Contact Information
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Banner Image:: PharmCAS Directory Banner Image.png
If you need to post a notification below your institution name, please enter it here::
The USC College of Pharmacy operates on a rolling admissions basis, so we encourage you to apply early. Submitting your application early allows for prompt review and increases your opportunity for interview selection and admission.

Institution Address:
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Street 1: 715 Sumter Street
Street 2: CLS 109
Street 3: {Empty}
City: Columbia
State: South Carolina
Zip: 29208
Country: United States

Program Location:: South Carolina
Admissions Office Contact(s)::
- Name: Nikki Mellen, M.Ed.
  Title: Director of Admissions
  Office: College of Pharmacy
  Phone (Work): 803-777-0589
  Email: mellen@cop.sc.edu

Institutional Website::
- http://www.sc.edu/pharmacy

Contact Information Video::
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I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Program Application Deadline
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Final Application Deadline:
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What is the final (enforced) application deadline for your program?: January 4, 2027
Final Application Deadline Description::
All application materials must be submitted by the final application deadline. While supporting documents (e.g., test scores, evaluations) may be received shortly thereafter, applicants are strongly encouraged to submit all materials as early as possible to avoid delays in the review of their application.


Priority Application Deadline:
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What is the priority application deadline for your program? : October 1, 2026
Describe any requirements or incentives for applicants who apply by the priority deadline. :
Applicants who apply by the priority deadline benefit from earlier review in our rolling admissions process, increasing their opportunity for interview invitations and admission consideration.


I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Program Information
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Please select the appropriate ACPE accreditation status for your institution from the list below:: Full Accreditation 
Satellite/Branch campuses:: {Empty}
Does your program follow the AACP Cooperative Admissions Guidelines?: Yes
Is your institution public or private?: Public
Is your institution part of an academic health center?: Yes
Academic Term Type:
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Select the appropriate academic term type for your program.: Semester (2 terms per academic year)

Program Structure: Pre-Pharmacy Coursework
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What is the minimum requirement of pre-pharmacy coursework for matriculation into your professional Doctor of Pharmacy program? : 2 years

Is a Baccalaureate degree required or preferred for admissions?: Not Required
Program Structure: Pharm.D. Program Curriculum
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What is the structure (e.g., length) of your Pharm.D. program curriculum?: 4 years

Alternative Options: Early Assurance
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Does your program offer an Early Assurance program for admissions? : Yes

Alternative Options: Affiliation or Articulation Agreements
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Does your program have affiliation or articulation agreements with undergraduate institutions for admissions? Contact the program directly for additional details. : Yes

Alternative Options: Bachelor’s Degree While Enrolled
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Does your program offer a student the ability to complete their bachelor’s degree while enrolled in the Pharm.D. program?: Yes
If “Yes” to ability to complete their bachelor’s degree while enrolled, please briefly describe::
The USC College of Pharmacy offers a degree completion option for students entering the Pharm.D. program without a four-year degree. Eligible students who complete prerequisite and Carolina Core requirements may earn a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences after the second professional year. Learn more: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/pharmacy_education/undergraduate/index.php


Alternative Options: Pathways
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Does your program offer alternative pathways to Pharm.D. degree completion? : No

I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Last Entering Class
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Total number of Pharm.D. seats filled in the last P1 entering class:: 103
I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Dual and Concurrent Degrees
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Dual Degree:
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Does your institution offer a dual degree program, as defined above? : Yes
If yes, check all that apply:: PharmD/MBA (Business Administration)

Does your institution offer a concurrent, double, or second degree program, as defined above?: No
Provide any additional information regarding dual, concurrent, double, or second degree programs: :
Earn your Pharm.D. and PMBA together through our partnership with the top-ranked Darla Moore School of Business. This flexible combination degree program builds clinical and business expertise, preparing you for leadership roles in healthcare, industry, and academia. More information can be found here: https://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/pharmacy_education/pharm_d_program/combination_degree_programs/pharm_d_mba/index.php

I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Program Description
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Program Description:
At the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, you’ll be part of a supportive community dedicated to developing the next generation of innovative, collaborative pharmacists and health care leaders. As the state’s oldest and largest college of pharmacy, we are committed to advancing health outcomes in South Carolina and beyond through education, research, and service.

Our Pharm.D. curriculum builds a strong foundation in biomedical, pharmaceutical, social, administrative, and clinical sciences, while emphasizing critical thinking, problem-solving, and evidence-based practice. Through a dynamic mix of didactic, laboratory, interprofessional, and experiential learning, students gain the knowledge and skills needed for success in today’s evolving health care landscape.

Students can further enhance their education through our Pharm.D./PMBA combination degree option, offered in partnership with the Darla Moore School of Business, as well as specialized tracks and scholars' programs in areas such as business and entrepreneurship, rural health, and leadership. Hands-on opportunities include research with internationally recognized faculty, service-learning, and engagement with innovative programs like the Kennedy Pharmacy Innovation Center and the South Carolina Poison Center.

With more than 600 experiential sites worldwide, students gain real-world experience in a variety of practice settings. Beyond the classroom, USC offers a vibrant campus life with hundreds of student organizations, major athletic events, and a location convenient to both the mountains and the coast.

Program Description Video::
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I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

GPA and Credit Hour Criteria
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Minimum Overall GPA:: 2.5
Minimum Prerequisite GPA:: N/A
Provide any additional information regarding GPA policies for applicants::
Applicants must meet a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 to be considered for admission. However, admission to the program is competitive, and the average GPA of admitted students is approximately 3.70. Meeting the minimum requirement does not guarantee progression in the admissions process. Application fees are non-refundable.

Total number of college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation:: 66
Total number of basic science college SEMESTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation:: 36
Total number of college QUARTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation:: 99
Total number of basic science college QUARTER HOURS that must be completed prior to matriculation:: 54
Provide any additional information regarding credit hour policies for applicants::
More information can be found at https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/pharmacy_education/pharm_d_program/admission_requirements/index.php. Applicants are encouraged to reach out to our Director of Admissions, Ms. Nikki Mellen, at any time with any questions regarding course equivalencies or to review transcripts and provide a course evaluation to ensure applicants are on track to complete the required courses before beginning the Pharm.D. program, if accepted.

I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Course Prerequisites
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List of Course Prerequisites::
Course Subject: Biology/Biological Science
Course Title: General Biology I with Lab
(Course must be for science majors and lab must be in person)
Semester Hours (Min): 4
Quarter Hours (Min): 6
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Course Subject: Chemistry
Course Title: General Chemistry I with Lab
(Course must be for science majors and lab must be in person)
Semester Hours (Min): 4
Quarter Hours (Min): 6
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Course Subject: Math
Course Title: Calculus
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: English Composition / Writing
Course Title: English: Reading/Composition
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Humanities
Course Title: Liberal Art Elective 1
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Biology/Biological Science
Course Title: General Biology II with Lab
(Course must be for science majors and lab must be in person)
Semester Hours (Min): 4
Quarter Hours (Min): 6
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Course Subject: Chemistry
Course Title: General Chemistry II with Lab
(Course must be for science majors and lab must be in person)
Semester Hours (Min): 4
Quarter Hours (Min): 6
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Course Subject: Statistics
Course Title: Statistics
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: English Composition / Writing
Course Title: English: Rhetoric/Composition
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Humanities
Course Title: Liberal Art Elective 2
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Chemistry
Course Title: Organic Chemistry I with Lab
(Course must be for science majors and lab must be in person)
Semester Hours (Min): 4
Quarter Hours (Min): 6
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Course Subject: Anatomy & Physiology
Course Title: Human Anatomy & Physiology I
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Physics
Course Title: General Physics I
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Economics
Course Title: Principles of Economics
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Social/Behavioral Science
Course Title: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Sociology, or select medical anthropology courses
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Chemistry
Course Title: Organic Chemistry II with Lab
(Course must be for science majors and lab must be in person)
Semester Hours (Min): 4
Quarter Hours (Min): 6
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Course Subject: Anatomy & Physiology
Course Title: Human Anatomy & Physiology II
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Microbiology
Course Title: Microbiology 
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Communication / Speech (Verbal)
Course Title: Public Speaking
(Must be taken in person)
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5
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Course Subject: Humanities
Course Title: Liberal Art Elective 3
Semester Hours (Min): 3
Quarter Hours (Min): 4.5

When do applicants need to complete all course prerequisites prior to enrollment (e.g. date or term)?:
Applicants considered competitive for admission will be on track to complete all required math and science prerequisite courses by the end of the Spring 2027 semester. Completion of all prerequisites with a minimum grade of C is required prior to P1 Welcome Week and matriculation into the Pharm.D. program in August 2027.

Can applicants use online classes to fulfill the institution's course prerequisites?:
Science Course Prerequisites with Labs: No
Science Course Prerequisites without Labs : Yes
Non-Science Course Prerequisites: Varies

Enter any additional information regarding online course prerequisites::
Online Public Speaking and laboratory courses are not accepted for fulfillment of pharmacy prerequisite requirements. For additional information, please contact our Director of Admissions at mellen@cop.sc.edu

Can applicants use pass/fail classes to fulfill the institution's course prerequisites?:
Science Course Prerequisites with Labs: Varies
Science Course Prerequisites without Labs : Varies
Non-Science Course Prerequisites: Varies

Enter any additional information regarding pass/fail course prerequisites::
Pass/fail coursework will be evaluated for prerequisite fulfillment provided that official documentation verifies a “Pass” is equivalent to a grade of C or higher at the awarding institution.

Enter any additional information regarding course prerequisites::
Prerequisite coursework must be completed at an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the equivalent authority in a foreign country. 

Applicants completing prerequisites at the time of application should list them in PharmCAS as in-progress or planned courses. 

Science prerequisites must be courses for majors. 

General Biology I & II, General Chemistry I & II, and Organic Chemistry I & II must include in-person laboratory components. 

Biology may also be fulfilled by Botany and Zoology with labs or Genetics and Cell Biology with labs. 

The Anatomy & Physiology requirement may be met with separate Human Anatomy and Human Physiology courses. 

Labs are not required for Physics, Microbiology, or Human Anatomy & Physiology I & II. 

For questions or transcript evaluations, contact mellen@cop.sc.edu

Link to additional course prerequisites information:: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/pharmacy_education/pharm_d_program/admission_requirements/index.php
I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Supplemental Materials
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Supplemental Requirements:
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Does your institution require applicants to submit a supplemental application or supplemental materials directly to the institution and outside of PharmCAS?: No

Supplemental Application Fee:
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Will your institution require a supplemental application fee?: No

Provide any additional information about the supplemental application, materials, or fee requirements::
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I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Standardized Tests
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Standardized Tests:
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Do you accept or consider any standardized tests? Do not include immunization requirement or other similar documentation requirements.: Yes
If yes, select which standardized tests you accept or consider:: ACT, DAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, OAT, SAT

I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Observation Hours
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Observation Hours Required:
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Does your program require pharmacy observation hours?: Recommended, but not required
Please note any additional relevant information::
Competitive applicants demonstrate a clear understanding of the pharmacy profession through work, volunteer, shadowing, or pharmacist interview experiences. These experiences should be detailed in the PharmCAS application and resume/CV, including setting, supervising pharmacist, dates, and hours. Applicants with pharmacy work or significant shadowing experience are encouraged to obtain a letter of reference from the supervising pharmacist.


I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Evaluations (Letters of Reference)
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Evaluations Required:
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Are evaluations (letters of reference) required by your institution?: Yes
 If yes, how many evaluations are required?: Two (2)

Please indicate your evaluation type requirements. Select all that apply.:
Clergy: CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
Co-Worker: ACCEPTED
Employer: ACCEPTED
Faculty Advisor: ACCEPTED
Family Member: NOT ACCEPTED
Friend: NOT ACCEPTED
Health Care Professional: CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
Pharmacist: CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
Politician: CONDITIONALLY ACCEPTED
Pre-Health Advisor: ACCEPTED
Professor (Any Subject Area): ACCEPTED
Professor (Liberal Arts): ACCEPTED
Professor (Math): ACCEPTED
Professor (Science): ACCEPTED
Supervisor: ACCEPTED
Teaching Assistant: ACCEPTED

Committee Letters:
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What is your college/school policy on committee letters? : Not Accepted

Composite Letters:
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What is your college/school policy on composite letters?: Not Accepted

Provide institution specific details regarding evaluations::
Two electronic evaluations (letters of recommendation) must be submitted through PharmCAS. Evaluations from family members, friends, or family friends are not accepted. Recommenders should be able to speak to qualities valued by the Admissions Committee, such as empathy, ethics, intellectual ability, judgment, communication skills, and reliability. Evaluations are appropriate only if the recommender knows you well enough to assess these characteristics.

I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Residency
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Is preference given to state residents?: Yes
Is preference given to residents of other states?: No
Additional information about the program’s state residency requirements::
As a state-assisted institution, we give preference to in-state applicants, defined in the admissions context as South Carolina residents and non-South Carolina residents who are attending a South Carolina college or university. Residency determinations for tuition purposes are set by the Office of the University Registrar; more information can be found on their website at https://sc.edu/about/offices_and_divisions/registrar/residency_and_citizenship/residency/index.php.  

I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

International Applicants
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Does your institution consider foreign citizens (excluding Canadian citizens)?: Yes
Select the citizenship types eligible for admission:: US Citizens, US Permanent Residents, Foreign (non-US) Citizens with a Visa, Other Non-Citizens (e.g. DACA Students)
Policy for accepting non-U.S. coursework (excluding study abroad):: Send a foreign transcript evaluation report (FTER) to PharmCAS 
Other clarifying information, if necessary::
Foreign transcript evaluation reports must be submitted through PharmCAS. After application verification, coursework is reviewed by the College to determine equivalency and applicability to prerequisite requirements. Only courses completed with a grade of C or higher will be considered. English/literature and public speaking prerequisites must be completed at a U.S.-accredited college or university and may not be taken online. For more information about international applicant requirements, visit: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/pharmacy_education/pharm_d_program/application_process/index.php

Non-native speakers must submit official TOEFL scores?: Yes
If the TOEFL is required for non-native English speakers, provide additional details about the requirement below: :
International applicants whose native language is not English must satisfy the University's English language proficiency requirement by meeting one of the following: 
1) TOEFL Internet-Based score of at least 77
2) TOEFL Paper-Based score of at least 550
3) IELTS score of at least 6.5
4) PTE Academic English score of at least 53
5) Duolingo score of at least 115

Exemptions may apply for applicants who have completed the equivalent of English 101 and 102 at a U.S. institution with grades of B or higher, are from a country on USC’s exemption list, or graduated from a U.S. high school.

For questions regarding this requirement, please contact the Director of Admissions at mellen@cop.sc.edu

Post-B.S. Pharm.D. Programs for Current Pharmacists Licensed in the U.S.:
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Does the institution offer a post-B.S. Pharm.D. program for current pharmacists who are already licensed in the U.S.? : No
Details on Post-B.S. Pharm.D. Programs [1]

[1] https://www.pharmcas.org/school-directory/explore-and-compare/post_bs_programs

Programs for Foreign-educated Pharmacists without a U.S. License:
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Does the institution consider foreign-educated pharmacists WITHOUT a U.S. license for admission to the entry-level Pharm.D. program?: No

I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Interviews
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Interview Format:: Individual applicants with two or more interviewers
Does the institution offer an online interview option?: No
Briefly describe your institution's interview process::
As required by ACPE, standardized interviews are part of the admissions process to assess qualities such as self-awareness, leadership, innovation, entrepreneurship, and professionalism. Interviews are by invitation only and are typically held on select Mondays in September through April. An interview invitation does not guarantee admission. Applicants not selected for an interview will not be considered. The interview day typically consists of a half-day of activities including a program overview, interview, and college tour.

Link to institutional webpage for more detailed description:: https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/pharmacy/pharmacy_education/pharm_d_program/application_process/index.php
I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Accepted Applicants
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Deposits:
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Is a deposit required to hold an acceptee's place in the class?: Yes
Is the deposit refundable for any period of time?: No
Enter details on the deposit (e.g. amount) and deposit refund policies::
As a participant in the AACP Cooperative Admissions Guidelines, we follow established deposit policies. Two non-refundable deposits totaling $485 are required: a $200 deposit due within two weeks of acceptance, and an additional $285 due after March 1. Applicants admitted after March 1 must submit the full $485 within two weeks. Deposits are non-refundable and will be forfeited if a student does not enroll, including failure to meet prerequisites or other admission requirements.


Date of first day of classes and/or matriculation for the next entering class:: 2027-08-16
Additional details for accepted applicants::
The first day of classes for Fall 2027 is tentatively scheduled for August 16, 2027. Accepted students are also required to attend P1 Welcome Week, currently scheduled for August 9–13, 2027. Additional details will be provided during the Spring 2027 semester. Please note that all dates are subject to change.

Are accepted applicants required to have CPR certification prior to matriculation?: No
I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes

Background Checks and Drug Screenings
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Is your institution participating in the PharmCAS-facilitated Criminal Background Check (CBC) Service?: Yes
Is your institution participating in the PharmCAS-facilitated Drug Screening Service?: Yes
I would like to mark this section as done.: Yes