1: Get Prepared | 2: Nursing Start Overview (if applicable) | 3: PharmStart Overview (if applicable)
PharmStart Overview
Learners interested in PharmStart will select one of two options offered by Rio Salado Community College:
The course bundle: provides learners with foundational skills to pursue biology-related degrees and take courses that are commonly required as prerequisites to become a pharmacist.
The degree preparation program: provides learners with the first two years of a four year curriculum for students who wish to become a pharmacist (or pursue another biology-related field). Students will graduate with the Associate in Science: Emphasis in Biological Sciences degree.
1 — Verify Eligibility
You should receive an email within 7-10 days of submitting your Guild application. If you haven’t received your approval email from Guild, don’t worry - go to your Guild account to check your eligibility status in the upper right-hand corner.
For questions about eligibility, contact Guild support.
2 — Complete the College Admission Application
You will need to complete an admission application and upload a valid form of identification before being enrolled in the next available start date at Rio Salado College.
Rio Salado College is one of the 10 colleges within the Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD). When you see Maricopa, don’t worry - you’re in the right place!
Before your begin:
Plan to complete the entire application in 10-15 minutes
Have a current (unexpired) government-issued ID available
Have a pen and paper
Starting a New Application:
Under the New Student section, click “Join Now”
On the Starting a New Application page, select “NO” to start the application
Create Student Account:
Anything with an asterisk (*) is required
Password Criteria: at least 12 characters including 2 uppercase letters, 2 lowercase letters, 2 numbers, 2 special characters (not $ or #).
Write down your password, you’ll use it again at the end of the application
Helpful Tip: Click “Next” on all pages of the application to move forward!
Select Primary College:
Choose the following:
Primary College of Interest: Rio Salado College
Reason for Attending = Take a Class (not pursuing degree or certificate)
Select a Plan = Personal Interest
Fields of Interest = please skip this section (do not click the blue button)
Expected Start = select the next available term
Click “Add to my Application”
Click “Next” to move forward
Processing your Application:
Create & write down your FERPA Pin (any 4-digit number)
Select the option to “Skip ID Verification for now”
Change your password:
Use the same password you created when you started -or- create a new one
Click “Set Password” to submit your application
Write down your MEID, password, student ID and student email and FERPA pin
Click “Next Steps”
Helpful Tip: your student email is your MEID @maricopa.edu
(for example: ABC1234567@maricopa.edu)
Next Steps:
Click “Submit ID” at the top of the page
Login using your student email (MEID@maricopa.edu) and password
Set up Duo two-factor authentication using your MEID@maricopa.edu student email address and phone number
Fill out the form (2 pages) and upload your government-issued ID
ID photo must be: in color, showing all 4-corners, current (not expired), and have your signature
Click “Next” to electronically sign the document on page 2
ID’s are reviewed within 3 - 5 business days
If you need assistance with your application call 480-384-9835 between 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. Arizona time. You can also watch Rio Salado’s admissions videos anytime!
Starting a New Application - Guild Step 1
Select Primary College - Guild Step 2
Processing Your Application - Guild Step 3
3 - Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA)
For the PharmD Prerequisite bundle: there is no need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the program is not eligible for federal financial aid.
For the Associates in Biological Sciences degree program: learners may be eligible to receive financial aid.
Please note: financial aid will be applied before employer funding. Employer funding will only be applied to tuition that grants and scholarships did not cover.
Gather important documents and complete your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online. The Federal School Code for Rio Salado is 014483. Follow the detailed instructions provided by the Federal Student Aid office. Based on the information you provided in the FAFSA, you may be offered awards which you can accept or decline.
4 — Selecting Classes
It is important to meet with your Success Coach before selecting classes.
When you have been assigned to a Success Coach at Rio Salado College, email a copy of your unofficial transcripts for an unofficial review. It is also suggested that learners complete placement testing for Math and English coursework before enrolling in class.
Please note: Guild students have limited start dates each term. Work with your Success Coach to determine your start date.
Helpful Tip: Your Success Coach’s name and contact information are available in RioLearn.
5— Explore your Resources
Bookmark important pages and explore the Rio Salado College resources you will use during your program:
Welcome Students - learn about our student support services
RioLearn demo - learn tips and tools on how to navigate the student portal
RioConnect - connect with students, instructors, and staff through the online community
6 — Textbooks and materials
Check if your course requires any textbooks, as some Rio classes do not require the purchase of additional books or materials. Check the syllabus or Rio’s Bookstore for each course and section to find out what you need. If you do purchase your textbooks, make sure to keep your receipts - you may need them for returns or reimbursement by your employer.
7 — Start class
Login to your RioLearn student portal and attend class within the first three days of your course start date. During that window, you will need to complete the syllabus acknowledgment, syllabus quiz, and/or your first assignment or be automatically dropped for non-participation. You got this!
Helpful Tip: Your Success Coach name and contact information is available in RioLearn.
Timeline for Funding
You can learn more about the timeline of Tuition Assistance Funding by clicking here https://guild.force.com/helpcenter/s/article/How-Tuition-Assistance-works. You'll also want to ensure you are tagged as a Guild student with the school and ensure you continue to meet your employer's eligibility requirements.