Pre-Pharmacy Program

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Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy and College of Arts & Sciences
Director: Susan I. Jarvi, Ph.D.
Faculty Advisor: Linda Connelly, Ph.D.
Advising Specialist: Susannah Welch
Email: prepharm@hawaii.edu
Tel: (808) 933-3162
Web: http://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/academics/prepharm/

The UH Hilo Pre-Pharmacy Program, offered by the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy and the College of Arts & Sciences, is a minimum two-year comprehensive preparatory program of study toward admittance into the professional curriculum leading to a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree (Pharm.D.). The Pre-Pharmacy Program is not a major at UH Hilo. Completion of the curriculum, however, provides students with the necessary pre-requisite course requirements for application to the UHH Pharm.D program.

The UH Hilo Pre-Pharmacy Program is a statewide program; students completing their coursework at any accredited College or University in the state of Hawai`i have the opportunity to participate in the UH Hilo Pre-Pharmacy Program. All participating students receive specialized advising toward the development of an academic plan and guidance on the application process to pharmacy schools. Admission into and completion of the Pre-Pharmacy Program does not guarantee admission into the UH Hilo College of Pharmacy.

Curriculum requirements include a total of 68–69 credit hours (30–31 general education, 36 core science credit hours, and 2 credit hours Pre-pharmacy Orientation). The coursework is structurally aligned with the curriculum requirements toward a BA or BS degree in Biology or Chemistry at UH Hilo. Details of course listings and transfer tables are available at: http://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/academics/prepharm/curriculum.php

The mission of the Pre-Pharmacy Program is to develop and expand academic options, advising, mentorship, and community service opportunities for students for fulfillment of pre-pharmacy academic requirements and other pre-professional preparatory experiences toward successful application to the UH Hilo College of Pharmacy, or other institutions. Enrollment in the Pre-pharmacy Orientation course IS 201 is required of all participating students. This course provides students with background regarding the role of pharmacists in the community and in clinical settings, and familiarizes students with research opportunities and faculty at the UH Hilo College of Pharmacy.

IS 201 Course Description: This course is offered on-campus and as a distance-learning course and is requisite for the Pre-Pharmacy Program at UH Hilo. It familiarizes students with the academic requirements of the Pre-Pharmacy Program and Pharm.D. degree. Lectures cover clinical, technical, and ethical responsibilities of a pharmacist in the 21st century, allow students to become familiar with job opportunities for pharmacists, and assist students in the application process for admission into a college of pharmacy.

The Community Partnership Program strives to advance partnerships between participating community organizations and Pre-Pharmacy students. Students can reach out to the community and impart their knowledge and skills toward the betterment of the community. In turn they gain understanding, insight, and awareness of how they may better serve their community. Students will be required to log a minimum of 20 hours at sponsoring community sites.

The Pre-Pharmacy program helps prepare students toward successful application to colleges of pharmacy. Students also have the option to complete a four year undergraduate degree program during and after completion of their pre-pharmacy requirements, thereby expanding their career options after graduation. Students are strongly encouraged to start their freshman year with CHEM 124/L and CHEM 125/L which are prerequisites for Organic Chemistry (CHEM 241/L and CHEM 242/L). Students also are encouraged to take the math placement exam during their freshman year. For all prerequisite coursework, students must earn a letter grade of “C” or better.

Advising is a very important resource designed to help students complete the requirements of the University and their individual majors. Students should consult with their advisor at least once a semester to decide on courses, check progress towards graduation, and discuss career options and other educational opportunities provided by UH Hilo. Advising is a shared responsibility, but students have final responsibility for meeting degree requirements.

Pacific Pre-Pharmacy Program

Email: prepharm@hawaii.edu
Web: http://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/academics/prepharm/pacprepharm.php

The Pacific Pre-Pharmacy program, launched in 2008 through the College of Pharmacy, is an extension of our existing UHH Pre-Pharmacy Program to meet the needs of students in the Pacific Region who may not have access to formal training opportunities. Student accessibility to courses is being broadened through enhanced distance-learning efforts as well as with on-campus classes. Mentorship, guidance and tutorial programs are being developed to provide students the opportunity to successfully complete these academic requirements according to individual need. 

Steps Toward Excellence in Pharmacy (STEP) Program

STEP Project Specialist: Rachel H. Loo
Email: step@hawaii.edu Phone: (808) 933-3162
Web: http://pharmacy.uhh.hawaii.edu/academics/prepharm/step.php

The STEP Program is an intensive two-year scholarly preparatory program to address underserved students’ educational, social and economic needs toward successful admission to the UHH College of Pharmacy. Applicants to the STEP program have diverse backgrounds and are highly motivated to achieve their goal of becoming a Pharmacist. A goal of the STEP Program is to provide these students the opportunity, guidance and mentorship to achieve their academic potential. Priority is given to applicants with strong ties to the State of Hawai`i and the U.S.-Affiliated Pacific Islands. Acceptance into the STEP program will be determined by the Admissions Committee of the College of Pharmacy. STEP Program students are ensured a seat in the UHH Pharm. D. Program upon successful completion of the STEP Program.

Students should meet with the Pre-Pharmacy advisor to ensure that they enroll in courses that will enable them to take recommended Pre-Pharmacy General Education courses. This is particularly important for students who plan to earn the BA in Pharmacy Studies while earning their Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

The General Education courses should include:

• English Composition (6)
• Quantitative Reasoning (Math 205) (4)
• World Cultures (3)
• Humanities (6)
• Social Sciences (6)
• Speech (3)
• Economics (3)

The new GE basic, core, and integrative requirements and lists of certified courses are posted at hilo.hawaii.edu/academics/gened/.

1. BIOL 175–175L Introduction to Biology I (4)
2. BIOL 176–176L Introduction to Biology II (4)
3. CHEM 124–124L General Chemistry I (4)
4. CHEM 125–125L General Chemistry II (4)
5. CHEM 241–241L Organic Chemistry I (4)
6. CHEM 242–242L Organic Chemistry II (4)
7. BIOL 243–243L Human Anatomy & Physiology I (4)
8. BIOL 244–244L Human Anatomy & Physiology II (4)
9. BIOL 275–275L or 375–375L Microbiology (4)

1. IS 201 Pre-Pharmacy Orientation* (2)

*Please note: IS 201 is highly recommended, but not required, for admission to the UH Hilo College of Pharmacy.

Rev. 3/19/13