Graduate Licensed and Ready to Practice by Age 23
Traditional pharmacy education takes eight years: four years for a bachelor's degree, then four years of pharmacy school. Belmont's accelerated pathways get you to the same destination in just 5-6 years — launching your career earlier while saving time and money.
Two Fast-Track Options
2+4 Pathway: Six Years Total
- Complete two years of undergraduate prerequisites at Belmont
- Transition directly into our four-year PharmD program
- Graduate with both your bachelor's degree and PharmD
- No reapplication, no gap year, no waiting
3+4 Pathway: Five Years Total
- Complete three years of undergraduate study at Belmont
- Your first year of pharmacy school counts toward your bachelor's degree
- Graduate with your bachelor's degree after your P1 year
- Continue through the PharmD program
- Earn both degrees in just five years
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Why Choose an Accelerated Pathway?
Enter the Workforce Sooner
Graduate and begin your career while your peers are still in school. That means earning a pharmacist's salary years earlier.
Seamless Transition
No stressful reapplication process, no gap year anxiety. Once you meet the pathway requirements, your seat in Belmont's PharmD program is secured.
Same Outstanding Education
You'll receive the identical high-quality PharmD education as traditional students — just on a faster timeline. Graduate with the same degree, same clinical experiences and same career opportunities.
Financial Advantages
- Fewer years of tuition
- Start earning a professional salary sooner
- Reduce total student loan burden
- Academic scholarships can continue through your PharmD years
| Feature | Traditional Path | 2+4 Pathway | 3+4 Pathway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Time to PharmD | 8 years | 6 years | 5 years |
| When You Apply | After bachelor's degree | End of sophomore year | End of junior year |
| Undergraduate Credits Required | 120+ (full bachelor's) | 60 | 90 |
| Application Process | PharmCAS (competitive) | Guaranteed admission if requirements met | Guaranteed admission if requirements met |
| When You Start Earning | Age 26 | Age 24 | Age 23 |
| Bachelor's Degree Awarded | Before PharmD | With PharmD | After P1 year |
Peaches Brown
PharmD Candidate | College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences
鈥淚 entered Belmont with a passion for pharmacy, but I am leaving with a stronger sense of purpose and a clearer vision for my future. Belmont has challenged and supported me in ways that have shaped me into a more capable, compassionate and driven pharmacist ready to make a meaningful impact in the profession.鈥
Frequently Asked Questions
You must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and complete all required prerequisite courses with a grade of C- or better. Specific prerequisites include courses in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and other sciences. Your advisor will help you stay on track from day one. Contact our admissions team at pharmacy@belmont.edu for the complete prerequisite list.
If you don't meet the GPA or prerequisite requirements for guaranteed admission, you can still complete your bachelor's degree at Belmont and apply to pharmacy school through the traditional PharmCAS application process. You'll have gained excellent preparation for pharmacy school and earned a bachelor's degree that opens other career paths.
Absolutely. The accelerated pathways are optional. If you decide pharmacy isn't the right fit, or you want more time for undergraduate experiences, you can complete a traditional bachelor's degree in biology, chemistry, health sciences or another major. Many students start considering the accelerated pathway and later choose different career paths — that's a normal part of discovering your direction.
No. Employers hire based on your PharmD degree, clinical training, licensure and professional capabilities — not your age. Many employers value the initiative and focus required to complete an accelerated program.
Yes, during your undergraduate years (the first 2-3 years). Once you enter the PharmD program, your schedule becomes more demanding with professional coursework and clinical rotations, similar to what traditional pharmacy students experience. Many pharmacy students remain involved in campus life through professional organizations, student government and other activities designed for graduate and professional students.
On average, 100% of admitted PharmD candidates receive four-year scholarships ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 a year. The College of Pharmacy also offers graduate assistantships that provide half-tuition support. Contact pharmacy@belmont.edu to discuss scholarship opportunities and how financial aid applies to your specific pathway.
Questions?
Contact Us
If you have any questions about the admission process, admission requirements, or the program contact Michael Lavigna, our Director of Admissions at pharmacy@belmont.edu, or 615.460.6107.
Phone: (615) 460-6107
Start Your Journey
Interested in our accelerated pathways? Connect with our admissions team to explore which option fits your goals.