Common Questions

What is the scope of practice and can I specialize?
Pharmacists have many opportunities for practice, research and public health. Our students will be exposed to educational experiences that cover community pharmacies, hospitals, educational institutions, laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, managed care organizations and home healthcare.

Are there any shadowing opportunities at RFU?
Yes, we invite you to visit the College of Pharmacy for a shadowing opportunity where you can learn more about the program and attend class with a current student.

What types of practice experiences will I have as a Student Pharmacist?
Students in the College of Pharmacy are exposed to many different areas of pharmacy practice early in the curriculum. These include community pharmacy practice, hospital practice (inpatient, acute, administrative), clinical roles with an emphasis on direct patient care from the bedside, public health, research, and pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical industry. Student Pharmacists work alongside preceptors at a wide range of clinical practice sites delivering pharmacotherapeutic care to diverse populations. Faculty preceptors include board certified clinical pharmacists in the areas of critical care, mental health, transplant, oncology, ambulatory care, infectious disease, emergency medicine, internal medicine, and general pharmacotherapy.

What salary can I expect to make as a pharmacist in the Midwest? What jobs are available to me after graduation?
We always suggest consulting the Bureau of Labor Statistics for the most up-to-date information. In May 2022, the Bureau reported the median annual wage-and-salary of pharmacists was $132,750. Pharmacists are able to practice in a variety of settings such as department stores, grocery stores, drug stores, general medical and surgical hospitals or research.

What sets the College of Pharmacy apart from other schools in the Midwest?

Our commitment to providing students at RFU with a personalized interprofessional scope of training, focusing on the needs of the modern patient, is what sets us apart. Find out for yourself and come to campus for an information session or join us for a virtual Discover Pharmacy session. Here are some features that sets us apart from others:

• Earn distinctions in focused experiences in research, pharmaceutical industry, and interprofessional education.
• Practice-ready, Residency-ready.
• Early, immersion into community and hospital pharmacy practice
• Vaccination training begins on day 1.
• Summer research opportunities.
• Interprofessional Care Clinic - expand your learning experience and give back to those in need

Where can I learn more about Rosalind Franklin University student life?
Please visit our Campus Life website to learn more about student housing, student health and wellness, diversity and inclusion and more.

Application & Requirements

What makes a candidate competitive for admission?
Competitive candidates have knowledge and understanding of what it means to be a pharmacist through work or volunteer experience. Evidence of preparation for a career in healthcare through community service, leadership opportunities, or work experience is also important in the review of your credentials.

What are the minimum academic requirements for admission?
A competitive applicant to the College of Pharmacy will have an overall GPA of at least 2.5 and a science GPA of at least 2.5. The PCAT is highly encouraged for those with a cumulative or science GPA less than 2.5 as a way to strengthen the application. Applicants must also have completed at least 51 semester credit hours of accredited college or university credit (providing all other considerations are met). A grade of 'C-' or better is required in prerequisite coursework.

When should I apply?
Candidates interested in being considered should submit their application via the central application system, PharmCAS. RFU follows rolling admission and all candidates are encouraged to apply early. PharmCAS materials must be received no later than June 30, 2024. RFU does not require a supplemental application. You may apply with prerequisites planned or in progress.

Does RFUMS have an early decision process?
No, the deadline to submit applications is June 30, 2024. All materials must be received no later than June 30, 2024.

Where can I find more information about the College of Pharmacy on PharmCAS?
Additional information may also be found at the College of Pharmacy’s school directory page in PharmCAS.

Can I transfer to Rosalind Franklin University?
No, the College of Pharmacy does not accept transfer students.

Are scholarships available?
Yes. The College of Pharmacy has internal scholarships and the Office of Student Financial Services offers a list of external scholarships available to students pursuing a PharmD.

What are the required letters of recommendation?
The Admissions Committee requires a minimum of two letters of recommendation. Letters should come from professors, employers, supervisors or pharmacy professionals who can attest to your qualities and characteristics.

What is RFU looking for in my Personal Statement?
The Admissions Committee is interested in each applicant’s personal characteristics such as effective communication skills, motivation to be a pharmacist, maturity and interest in serving others. The personal statement provides the applicant with an opportunity to describe the process and experience that led to application to pharmacy school. The essay should include other academic and life experiences which helped develop the candidate as a person.

When are interviews conducted?
Interviews typically begin in late September and continue through June.

International Applicants

Are international students eligible to apply?
Yes - more information is available on the international students page.

Do I need to submit my TOEFL scores?
Yes. An official score report from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of any applicant who does not hold US citizenship or permanent residency. This test must have been taken within the last two years and scores must be sent directly from the Educational Testing Service to PharmCAS Institution code 8246.

This requirement may be waived at the University’s discretion for the following:

• Applicants who have been full-time students in a United States college or university for at least two consecutive years.
• Applicants from countries in which English is the primary language.

Do I need to submit my international transcripts? Yes, an official copy of your foreign transcripts must be sent to both the Office of Admissions for the College of Pharmacy at RFUMS and to PharmCAS. Your evaluation should contain a course-by-course report. Reports will be accepted from World Education Services, Inc. and Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.

How can I get in touch with the Admissions Office?
Email us: pharmacy.admissions@rosalindfranklin.edu
Call us: 847-578-3204
Our address: Rosalind Franklin University Pharmacy Admissions
3333 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064