Early Admission Pathway
Get started on your pharmacy career as early as high school!
ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy's Early Admission Pathway (EAP) provides academically high-achieving students the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) in 6 years.
Why Pursue the Early Admission Pathway?
Guaranteed Seat
Lock your spot in a future class if conditions are met and grow in community with your future PharmD peers through EAP events and the ETSU Pre-Pharmacy Student Organization. See FAQ and info below for requirements.
Accelerated Track
The Early Admission Pathway accelerated track lets you save time and graduate with a Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy in six years.
Save Money
With less time as an undergraduate, you’ll save on tuition. Plus, earn a $2,500 EAP scholarship as well as an Academic Merit Scholarship totaling $10,000 over four years if you meet the criteria.
Flexibility and Support
Start ETSU’s PharmD program when the time is right for you, and receive one-on-one mentorship from faculty and staff along the way.
Hear Why Students Chose EAP
“The Early Admissions Pathway saved me a lot of time and money in the long run, and I’ll be able to start doing what I really am passionate about sooner.” - Olivia Long ('25)
“Graduating with my PharmD more quickly will give me additional time to practice as a pharmacist, provide care for more patients, and learn more about the evolving field of medicine.”- Kaylee Wilhoit (’25)
“The Early Admissions Pathway gives you everything in one place, and as long as you’re on track, you have a seat reserved at the pharmacy school – there’s no second essays or second interviews. When the college chose me, they didn’t just give me one opportunity, they have continuously given me opportunities, and I have loved how supported I feel here.” - Maddie Stacey (’29)
“When I was in high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for a career. I signed up for a summer camp at Gatton, and it was then that I fell in love with pharmacy. That is also where I first heard about the EAP program, and I applied shortly after. Once I got into the program, it immediately felt like I was a part of the Gatton family.”- Sean Kimball (’27)
How to Apply for the Early Admission Pathway
While academics are an important part of the review process, we also consider leadership, service, volunteer work, and relevant work experiences as part of a holistic evaluation.
Admissions Requirements for High School Seniors
- Must submit undergraduate application and EAP application
- Competitive applicants have a high school GPA of 3.9 (unweighted) and an ACT of 26 or higher (or comparable SAT score
- Early Admission Pathway students must attend ETSU
Admissions Requirements for ETSU Freshmen
- Must be enrolled full-time at ETSU
- Must have completed 2 semesters (or be completing when you apply)
- Must have completed 12 hours of math/science prerequisites (or be completing when you apply)
- Competitive applicants will have an average college GPA of 3.0 or higher (cumulative and science)
Application Process
Applications Open
October 1, 2025
Application Deadline
March 31, 2026
Interviews with Candidates
February and April 2026
- 1. Apply to ETSU.
Ensure you have submitted your application and been accepted for undergraduate admission to East Tennessee State University. - 2. Submit the EAP Application.
- Complete the specific Early Admission Pathway application available through PharmDirect, along with the items listed below. This is separate from your general ETSU application.
- Provide Academic Reference - Submit one (1) letter of reference from an academic source (high school teacher, guidance counselor, college professor, or academic advisor).
- Essay/Personal Statement Guidance - Articulate what sparked your interest in pharmacy and why you are pursuing this profession.
- 3. Interview
- Selected applicants will be invited to a virtual (Zoom) interview with the Admissions
Committee either in Early February or Early April.
- 4. Final Decision
- You will be notified of the final decision by the end of April.
Your Path to a Career in Pharmacy
Your pathway to a career in pharmacy can start as early as high school through the Early Admission Pathway at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy. Earn a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Pharmacy in six years. Check out the timeline below.
1. High School
Apply for the Early Admission Pathway program as a senior in high school or as a freshman at ETSU.
Attend Gatton Pharmacy Summer Camp to learn more about the career and the college. Sign up for an Intro to Pharmacy dual enrollment class through ETSU.
2. College
- Apply for EAP as a freshman if you haven’t already.
- Complete your Pharmacy prerequisites during your undergraduate years.
- Get involved in ETSU’s Pre-Pharmacy Student Organization.
- Attend Gatton’s Early Admission Pathway gatherings with other future pharmacists, faculty, and staff to grow in community before you even start your PharmD program.
- Live out your passion for health care with peers in the university’s optional Pre-Health Living-Learning Community.
- Participate in shadowing opportunities to learn about different pharmacy career pathways.
- Attend Pharmacy Career Showcase events.
- Receive mentorship from faculty, and meet with admissions staff to make sure you’re on the right track.
3. Pharmacy School
Matriculate into ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy whenever you’re ready. You’ll be ahead of the curve, already knowing many faculty and staff, the college’s facilities, and career paths. Earn your Bachelor of Science as you complete your first year of pharmacy school.
Tailor your training with dual degree options in PharmD-Master of Business Administration and PharmD-Master of Public Health; Research Track; Residency Track; and the Rural and Underserved Pharmacy Care Track.
4. Graduation and Beyond
Your six-year journey to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy will be celebrated at a special Hooding & Commencement Ceremony, and you’ll join the ranks of 1,000+ Gatton alumni. Your next step to become pharmacist will be to complete the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and other licensure required by a state board of pharmacy. Many of our graduates pursue postgraduate residency or fellowship training, or become board certified in a specialty of practice.
Flexible Admissions Pathways
How fast do you want your PharmD? This breakdown shows the different speeds you can take along your pharmacy journey. As an EAP student who is a high school senior, you have four years to matriculate into the PharmD program at Gatton, or three years as an ETSU freshman.
Option #1
Fastest, course prequisities only
Total time: 6 years
Undergrad: 2 years + PharmD: 4 years
Option #2
Fastest while earning a bachelor's degree in Pharmacy Studies
Total time: 6 years
Undergrad: 2 years + PharmD: 4 years
Option #3
Fast, earning a bachelor's degree in Biology, Chemistry, or Biomedical Health Sciences (3+1 option)
Total time: 7 years
Undergrad: 3 years + PharmD: 4 years
Option #4
Traditional track, complete a bachelor's degree in field of choice
Total time: 8 years
Undergrad: 4 years + PharmD: 4 years
Frequently Asked Questions About EAP
-
Who can apply for the EAP at ETSU Gatton College of Pharmacy?
The Early Admission Pathway is for academically high-achieving high school seniors who choose to attend ETSU or current ETSU freshmen. -
Is my seat guaranteed in the PharmD program if I’m accepted into the EAP?”
Acceptance into the PharmD program is conditional on meeting the requirements in the contingencies FAQ. Students have up to four years from high school graduation (or up to three years if they are currently first-year ETSU students) to hold their guaranteed EAP seat, provided they continue meeting the contingencies. -
What scholarships are available for EAP students?
The college is offering a one-time $2,500 scholarship for students entering the PharmD program via the Early Admission Pathway, as well as an Academic Merit Scholarship for students demonstrating academic excellence with a cumulative GPA of 3.85 or higher. This scholarship provides $2,500 annually for four years, totaling $10,000. -
What are the contigencies of matriculating into the PharmD program?
Early Admission Pathway students receive a conditional acceptance that allows them to matriculate into the PharmD program without going through the traditional admission process. Matriculation is contingent upon satisfying all program requirements, including:
- Complete all PharmD prerequisites with a minimum grade of C
- All prerequisite coursework must be taken at ETSU unless an exception is granted. If you completed courses as a dual-enrolled high school student, your courses will be accepted.
- Be enrolled full-time every semester
- Maintain a college GPA of 3.0 or higher (cumulative and science)
- Participate in all required personal/professional development activities
Early Admission Pathway students may begin the PharmD program as early as the end of their second year of college but can delay entry in order to complete additional courses or a degree, if desired. Students who have earned AP or dual-enrollment credit hours may be able to shorten this time frame.
Have Questions?
The admissions staff at ETSU Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy is here to help you every step of the way in the admissions process. Have questions or want to request a campus visit? Reach out at pharmacy@etsu.edu or 423-439-6300. Our regulars office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday.