Pre-Pharmacy
Associate in Science (Transfer)
As a pharmacist, you will do more than dispense medicine. You’ll help people use prescription medication safely and for maximum benefit. ICC can prepare you for this growing career with classes taught by expert instructors and tuition that won’t break the bank. After graduation, you can continue your education with confidence.
100%
of instructors are teaching focused
Learn the foundational principles of biology and chemistry from expert instructors. Build the practical skills needed for success in the lab, gain experience conducting research, writing scientific papers, and working in teams. After graduation, you can competitively transfer to a four-year college or university in a variety of pre-professional fields and continue into a school or pharmacy.
Our state-of-the-art health teaching facilities mean you’ll have the best preparation for your advanced education.
Network with fellow students from across ICC’s health programs in the Pre-Health Club.
Pharmacist, Pharmaceutical Researcher, Pharmacologist, Clinical Researcher, Lab Technician, Pharmaceutical Sales Rep
21 Months
If full time
5 Semesters60 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
You’ll have the best experience in our STEM programs if you complete your degree as a full-time student.
$9,600
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Our STEM programs qualify for financial aid. That might include scholarships, grants and loans. Learn more about financial assistance at ICC.
30-40
Students per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
Will I be ready to transfer?
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
Andrea Finds Direction Through Once-in-a-Lifetime Mentorship
Andrea Finds Direction Through Once-in-a-Lifetime Mentorship
When it was time for Andrea to choose a career path, she knew she wanted to combine her deep love for sustainable agriculture, rooted in her upbringing on a small family farm, with her passion for environmental science. Seeking the right path to accomplish her goal, Andrea completed several college courses at ICC, her father’s alma mater, while she was…
Bodie: Fitness Enthusiast Thrives at ICC
Bodie: Fitness Enthusiast Thrives at ICC
If kinesiology were a perfect fit for anyone, it would be Bodie. With a deep passion for physical activity and the science behind it, he’s the perfect example of a fitness enthusiast. He intends to transfer and complete his 4-year degree, but he’s not yet certain where he’d like to end up. For now, he’s enjoying life, which includes learning…
Ana’s Dual Degrees Elevate Her Education
Ana’s Dual Degrees Elevate Her Education
Ana just graduated from high school, but she is already starting her junior year at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She wants to become a speech pathologist or English professor. Thanks to the Dual-Degree program, Ana completed both her high school diploma and her associate degree during her last two years of high school. “Everyone at ICC has been so…
Driving Educational Equity: Dual Credit Expansion and Virtual Reality EMT Training
Driving Educational Equity: Dual Credit Expansion and Virtual Reality EMT Training
Illinois Central College (ICC) recently received two grants from the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) totaling $204,018 through June 30, 2025. The program will help more low-income students earn college credits while in high school. The Access and Equity in Dual Credit Project grant awarded $149,958 to ICC to expand dual credit opportunities for high school students in Central Illinois,…
Students get quality instruction and one-on-one time with faculty because our program allows them to focus only on teaching.
Ganesh Lakshminarayan, Professor, Chemistry
How Do I Get Into the Pre-Pharmacy Program?
Through our pre-health programs, you’ll gain a robust understanding of the foundational principles of biology, skills in operating successfully in the biology laboratory, and experiences with conducting biological research, writing scientific manuscripts, and working with teams.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just one easy application for over hundreds of scholarships.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
Learn more about academic support
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.
Admissions
Edwards Library / Administration Building » L220C
East Peoria Campus