Academics


Early Assurance Pre-Pharmacy Program

Pharmacy is your calling. Make a difference in an individual's health sooner with the early assurance program at the #1 value-added College in the state — and the only College in the country to own and operate two pharmacies.

Early Assurance Program Overview

Get a head start toward your career in pharmacy. For high school students who have made the decision to become pharmacists, the early assurance program offers a fast, effective and affordable option.  

The pre-pharmacy early assurance program at ACPHS saves you two years of study, helping you to earn your PharmD sooner and save on tuition costs. Plus, your place in the first professional year (P1) of the Doctor of Pharmacy program is guaranteed when you meet the stated progressions requirement. With just a few simple steps, there will be a spot for you. 

As a pre-pharmacy student, you’ll gain the academic and practical skills to succeed in our Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. Students will work closely with the pre-pharmacy director, Dr. Purington and pharmacy program directors, Dr. Katie Cardone and Dr. Nicole Lodise to learn more about the 100+ career pathways that await them after graduation.

Our PharmD program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE).

Close up of mortar and pestle on the benchtop
How Does Early Assurance Work?
The two-year pre-pharmacy early assurance program focuses your undergraduate experience on preparing for entrance into your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program. This puts you on track to earn your PharmD in just six years, as opposed to the eight years it typically takes if you earn a four-year bachelor's degree before applying to pharmacy school.

By meeting the progression requirements of the two-year Pre-Pharmacy program, you are guaranteed a seat in the first professional year (P1) of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at ACPHS.

Two less years also means less tuition costs. At ACPHS, 100% of our students receive scholarship or financial aid support, making your Doctor of Pharmacy degree even more affordable.
A student works in student operated pharmacy with patient
Hands-On Learning in the Pre-Pharmacy Program
ACPHS will set you up for success in any pharmacy job with real-world experiences hard to find elsewhere, giving you multiple opportunities to discover first-hand what it means to be a pharmacist.

Apply your classroom knowledge in a real-world setting, and positively impact the health of the local community, at ACPHS' student run pharmacies and The Collaboratory.

In your second year of the pre-pharmacy program, you can apply for an internship at Albany Medical Center's Inpatient Pharmacy. We also offer unique opportunities to work with faculty on cutting-edge life science research and even apply for the competitive Student Summer Research Award (SSRA) program. 
A pharmacy student takes a patients blood pressure
Doctor of Pharmacy Jobs
The need for well-trained pharmacists across the country remains as strong as ever, with growth expected in outpatient care centers, hospitals, ambulatory care centers, industry, and physician's offices.  

Pharmacists also earn an excellent salary. Based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average pharmacist salary in the United States is $128,570. There are also plenty of opportunities to increase your earnings with certifications. 

Your Doctor of Pharmacy degree will open doors to a wide range of careers with the field of pharmacy that place you on the forefront of new discoveries that will benefit people everywhere. 
Two students talking in the pharmacy skills lab
Pre- and Doctor of Pharmacy Coursework
The pre-pharmacy curriculum includes coursework in pharmacy skills, basic sciences, social sciences, communications and humanities. You can also customize your pharmacy education with an academic minor that aligns with your interests, with options including medical humanities, microbiology and public health. The pre-pharmacy curriculum is seamlessly integrated into the B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences (skills track) program, this allows students to complete both degrees with little or no extra time required.

Your success is our main goal. Small class sizes offer the benefit of close interactions with your advisors and professors, who hold unmatched expertise in their respective area. Each incoming student is also matched with an upper-class student to ease the transition to college life. Additionally, ACPHS offers a variety of student clubs and professional organizations where you can develop leadership skills, fuel your passions and build lifelong relationships.