University of Puerto Rico

University of Puerto Rico Quick Facts

Program Description

The Doctor of Pharmacy Program (Pharm.D.) is approved by the Puerto Rico Council on Higher Education (PRCHE), and has been granted full accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the accreditation agency of professional programs in pharmacy. The University of Puerto Rico, School of Pharmacy – Doctor of Pharmacy Program (Pharm.D.) is structured in four academic years in order to ensure the achievement of the abilities necessary to become a generalist practitioner who renders pharmaceutical care. The goals of the program are: 1. To foster the integral formation of students by developing their general and professional abilities along the curriculum. 2. To foster the integration of knowledge based on professional practice experience in a systematic ability-based curriculum which incorporates the following areas: biomedical sciences; pharmaceutical sciences; behavioral, social, and administrative pharmacy sciences; pharmacy practice; and general education. 3. To prepare competent pharmacists to enter the practice of the profession in different settings. For more information visit our school website at: http://farmacia.rcm.upr.edu

PharmD Program Highlights

• Public Institution
• No Baccalaureate Degree Required
• $1000 deposit to hold acceptance
• Conducts interviews of applicants
• Does not participate in Early Decision Program (EDP)
• Minimum Three (3) Letters of Reference are required
• Utilizes the Centralized Criminal Background Check (CBC)
• Does not participate in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service

Location

Location: PO Box 365067 San Juan, Puerto Rico 00936-5067

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Acceptance Rate for University of Puerto Rico

49%: See other Schools with an acceptance rate under 49%

NAPLEX Pass Rates

First-time NAPLEX pass rates for University of Puerto Rico graduates, by graduation year, compared with the national average.

Source: NABP, NAPLEX Passing Rates for 2023–2025 Graduates (March 2026). First-attempt pass rates. National average covers all graduates of ACPE-accredited programs.

Tuition

First professional year, 2022–23 academic year (most recent AACP tuition survey); later years may differ — confirm current rates with the school.

Requirements

GPA and Test Scores

Course Prerequisites Table

Prerequisite Coursework Policies

Online coursework: science courses with labs: No; science courses without labs: Yes; non-science courses: Yes.

Pass/fail grades: Accepted for all prerequisite courses. Applicants who use pass/fail classes, must send evidence of letter grade to UPR School of Pharmacy Students Affairs Office to Mrs. Josephine Picorelly ([email protected]).

Completion timing: Complete a minimum of 75-80 semester-credits at any accredited higher education institution that includes the courses or their equivalents on or before December 31, 2026. • Candidates with up to 8 credits remaining to be completed by May 31, 2027, excluding science and mathematics courses, will be considered.

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

Three (3) evaluations (letters of reference) are required.

Accepted: Employer, Faculty Advisor, Health Care Professional, Pharmacist, Pre-Health Advisor, Professor (Any Subject Area), Professor (Liberal Arts), Professor (Math), Professor (Science), Supervisor

Not Accepted: Clergy, Co-Worker, Family Member, Friend, Politician, Teaching Assistant

Committee letters: Not Accepted

Letters of reference will be reviewed by the Admission Committee. The applicant must submit three recommendation forms in the format specified at PharmCAS site. Two of these recommendation forms must be from former professors. Recommendations from the University of Puerto Rico School of Pharmacy faculty will not be accepted.

Interview Information

Interview Format: Individual applicants with two or more interviewers

Online interview option: Yes, but only if the campus is closed to visitors

If the candidate is pre-selected, an interview will be required by the Admissions Committee. The interviews are conducted by at least two (2) faculty members. Effective oral communication are among the aspects that are considered during the applicant’s interview. During the interview process, the candidates are required to present a portfolio with evidence of the activities described in the PharmCAS application form (such as: leadership, work experience, and voluntary service). Fluency in the Spanish and English languages is required.

Applying

Deadline

November 2, 2026
Priority application deadline: November 2, 2026
First day of classes: August 5, 2027
Application fee: $30.00

General School Information

Program

Dual Degree Program? No
Part of an academic health center? Yes
Pharmacy observation hours required? Recommended, but not required
Supplemental application requirement? Yes
Baccalaureate degree preferred for admissions? Not Required
Follows the AACP Cooperative Admissions Guidelines? No
Is preference given to in-state applicants vs. out-of-state applicants? Yes

International Applicants

Foreign (non-U.S.) citizens considered: No
Applications accepted from: US Citizens
Foreign transcript policy: Do not send any foreign transcript documentation. School only considers U.S. credentials. If you have completed your course prerequisites at a foreign institution, you may be ineligible for admission to these particular pharmacy programs.
TOEFL required: No

Contact Information

Website: http://farmacia.rcm.upr.edu
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