Pre-Pharmacy Program

Take the first step to start a career in pharmacy by enrolling in the Pre-Pharmacy program at San Juan College. SJC has an agreement with the University of New Mexico (UNM) that allows successful SJC graduates to directly enter UNM’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.

At SJC, you'll complete an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Pre-Pharmacy and the Pre-Pharmacy Advanced Certificate. Then you will enroll in UNM's PharmD program to finish your studies. You'll have academic support from both SJC and UNM to ensure you stay on track and build the foundation you need to become a licensed pharmacist. Apply today and take advantage of our unique program to enter this rewarding career.

Why Study Pre-Pharmacy?

Pharmacists play an essential role in the healthcare system. They dispense prescription medicine for both hospital use and individual patient treatment. They also play a key role in teaching patients about their medication. Pharmacists work with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best care for patients.

To become a licensed pharmacist, you must complete a PharmD program to earn your Doctor of Pharmacy. By completing a Pre-Pharmacy program, you'll have a strong foundation for advanced pharmacy studies. You'll take courses in subjects essential for success while learning in small class sizes.

Once you become a licensed pharmacist, you'll enjoy a fulfilling and high-paying career. You can work in various healthcare settings, from hospitals to clinics, or go into research or academia.

Why Enroll in the Pre-Pharmacy Program at San Juan College?

Earn an Associate Degree in Pre-Pharmacy and a Pre-Pharmacy Advanced Certificate

SJC's Pre-Pharmacy program offers the opportunity to earn both a Pre-Pharmacy AS and the Pre-Pharmacy Advanced Certificate. This combination of credentials prepares you for your future career as a pharmacist.

In the Pre-Pharmacy AS program, you'll take biology, chemistry, math, and general education courses. The Pre-Pharmacy Advanced Certificate offers more specialized biology, chemistry, and physics courses. The combination of these two programs will enhance your knowledge and skills and prepare you to enter a PharmD program.

Transfer to UNM PharmD Program

SJC has an agreement with UNM's College of Pharmacy in which pre-pharmacy students can apply to the PharmD Early Assurance Program after completing the first year of the Pharmacy AS. If accepted, you will be guaranteed admission to the PharmD program once you complete SJC's Pre-Pharmacy AS and Advanced Certificate programs. This partnership will allow you to study at our SJC campus without moving to UNM during your initial studies.

The Early Assurance Program agreement with UNM provides many other benefits:

Have access to advising sessions with a pre-pharmacy advisor at UNM's College of Pharmacy
Become part of the College of Pharmacy community through special events
Receive an application fee waiver so you can apply to the PharmD program for free
Sign up for earlier interview dates for College of Pharmacy admission
Know your admission status in the fall, a year before you enroll in the PharmD program
Receive an invitation to an annual dinner with the dean of UNM's College of Pharmacy
Receive invitations to seminars that will help you with personal and academic growth
Participate in guidance and shadowing opportunities with current PharmD students

Get Personalized Attention

The Pre-Pharmacy program contains science and math concepts that can be difficult to master. At SJC, you'll get the knowledge and support you need to fully comprehend these subjects. Our small class sizes allow your experienced professors to engage with you individually, so you'll get specific feedback on your work, which can help you better understand complex concepts. Faculty members also help you to develop good study habits that will carry you through the rest of your educational journey.

Affordable Pathway to a PharmD

Because of SJC's low tuition rates the Pre-Pharmacy program is an excellent investment for you as you prepare to transfer. Our rigorous, high-quality education will prepare you for your PharmD while saving you thousands of dollars. You may also qualify to get your degree and certificate tuition-free through the NM Opportunity and Lottery Scholarships.

What You'll Learn in the Pre-Pharmacy Program

SJC's Pre-Pharmacy program has two parts. First, you'll complete the Pre-Pharmacy AS for a well-rounded education and foundational math and science skills. After earning your AS degree, you'll enter the Pre-Pharmacy Advanced Certificate program, where more in-depth courses will prepare you for your future career.

In the Pre-Pharmacy AS, you'll take general education, science, and math courses.

As part of your program core requirements, you will take:

Human Anatomy & Physiology I and II (Includes labs)
General Chemistry II (Includes a lab)
Interpersonal Communication
Trigonometry
Calculus
Introduction to Ethics

Pre-Pharmacy AS Curriculum

In the certificate program, you'll take more specialized science courses and complete language requirements. In your core requirements, you will take the following courses:

Microbiology (Includes a lab)
Genetics (Includes a lab)
Organic Chemistry I and II (Includes labs)
Algebra-based Physics I and II (Includes labs)

You'll also complete language requirements, taking either Navajo I and II or Spanish I and II.

Pre-Pharmacy Advanced Certificate Curriculum

Careers and Outcomes

Our Pre-Pharmacy program prepares you for a career as a pharmacist, ensuring you are well-equipped to transfer to The University of New Mexico’s Pharmacy program and continue advanced studies.

There is always a strong demand for pharmacists, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of pharmacists is projected to grow 2 percent from 2021 to 2031. Pharmacists also command high salaries, as the median annual wage for pharmacists was $128,570 in May 2021.

As a licensed pharmacist, you may work in: