GrizRx Assurance Program – Pharmacy School
Pre-Pharmacy Advising for High School Seniors
Get on the fast track to pharmacy school, in this pre-pharmacy advising program designed for high school students.
The GrizRx Assurance Program is open to high school seniors who are applying to the University of Montana and are interested in pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to become licensed pharmacists — offering a direct pathway from high school to the PharmD program and a more affordable option.
As part of the GrizRx Assurance Program, you’ll complete pre-pharmacy courses under the guidance and mentorship of the School of Pharmacy faculty, who include renowned scientific researchers and experienced clinicians. You’ll also receive a scholarship and have opportunities to participate in research, job shadowing and volunteer experiences.
graduate employment rate for PharmD program at UM
seats are reserved in the Doctor of Pharmacy class for students who complete the GrizRx AP and pre-requisites for admission to the School of Pharmacy
scholarship awarded each semester to GrizRx AP students
Degree options for pharmacy school at UM
PharmD with a Master of Business Administration
PharmD with a Master or Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Design
What can you do with a PharmD degree?
The PharmD program at the University of Montana is nationally recognized for its quality of care, interprofessional training and outreach programs. Our track record speaks for itself: 97% of UM PharmD degree graduates find employment in their field, and 93% pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) on their first try.
How long does it take to complete GrizRx AP?
The GrizRx AP takes two years to complete. Students will apply to the Skaggs School of Pharmacy during their Sophomore year. The Doctor of Pharmacy degree is a four-year program.
PharmD jobs
Graduates of our PharmD program work in pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, academic institutions, government agencies and research centers. A short list of career examples includes:
- Clinical pharmacist
- Emergency department pharmacist
- Infectious disease pharmacist
- Community pharmacy owner
- Hospital pharmacist
- Drug safety officer
- Clinical research scientist
- Veterinary pharmacist
PharmD salaries
Pharmacists nationally earn an average of $128,090 per year, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Montana, the median salary for pharmacists is $115,270.
Video: Welcome to the GrizRx Assurance Program
Learn more about the GrizRx Assurance Program at the University of Montana Skaggs School of Pharmacy.
Experiential learning in the GrizRx AP
As a student in the GrizRx AP, you’ll take part in 20 hours of observation/job shadowing in a pharmacy — one of the requirements for the PharmD application process. Research opportunities are available, working with faculty in the Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacy Practice departments of the Skaggs School of Pharmacy at UM. You can also gain experience through volunteer opportunities at health fairs and community outreach events.
When you start on your PharmD degree, clinical experiences and community outreach will continue to be a major focus of your education and training, including:
- Pharmacy-based immunization training and certification during your first semester.
- Clinical rotations and experiences in rural and underserved health.
- Opportunities for teaching, research, clinical services and outreach in pharmacogenomics, precision medicine and telehealth.
Career development in the GrizRx AP
The GrizRx AP offers an efficient pathway from high school to pharmacy school — and fast-growing careers as pharmacists. Along the way, we’re here to help you build your professional network and hit the ground running when you graduate.
GrizRx AP students who do well in the prerequisites and meet all other PharmD application requirements are guaranteed a pharmacy school interview. Pre-pharmacy advisors also sit on the admissions committee and can advocate for their pre-pharmacy advisees.
Our Pre-pharmacy Club meets a few times each semester, covering topics to help you in the application process for the PharmD program. With small classes and a small faculty-to-student ratio, you’ll also find that UM offers one of the best pharmacy schools in terms of personal attention and one-on-one support.
GrizRx AP scholarships
As a GrizRx AP student, you’ll receive a $500/semester scholarship as long as you maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA during the two years of pre-pharmacy curriculum.
Pharmacy school requirements
The GrizRx Assurance Program is offered to incoming freshmen who have been accepted to UM and have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.5 in high school.
Once you complete the pre-pharmacy track, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue your PharmD degree, which includes courses in biochemistry, microbiology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, social administrative pharmacy and therapeutics.