- About the PharmD
- Admissions
- Admissions Overview
- Policies and Disclosures
- Financial Aid and Cost
- Application Process
- Application Process Overview
- Step 1: Minimum Eligibility Requirements
- Step 2: The Application
- Step 3: Interview Process
- Step 4: After Applying
- Frequently Asked Questions and Tips
- Applying Without U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident Status
- PharmD-PhD
- Post-Baccalaureate Program
- Pharm Tech to PharmD Pathway Program
- Student Life
- Curriculum
- Connect
- Info for...
Pharm Tech to PharmD Pathway Program
Overview
This hybrid program enables California pharmacy technicians (pharm techs) to prepare for competitive admission into schools of pharmacy. The program goal is for each participant to apply to a PharmD program within three years after their pathway program ends. This program aims to build a pharmacist workforce that represents medically underserved regions in California. The program is partially supported by a grant from the California Health Care Foundation.
Timeline
Application window opens |
Feb. 3, 2025
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Application deadline | July 15, 2025 |
Seminar/workshop sessions begin | Late August 2025 |
Seminar/workshop sessions end | July 2026 |
How does it work?
- We admit up to 15 current or former pharm techs who are working in community or hospital pharmacies or other pharmacy settings.
- Participants receive individual advising and are assessed on their readiness to apply to a school of pharmacy.
- Advisors help participants to develop a plan to fulfill prerequisites coursework for admission.
- Participants attend monthly virtual workshops and seminars to learn about pharmacy and applying to schools of pharmacy.
- Participants who complete the program and successfully complete prerequisites are guaranteed an interview at UCSF School of Pharmacy.
- Participants visit and tour the UCSF School of Pharmacy, meeting faculty, staff and students.
- Applications are evaluated as they are submitted and admissions decisions made.
What do I learn?
The curriculum includes:
- Overview of the pharmacy profession.
- Pharmacy career choices.
- Student life at UCSF.
- Overview of post-graduate training in pharmacy (residencies, fellowships, post-graduate degrees).
- Application and interview preparation.
Program costs
There is no cost to participate in this program.
Who is eligible?
- Current California pharmacy technicians
- Former California pharmacy technicians within the past five years
How to apply
Questions?
Sharon L. Youmans, PharmD, MPH
Program Director
[email protected]
Please write “Pharm Tech to PharmD question” in the subject line of your email.
We do not discriminate
The University of California, in accordance with applicable Federal and State law and University policy, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition (cancer related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital status, age, sexual orientation, citizenship, or service in the uniformed services. The University also prohibits sexual harassment.
This nondiscrimination policy covers admission, access, and treatment in University programs and activities.
Pregnancy includes pregnancy, childbirth, and medical conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth.
Service in the uniformed services includes membership, application for membership, performance of service, application for service, or obligation for service in the uniformed services.
We welcome undocumented students
UCSF welcomes applications for admission from undocumented individuals, such as those who qualify under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or AB540. Details: Undocumented Student Resources.