
| CHM 410 | Biochemistry | 5 |
| GEN 300/400 level | General Education Course | 3 |
| Total Hours | 14 | |
Career Outlook
Employment Growth
Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook: Employment of pharmacists is projected to decline 2 percent from 2020 to 2030. Despite declining employment, about 11,300 openings for pharmacists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Salary Range
2020 Median Pay for Pharmacists was $128,710 annually.
Admission Requirements
Mercy College students in good standing can declare a biology major. High school science courses (Biology and Chemistry with a lab) or their college equivalents must be taken within the past seven years with a “C” or better prior to the first semester. For students to progress to the third semester of the program, the mathematics prerequisites must be met. Mathematics prerequisites are as follows: high school courses or their college equivalents within the past seven years with a “C” or better including Algebra I; Algebra II and Trigonometry or Pre-Calculus or an integrated sequence of advanced math courses (Statistics, Business Math, and/or computer courses will not fulfill this requirement). All program courses must be completed with a grade of “C” or better.
Biology Program : Estimate Your Expenses
Mercy College is the #1 college in the region for return on investment. Calculate your estimated initial expenses.
Professional Organizations
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External LinkAmerican Association of College of Pharmacy (AACP)
AACP recognizes a special responsibility to provide leadership in advancing and enhancing the quality of education and training in its member institutions while respecting the diversity inherent among them.
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External LinkAmerican Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)
Founded in 1986, the AAPS is a professional, scientific organization of individual members and actively participating stakeholders employed in academia, industry, government, and other pharmaceutical science-related research institutes worldwide.
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External LinkAmerican College of Clinical Pharmacy (AACP)
The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) is a professional and scientific society that provides leadership, education, advocacy, and resources enabling clinical pharmacists to achieve excellence in practice, research, and education.
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External LinkAccreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
ACPE sets standards for the education of pharmacists to prepare them for the delivery of pharmacist-provided patient care.
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