Admissions

To apply to the South College School of Pharmacy, you must complete an application via the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS).

Admissions Requirements

For admission consideration to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program (PharmD) at South College, the following criteria must be met:

Pre-requisite Coursework

TOTAL 69 SEMESTER OR 103.5 QUARTER HOURS

For applicants who have successfully completed a bachelor’s degree, the pre-requisite requirements of speech and economics can be considered for substitution if competency in these content areas can be sufficiently demonstrated throughout the application and/or interview process.
*Electives in Humanities include fine arts, literature, philosophy, religious studies, and foreign language.
**Electives in Social/Behavior Sciences include psychology, history, sociology, anthropology, and political science.
Additional Studies:
Although not required for admission, students may benefit from additional courses in the sciences. The recommended areas of study are Immunology, Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Medical Terminology, and Pathophysiology.

Technical Requirements

The applicant must meet the following technical requirements for admission. The technical requirements establish the non-academic abilities that are considered imperative for students to progress at the level of competence required by the faculty and by ACPE. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the School of Pharmacy in writing if the applicant cannot meet one or more of these technical requirements. Medical documentation describing the inability to meet one or more of the requirements should be provided.

The School of Pharmacy, together with the South College Student Services Department, will review the information provided by the applicant to determine what, if any, reasonable accommodations might be possible to facilitate successful completion of the degree requirements if the applicant is admitted. The results of the review will be provided in writing to the applicant.

OBSERVATION

The candidate must possess the ability to accurately make observations at a distance and close at hand. Observation requires a functioning level of use of the sense of vision and somatic sensation which is enhanced and supported by a functioning level of use of touch, hearing, taste, and smell. Candidates must possess the ability to directly observe demonstrations and experiments in the classroom, as well as patients’ physical conditions for the provision of their care. Candidates must be capable of remaining alert and attentive while in educational and clinical settings. Inherent in this observation process is the use of the senses and sufficient motor capability to carry out the necessary assessment activities.

COMMUNICATION

Candidates must possess the ability to effectively communicate with instructors, healthcare practitioners, patients, family members, caretakers and other members of the community. The candidate must possess the ability to use English to effectively communicate in both oral and written form and the ability to interpret forms of nonverbal communication.

MOTOR SKILL

The candidate must possess the ability to effectively coordinate both gross and fine muscular movement, sustain equilibrium, and have intact functioning of all of the senses. The candidate must possess the ability to maintain postural control and

neuromuscular control and possess a level of eye-to-hand coordination that is essential to competently performing pharmacy-based practice skills and tasks. These tasks include, but are not limited to, using computer based information systems, preparing and dispensing medications, accurately compounding sterile and non-sterile dosage forms, providing emergency care (first aid treatments, Basic Life Saving skills, etc.) performing basic health monitoring tests and the administration of immunizations.

INTELLECTUAL, CONCEPTUAL, AND QUANTITATIVE

The candidate must be able to think critically and analytically, solve problems, demonstrate reasoning and analysis, and synthesize information in an appropriate manner. Candidates must be able to interpret information through a variety of methods including the use of electronic information systems, classroom education, group activities, independent learning, and individual instructions in a clinical setting. In addition, the candidate should be able to comprehend three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. All candidates should possess effective learning techniques which allow for the successful completion of an accelerated pharmacy curriculum.

BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL ATTRIBUTES

The candidate must possess the emotional health necessary to demonstrate academic abilities, exercise judgment, and complete activities. The candidate must recognize how behavior affects performance and relationships. The candidate must possess the ability to endure the time commitment and stresses associated with the pharmacy curriculum and adapt to change. Personal attributes and characteristics, including but not limited to compassion, empathy, and motivation, are essential. Integrity, concern for others, effective interpersonal skills, willingness and ability to function as an effective team player, and interest and motivation to learn are all personal qualities required during the educational process.

PROFESSIONALISM

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to act with professionalism and integrity in all aspects of the admissions process, and if admitted to the School of Pharmacy, throughout matriculation in the curriculum leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Candidates must continually exhibit professionalism in their appearance, attitude, behavior, and interactions with their peers, colleagues, patients, and instructors.

Students with Disabilities

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to the program. However, it is the responsibility of the candidate to notify South College in writing with medical documentation from their provider, (South College School of Pharmacy, 400 Goody’s Lane, Knoxville, TN 37922) and verbally if there is any reason why the abilities and/or expectations described cannot be met. Candidates will be presented with these technical standards during the interview process. At that time they will review these standards with the program faculty and sign a form. Candidates who indicate verbally and in writing (with medical documentation) that they cannot meet one or more of these requirements will have their situation reviewed by the School of Pharmacy to determine what, if any reasonable accommodations might be possible to facilitate successful completion of the degree requirements if they are admitted into the program.

Click here for the South College School of Pharmacy PharmCAS School Directory page.

We are still accepting applications
for the current admissions cycle until

May 1, 2024

The PharmCAS application will open
for the 2024-2025 Admissions Cycle on

July 11, 2024

HOW TO APPLY

TIPS FOR APPLYING