Top 10 Pharmacy Schools that don’t require PCAT

Top pharmacy schools are highly competitive because of the high volume of applicants. However, getting admission to the best pharmacy schools that don’t require PCAT makes the admission process easier for students and excludes the stress associated with PCAT examination writing and preparation as well as the cost of writing it for students.

Study in the best pharmacy schools without the need for PCAT. Many of the top-ranked colleges of pharmacy based on the U.S News and World Report ranking have made PCAT optional from the fall of 2020 admission and future cycle.

Pharmacy.org reported that about 80% of the pharmacy schools in the United States of America do not require PCAT examination for admission processing however the remaining 20% have made PCAT optional for the 2022/2023 admission process.

However, with this new development of making the PCAT voluntary, this is presumably the best time to apply to a top pharmacy school. This article provides a details update on the best and top-ranked schools of pharmacy according to U.S News and World Report ranking in the US pharmacy schools that don’t require PCAT to apply and study

What is PCAT?

PCAT is an acronym for pharmacy college admission test, it is a standardized and computer-based test conducted by Pearsaon Education, Inc. to evaluate candidates’ academic capability and scientific knowledge necessary to start pharmaceutical education.

It is a multiple-choice question divided into 5 parts namely: writing, biology, chemical processes, critical reading, and quantitative reasoning.

Best PCAT score for Pharmacy Schools

PCAT scores range from 200-to 600 it is a composite point of multiple-choice questions where 200 is the lowest possible score and 600 is the perfect score. The average PCAT score is 400 and most top pharmacy schools [prefer the average score of 400 and above.

The University of Texas at Austin reported the PCAT scores most top pharmacy schools that require PCAT as shown below;

• PCAT scores should ideally be > 70 percentile with a writing score of at least 3.
• 75% of successful applicants have a PCAT composite score of ≥ 70 percentile
• Half of the successful applicants (i.e. 50%) have a PCAT composite score of ≥ 85 percentile
• All subsections (Biology, Chemistry Reading Comprehension, Verbal, Quantitative) of the PCAT examination are regarded significant when reviewing your PCAT results.

What is the relationship between PCAT and Pharmacy?

Pharmacy college admission test PCAT is a requirement for admission by some colleges in the United State and pharmacy schools. It is designed specifically to help to identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges and school

Generally, the volume of applicants at the pharmacy schools that don’t require PCAT are higher thereby making them more competitive than those that require PCAT, this non-requirement of PCAT for admission process confers this competitive advantage on these schools of pharmacy that do not require PCAT

How to become a pharmacist?

The pharmacist helps to dispense prescribed medications which help to keep people in good health, if you want  to assist people to get well and like to work directly with patients while not considering pharmacy as a career by following these steps to become a pharmacist

• Take post-secondary science classes.
• Pass the Pharmacy College Admissions Test PCAT. Many colleges of pharmacy don’t require PCAT
• Earn a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree.
• Develop essential skills.
• Obtain a Practicing license to practice in your state.
• Complete required pharmacy training.

Pharmacy schools that do not require PCAT for admission in 2022/2023

There are a lot of pharmacy schools and colleges in the United States that don’t require PCAT for admission into their pharmacy schools.

This article category this pharmacy school into 2 viz: the private pharmacy school and the public pharmacy school

Public Pharmacy Schools That Don’t Require PCAT

• Chicago State University
• East Tennessee State University
• Ferris State University
• Florida A&M University
• Idaho State University – Anchorage, AK
• Idaho State University – Pocatello and Meridian
• Marshall University
• Oregon State University
• Purdue University
• The University of New Mexico
• The University of Rhode Island
• The University of Texas at Tyler
• The University of Tennessee
• The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
• University of California, San Diego
• University of Kentucky
• University of Washington
• Washington State University

Private Pharmacy Schools That Don’t Require PCAT

• Belmont University
• Butler University
• California Health Sciences University
• California Northstate University
• Campbell University
• Keck Graduate Institute
• Lebanese American University
• Loma Linda University
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – Manchester, NH
• Northeastern University
• Notre Dame of Maryland University
• Nova Southeastern University
• Ohio Northern University
• Pacific University of Oregon
• St. John’s University
• Samford University
• South University (GA)
• The University of Findlay
• Touro University California
• University of New England
• University of Southern California
• University of the Pacific
• West Coast University
• Western University of Health Sciences

Pharmacy Schools Where PCAT is Optional

• Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Appalachian College of Pharmacy
• Auburn University
• Cedarville University
• Concordia University Wisconsin
• Creighton University
• Drake University
• Fairleigh Dickinson University
• Harding University
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Lipscomb University
• Medical University of South Carolina
• Mercer University
• Midwestern University -Downers Groove campus
• Northeast Ohio Medical University
• Presbyterian College
• Regis University School of Pharmacy
• Roseman University of Health Sciences
• Shenandoah University
• Sullivan University
• St. John Fisher College
• South Dakota State University
• Southwestern Oklahoma State University
• Southern Illinois University
• The University of Oklahoma
• The Ohio State University
• The University of North Carolina (UNC)
• The University of Texas at Austin
• Thomas Jefferson University
• Touro College NY
• Union University
• University of Kansas
• University of Colorado
• University of South Florida
• The University of Oklahoma
• South College
• University of Toledo
• University of California, San Francisco
• University of Cincinnati
• University of Wisconsin – Madison
• University of Florida
• University of the Incarnate Word
• University of Connecticut
• University of Saint Joseph Wingate University
• University of Wyoming
• University of the Sciences in Philadelphia
• Virginia Commonwealth University
• West Virginia University

Top 10 Pharmacy Schools in the US that don’t require PCAT

Here is the list of the top 10 pharmacy schools in the US that do not require PCAT for admission in the 2022/2023 admission process.

The ranking is based on the U.S. News & World Report rankings for schools of pharmacy are carried out at four years’ intervals and are based strictly on the results of peer assessment surveys sent to deans, other administrators, and/or faculty at accredited degree programs. The ranking is based on the respondent rate of the academic quality of the program from the marginal scale of 1 to the outstanding scale of 5. Only a fully accredited program with good standing is considered for the ranking.

NOTE: According to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for schools of pharmacy 2 university colleges tied on 3^rd position and 5 universities tied on 7^th position thereby making a total of 12 universities for the top 10 positions. The universities are listed below:

1. University of Northern Carolina
2. University of California
3. (3^rd) University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
4. (3^rd) University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
5. University of Florida
6. University of Kentucky
7. (7^th) Ohio State University—Columbus
8. (7^th) Purdue University–West Lafayette
9. (7^th) The University of Illinois—Chicago
10. (7^th) University of Texas—Austin
11. (7^th) University of Washington
12. (7^th) University of Wisconsin—Madison

1 University of Northern Carolina

Established in 1897 it is the only public school of pharmacy in the state of North Carolina. It ranked 1^st in the U.S and Best Global Universities in Pharmacology and Toxicology according to the U.S News and World report.

The University of Northern Carolina school of pharmacy is reinventing the way students learn, discovering innovative solutions for the world’s most challenging health issues, and revolutionizing the ways pharmacists deliver patient care.

The college offers a pharmD degree program and two dual degrees at the University of Northen Carolina Eshelman School of pharmacy, MSc, Ph.D. and Postdoc.

2. University of California

The University of California School of Pharmacy founded in 1872, is the first college of pharmacy in the West and the tenth in the United States. The school has maintained its first position in research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) every year for more than four decades.

Starting with applicants applying in 2019 (for entry in summer 2020) and beyond, the  university pharmacy school don’t require PCAT  rather it’s optional.

If you align with the founder’s objectives of “advancing pharmaceutical knowledge and elevate the professional character of apothecaries throughout California.” This is the school for you to apply to and study pharmacy

The University of California School of Pharmacy’s education agenda includes graduate and postdoctoral degree programs in pharmacy and science for students who have the potential to excel in their respective fields.

PCAT is optional however if you believe the PCAT provides evidence of your academic preparedness for the UCSF PharmD program, you are encouraged to take the PCAT and submit your scores to PharmCAS.

3 University of Michigan–Ann Arbor

Established in 1876, the college of pharmacy is the first pharmacy school in a public university

The academic department is grouped into clinical pharmacy, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutical science.  it offers a PharmD program, Ph.D. in clinical pharmacy, Ph.D. in medicinal pharmacy, Ph.D. in pharmaceutical pharmacy, MSc in integrated pharmaceutical science, BS in pharmaceutical science, dual programs, post-doc, and residency program

The University of Michigan–Ann Arbor school of pharmacy does not require PCAT, the PCAT requirement was dropped starting from the Fall 2021 Application and all future application cycles.

However, candidates may want to consider taking PCAT if their overall GPA and/or science GPA is below a 3.0, or prerequisite courses were taken 5+ years ago, and/or your grades are trending downward.

3 (4) University of Minnesota–Twin Cities (tie).

Established in 1892, the school of Pharmacy has a rich history of educating pharmacist leaders. The University of Minnesota–Twin Cities College of pharmacy tied in the 3^rd position with the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor school of pharmacy according to a U.S. News & World report.

The mission of the school is to improve health through innovative education, pioneering research, and interdisciplinary practice development that attends to the diverse needs of the people of Minnesota and the world.

It offers a doctor of pharmacy PharmD program, Doctor of Pharmacy Dual Degree Programs for enrolled Students (PharmD/MBA, PharmD/MHI program, PharmD/MPA), Doctoral (Ph.D.) Graduate Programs, Master of Science (MS) Graduate Programs, Residency Program, and Summer Undergraduate Experience Program

The school do not require PCAT for fall 2022 application to the University of Minnesota PharmD program thereby making it optional due to safety during the COVID-19 pandemic and the uncertainty surrounding PCAT testing availability

5. University of Florida

The College of the Pharmacy  ranked as the number 1 in Florida and 5^TH in the United State of America. Three degrees are offered at the  College of Pharmacy, doctor of pharmacy PharmD, doctor of philosophy Ph.D. and master of science in pharmacy

The college of pharmacy do not require PCAT  for fall 2022 or any future admission cycle for admission.

A student may opt to submit PCAT scores if their GPA or science GPA is lower, it has been more than five years since taking prerequisite courses or there is a downward trend in grades over time.  A PCAT score will only be used to strengthen an application.

6. University of Kentucky

The college of pharmacy founded in 1870 is known for being bold and innovative, the college offers The 4-year PharmD program, postgraduate training, and residency program

PCAT is not required for admission into the college of pharmacy

7 (7) Ohio State University—Columbus

The college of pharmacy established itself on Ohio’s state campus in 1885 as one of the original six colleges. It ranked 7^th in the US according to US News and World Report, it offers an undergraduate program, PharmD, MSc, Ph.D., continuing professional development, and early assurance program (EAT)

PCAT is not required for admission into the college of pharmacy but students who have a science GPA of below 2.7 are encouraged to take PCAT to strengthen their application 

7(8) Purdue University–West Lafayette

It is among the top 10 colleges of pharmacy and the Vision for Purdue University College of Pharmacy is to transform the practice and science of pharmacy to lead advances in human health. if your goal to study pharmacy aligned with this vision quickly apply to the Purdue university college of pharmacy.

Purdue University does not require a PCAT for admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Intending applicant must complete an application through the national Pharmacy College Application Service PharmCAS.

The best-qualified applicants for the PharmD program will be assessed and selected by the admission committee based on the following criteria:

• Prove organizational involvement, leadership skills, and social responsibility experiences
• Commitment to PharmD learning goals and academic readiness for the program
• Strong and quality interpersonal skills, excellent communication skills (verbal and written communications}
• Strong passion for pharmacy and empathy
• Knowledge about various pharmacy practice environments
• cumulative grade point average CGPA of all coursework taken after high school
• Minimum of C-grade must be scored in all pre-pharmacy core math/science courses (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, calculus, immunology, physics, and statistics).
• Work experience
• Two letters of evaluation (required)
• Applicant statements of purpose
• Personal interview with representatives from the Admissions Committee
• Completion of application forms.

7. (9) University of Illinois-Chicago

Established in 1859 and consistently ranked in the top ten nationally, the University of Illinois—Chicago College of Pharmacy with a local and statewide, national, and international impact is renowned for the seamless integration of its educational programs with innovative pharmacy services, and impactful and cutting-edge research.

If you are looking for a suitable environment and college of pharmacy to enroll this is for you as The purpose of the UIC COP is to educate the current and next generation of pharmaceutical scientists, pharmacy leaders, and pharmacists, to conduct impactful and cutting-edge scientific research; and to provide innovative patient care and serve our local, national, and global communities.

The PCAT (Pharmacy College Admissions Test) is optional and is not required for admission at the University of Illinois-Chicago School of pharmacy.

7. (10) University of Texas—Austin

Texas pharmacy education was born in October 1893, The College of Pharmacy is internationally recognized for groundbreaking research that is among the highest quality in the nation and offers the Pharmacy Doctorate (Pharm.D.) as the entry-level professional degree program and the graduate training program (M.S., Pharm.D./Ph.D, and Ph.D.).

If you are passionate about solving the complex problems and challenges facing professionals in the pharmaceutical sciences apply to this school to achieve your goal.

7(11) University of Washington

Established in 1894 in a muddy Washington frontier town of Seattle, it is the 51st school of pharmacy in the United States.

PCAT is optional and is not required for the admission process. The mission of the University college of pharmacy is highlighted below

Inspiring Education: Develop exceptional, innovative, and diverse pharmacy leaders and scientists.

Discovering Solutions: Advance in science, development, implementation, and outcomes of safe and appropriate treatments.

Serving People and Communities:
Promote the health and well-being of the public, locally and across the globe.

7(12) University of Wisconsin—Madison

Ranked in the top 10, the University of Wisconsin—Madison school of pharmacy is transforming health care as a global hub of innovation and opportunity transforming.

This is suitable for you to study pharmacy if you want to be part of a top-tier research university that’s making life better for people every day.

Read more on other scholarships and opportunities

IS MCAT Harder than PCAT?

MCAT is an acronym for Medical College Admission Test, MCAT is more difficult than the PCAT, there is no physics question in PCAT and the biological question in MCAT are more advanced than that of PCAT

PCAT is less expensive than the MCAT and most likely convenient and easy to pass when compared to MCAT

What is replacing PCAT?

PCAT will be retired in 2024, AACP (American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy) and Pearson announce the retirement of Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and PCAT Practice Tests effective from 2024 due to current market conditions and the decline in the use of the PCAT.

The final PCAT testing cycle will be offered during the 2023–2024 admissions cycle on the following dates:

• July 6, 2023
• October 16–27, 2023
• January 3–9, 2024

According to AACP, applicants in the 2022–2023 admissions cycle will be unaffected. Applicants who take the PCAT during the 2023–2024 cycle will have fewer testing date options;

However, the testing and reporting process through Pearson will remain the same. No PCAT testing dates will be offered during the 2024–2025 admissions cycle or beyond. All test-takers may continue to request Official Transcripts and Personal Score Reports through the Pearson website until February 2026. source: AACP

Conclusion

There are many top rank colleges of pharmacy in the USA that don’t require PCAT. Most of these universities make PCAT optional due to COVID19 and other factors.

This article has listed the colleges both private and public that has made the PCAT option, do well to study the article carefully to know more about these colleges and their requirement.

Frequently Ask Question on Pharmacy School that don’t require PCAT

What is PCAT?

PCAT stands for Pharmacy College Admission Test, it is a standardized and computer-based to evaluate candidates’ academic capability and scientific knowledge necessary to start pharmaceutical education.

What are the best Top 10 Pharmacy School that don’t require PCAT

The top 10 pharmacy schools that  do not require PCAT  are listed below according to the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings for schools of pharmacy

University of Northern Carolina   
University of California University of Michigan–Ann Arbor
University of Minnesota–Twin Cities
University of Florida
University of Kentucky
Ohio State University—Columbus
Purdue University–West Lafayette
The University of Illinois—Chicago
University of Texas—Austin
University of Washington
University of Wisconsin—Madison