Program Overview
Belmont University's Pharmaceutical Studies program prepares students for careers in the pharmaceutical field, including as pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. The program offers early assurance into the PharmD program, a strong science core, exposure to healthcare systems, and tracks aligned with career interests. Graduates have diverse career options, including certified pharmacy technician, registered pharmacist, pharmaceutical scientist, and pharmaceutical representative.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Belmont University's Pharmaceutical Studies program
prepares students for a variety of careers in the pharmaceutical field, including careers as pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
The program also allows students to pursue professional degrees as Registered Pharmacists (Pharm.D.).
Belmont's Pharmaceutical Studies program offers the following distinct advantages:
- Strong Science Core: The program builds a strong foundation in sciences by focusing on relevant biology, chemistry, and physics courses along with mathematics and advanced statistics required for understanding various pharmaceutical phenomena.
- Exposure to Healthcare Systems: The curriculum offers courses and internship opportunities, allowing students to explore the nuances of healthcare systems and gain invaluable real-world experience.
- Tracks Aligned with Career Interests: The program distinguishes itself by offering special "tracks" based on student aspirations.
- Sales Track: Focuses on aspects of business, communication, and marketing within the pharmaceutical industry.
- Pharmacy School Track: Focuses on fulfilling pre-requisite courses required for admission to various Pharmacy colleges/schools.
- Interdisciplinary Nature: The Pharmaceutical Studies program is recognized as an independent course of study and does not require a minor due to the extensive coursework requirements and its integrated nature.
Outline:
- Curriculum: The Pharmaceutical Studies program consists of 128 credit hours divided into various segments:
- BELL Core Requirements: 53 credit hours encompassing English composition, humanities, social sciences, religion, etc.
- Major Requirements: 38 credit hours comprising chemistry, biology, mathematics, statistics, and relevant life-science modules.
- Track Requirements: 13 credit hours based on chosen professional direction (Sales or Pharmacy School). These include specialized pharmacy or business courses.
- General Electives: 20 credit hours allowing individual study options.
- Specific Courses: Key courses within the program include:
- Physics - Precalculus-Based Physics I: providing fundamentals of mechanics and physical concepts.
Careers:
Upon program completion, graduates hold diverse career options available within the pharmaceutical world:
Certified Pharmacy Technician:
Assists pharmacists under professional guidance, dispensing various medications according to prescriptions provided.
): Operates as a pharmacy professional in diverse sectors such as hospitals, community or retail environment, pharmaceutical organizations, or insurance services.
Pharmaceutical Scientist (Ph.D.):
Utilizes doctorate-level proficiency in pharmaceutical sciences for conducting advanced research and development within pharmaceutical companies, or pursuing academic careers through professorship at pharmacy colleges. Students also enjoy access to opportunities like shadowing experiences and student-related organizations exclusively related to the College of Pharmacy as they progress in their undergraduate journeys at Belmont.
