Professional Development

While pharmacy schools do not outline specific requirements for professional development activities, pre-pharmacy students should be seeking out experiences that will allow them to: 

• Explore the profession in multiple settings
• Develop transferable skills
• Demonstrate cultural competence
• Utilize critical thinking skills
• Practice leadership

To develop and demonstrate competence in these areas, students may choose to work or volunteer in a pharmacy or other health-care related field, seek employment outside of healthcare, and/or participate in student organizations or hobbies that relate to interests, passions and goals.  

To aid students in recording these experiences on their PharmCAS application, students should consider tracking their experiences. The PMHSC offers pre-health students an Activity Tracker template to keep things organized and encourage reflection.  

In addition to developing competencies, applicants will likely develop strong relationships with mentors and supervisors encountered during their professional development experiences. Each pharmacy school will require a specific number of evaluations, or letters of recommendation, to accompany the application. Engaging in experiences outside of the classroom gives pre-pharmacy students the opportunity to network with individuals who are able to observe and report on the applicant in a letter of support.