Early Acceptance Program (3+4 program) between Viterbo University and Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy (CUWSOP)
An Early Acceptance Program (EAP) was developed between Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and Viterbo that grants qualified students a provisional early acceptance to Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy that will permit the student to start the professional program prior to receiving a bachelor's degree from Viterbo University (i.e., 3+4 programs). Successful completion of all requirements offers a bachelor of science (BS) in biology (health science emphasis) or biochemistry from Viterbo University and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Concordia University Wisconsin.
Application to the EAP is separate from the application to Viterbo University. A student may apply for EAP consideration as a high school senior. While current Viterbo students may apply, they should contact Viterbo Pre-Health Committee to see if they qualify. This program is not available to anyone with a bachelor or higher degree.
This agreement is a unique partnership between the Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy and Viterbo University that provides a direct route for full-time Viterbo students to gain direct admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy program at Concordia University Wisconsin.
Early Acceptance Doctor of Pharmacy program. (3+4)
The 3+4 track allows students to obtain a BS in biology or biochemistry from Viterbo and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, PharmD from Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy. It is comprised of two phases. Phase I consists of three years of undergraduate education at Viterbo. Phase II consists of four years of pharmacy school education at CUWSOP.
A student interested in the 3+4 track may apply to enroll as part of their application to Viterbo University but must be enrolled in the program and interviewed prior to starting their second year of study at Viterbo University. This is accomplished through reverse transfer of Concordia University coursework to fulfill some requirements for the BS degree at Viterbo.
General requirements for 3+4 track and early admission
- Major in biology or biochemistry
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 in all courses taken at Viterbo
- Earn a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all science courses taken at Viterbo and CUW
- Earn a C or better in all pre-pharmacy coursework taken at Viterbo
- Successful interview with Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy admissions personnel while enrolled at Viterbo
- Satisfy all remaining requirements outlined by the Viterbo pre-health committee and Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy admissions
About Pharmacy
From the Viterbo University Pre-Health Advising handbook:
Pharmacists are an integral part of the primary health care system. They educate patients about different medications and serve to ensure safe administration of drugs. Pharmacists also serve to advise other healthcare providers about drug treatment plans, monitor drug therapy, and they may do research and clinical studies. A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) completes a four-year program. A majority of graduates work in community pharmacy or in large retail pharmacy. However, pharmacists may also choose from many specialized fields and/or perform clinical research. Most pharmacy schools require the PCAT for admission. Typical admissions averages for pharmacy range greater by school than others and data on GPA and the PCAT can be found at AACP (see below). However, typical admissions averages for high-quality programs in the Midwest include a mean overall GPA: ~3.4-3.5 and percentile scores on the PCAT of greater than 75%. Other (often newer) programs may allow lower GPAs and PCAT scores. The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that the profession will grow by 6% from 2016–2026. Updated job outlook data can be found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) provides information on application requirements, descriptions of careers, and programs in the U.S.