Pharmacy

The Pre-pharmacy program at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate in Science Degree. Upon completion of the program, students are prepared for the rigors of a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree. The Pre-pharmacy transfer program offers a student the opportunity to explore biology and chemistry, while completing a core curriculum used for transfer. Students will gain knowledge in a variety of disciplines including math, science, the humanities and the social sciences.   

Pharmacy (PHAR)

The Pre-pharmacy degree at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn an Associate in Science Degree for the purpose of transfer to a four-year institution. The Pre-pharmacy Degree offers students the opportunity to explore biology and chemistry, while completing a core curriculum used for transfer. Students will gain knowledge in a variety of disciplines including math, science, the humanities and the social sciences.  The Pre-pharmacy Degree includes the MassTransfer Block.  A fall semester start is recommended for several sequential science courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.  

Year 1
FallCredits
ENG 101College Writing I 3
CHE 107General Chemistry I 4
MAT 163Pre-Calculus 4
PSY 105Introduction To Psychology 3
BIO 118Biology I 4
Spring
ENG 102College Writing II 3
BIO 119Biology II 4
CHE 108General Chemistry II 4
MAT 211Calculus I 4
Year 2
Fall
BIO 205Microbiology 4
CHE 207Organic Chemistry I 4
Humanities Elective 1 3
BIO 203Anatomy and Physiology I (formerly BIO 199) 4
Spring
SOC 103Introduction To Sociology 3
HUM 212Medical Ethics 3
CHE 208Organic Chemistry II 24
BIO 204Anatomy and Physiology II 4
 Total Credits: 62
1

Humanities Electives: See Elective Courses by Abbreviation.

2

Capstone course.

See Pre-pharmacy program student learning outcomes and technical standards.

Campus

This program is offered on the Gardner campus only.

Transfer Options

For transfer options, please click here. It is recommended that you also consult with your academic advisor.

MassTransfer

Students who plan to transfer to a Massachusetts state university or a University of Massachusetts campus may be eligible to transfer under the MassTransfer agreement, which provides transfer advantages to those who qualify.

Please click here for MassTransfer information.

Special Requirements

Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Program Student Learning Outcomes for PHAR

Upon graduation from this program, students shall have the ability to:

  • To work safely in a laboratory environment.
  • Collect, record and organize scientific data in keeping with the goals of the experiment 
  • Manipulate and use scientific tools, such as the microscope, pH meter, measurement tools, glassware and other scientific instrumentation. This would include independently conducting an experiment using written directions such as lab manuals or Standard Operating Procedures as a guide.
  • Use mathematical tools as applied to science. This could include building and interpreting graphs, using equations and formulas to solve problems, and fitting data to a mathematical model.
  • Demonstrate basic science literacy needed for entry level work in a health science field or to prepare for transfer to a baccalaureate institution if desired, including an understanding of human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, and basic biological and chemical processes.

Technical Standards for PHAR1

1

For general information about technical standards and accommodation, see Technical Standards.

Students entering this program must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

  • Comprehend textbook material at a college level.
  • Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed, or computer voice format.
  • Gather, analyze, and draw conclusions from data.
  • Stand for a minimum of two hours.
  • Differentiate by touch: hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, and hardness/softness.
  • Use the small muscle dexterity necessary to do such tasks as gloving, gowning, and operating controls on laboratory instrumentation.
  • Respond promptly to spoken words, as well as monitor signals and instrument alarms.
  • Identify behaviors that would endanger a person’s life or safety and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.
  • Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.
  • Manipulate small parts, and make fine hand adjustments to machines and test equipment.
  • Operate a computer.