Drake University

Drake University is recognized as one of the finest institutions of higher learning in the Midwest. As a midsized, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, we offer the benefits of a larger institution along with the advantages of intimate class sizes and close personal relationships. Drake’s four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) prepares students for successful careers in community pharmacy practice, institutional pharmacy practice, post-graduate education and many other opportunities for practicing pharmacists.
Our PharmD program places a distinct emphasis on developing entrepreneurial leaders committed to advancing the pharmacy profession. Through a curriculum rich with high impact teaching practices, students become capable communicators, problem solvers and decision makers with competence in professional, team-based, patient-centered care, health promotion, practice management, advocacy, self-learning and teaching. Nationally recognized student organizations and professional fraternities provide avenues for professional development and leadership.
Drake Pharmacy graduates are able to choose from a wide range of curricular options and enjoy great latitude in directing their professional careers. While many continue into community-based retail practice, clinic and specialty practices, hospitals, and long-term care practices, a significant number continue to post-graduate opportunities such as law school, residencies and fellowship training. Whichever path they choose, Drake graduates are recognized for their commitment to advancing their practices, supporting their communities and advocating for their patients and profession.
Students may be admitted to the two-year pre-pharmacy program and, after completing the established criteria, may be admitted to the four-year professional program. Students who complete their prerequisite coursework at another regionally accredited institution or in a major other than pre-pharmacy at Drake can apply to our PharmD program by meeting the following requirements. Please note that these are the requirements applicants must meet in order for their applications to be considered complete. Meeting these requirements does NOT guarantee admission to the PharmD program.
Submit a Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) application
Submit a Drake University Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Supplemental Application and $70 application fee
Take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and have scores submitted directly to PharmCAS. Although there is no minimum score required, a composite score in the 50th percentile or higher is recommended. Drake will accept January and February PCAT scores for the fall 2019 admission cycle.
Earn a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (as calculated in PharmCAS)
Complete (or be in the process of completing) the prerequisite coursework outlined in the “Program Prerequisites” section on this page. All required math and sciences courses must be completed by the end of the spring 2019 semester. English composition and public speaking may be completed by the end of the summer 2019 term.
Students must earn a grade of C or higher in order to receive transfer credit and fulfill prerequisite courses. Students who wish to fulfill prerequisites using Advanced Placement (AP) scores must earn a 4 or higher on the AP exam. Please see Drake University’s AP Credit policy at http://www.drake.edu or contact the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at (515) 271-3018 for more information.
Drake University’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program operates on a rolling admission process. We will interview and admit students until the P1 class is full and a sufficient number of applicants have been identified for the wait list. We recommend submitting application materials early in order to ensure your application is processed and considered in a timely manner. Students with strong applications and academic credentials will be invited to complete the second phase of the admission process, which includes a scored on-campus interview and a scored writing assessment.