Mar 28, 2024  
Academic Catalog 2022-2023 
    
Academic Catalog 2022-2023 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pharmacy, PharmD


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Admission


Introduction

The Pacific University School of Pharmacy offers a three-year program that leads to a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Part of Pacific’s College of Health Professions, the pharmacy program is focused on interprofessional education and care. Students who earn their PharmD at Pacific are prepared to be patient-focused, career-ready clinicians who improve health as members of an interprofessional healthcare team.

See the Pharmacy Program Admissions website for all requirements.

Reapplication Procedures

Students reapplying to the School of Pharmacy in subsequent years must fill out current application forms and submit all requested information, including official transcripts for all work completed since the last application. The student should provide evidence that any deficiencies noted on the last application have been addressed. It is required that the student reapplying for admission submit a reapplicant essay outlining steps taken to strengthen the application.

All previous applications are kept on file for two years. When an applicant reapplies, we combine the previous application(s) with the new application and application materials in order to compare all of the information provided. For each admissions cycle, all re-applicants must complete a PharmCAS application. We will match your old application to your new PharmCAS application.

Prerequisite Courses

The applicant must complete a minimum of 62 semester credits of pre-pharmacy study in a regionally accredited college or university in the United States. Competitive candidates are recommended to have a 2.7 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, or its equivalent, and have received a grade of “C” or better in all prerequisite courses. GPA is calculated by PharmCAS, which includes courses from all institutions attended. Courses taken pass/fail will not be accepted. Science prerequisite courses must be for science majors and include laboratory as indicated below. Low level non-science major courses will be unacceptable in meeting the requirements. The costs associated with the evaluation of the adequacy of the prerequisite courses taken in other countries will be the responsibility of the student. The program does not grant advanced standing for any course. While a bachelor’s degree is not required in order to apply to the PharmD program, it can make an application more competitive.

It is recommended that all required science coursework be completed within seven calendar years of the time of application to the program. The applicant must report all coursework completed and failure to reveal educational history will forfeit eligibility for admission. All materials submitted to Pacific University for admission become the property of the University and will not be returned or released.

Biological Sciences – minimum of 19 semester credits or 29 quarter credits

  • General Biology with Lab: 8 semester credits/12 quarter credits
  • Microbiology: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits (lab not required)
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab: 8 semester credits/12 quarter credits

Chemistry - 16 semester credits or 24 quarter credits

  • General Chemistry with Lab: 8 semester credits/12 quarter credits
  • Organic Chemistry with Lab: 8 semester credits/12 quarter credits

Physics - 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits

  • General Physics with Lab: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits

Calculus - 3 semester credits or 4 quarter credits

  • Must include Calculus: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits

English Composition - 6 semester credits or 8 quarter credits

  • Must include one English composition course: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits
  • One other English course: 3 semester credits/4 quarter credits

Speech/Communication/Debate - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits (one course)

  • Can include Speech, public speaking, oral communication, debate

Psychology - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits

  • Must include General or Abnormal Psychology

Economics - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits

  • Must include Micro or Macro Economics

Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits

  • May include Anthropology, Government, Human Development, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology

Humanities/Fine Arts - 3 semester credits or 3 quarter credits

  • May include Geography, History, Religion, Philosophy, Literature, Performance, Visual Arts, Drama

Program Length

The PharmD program is approximately 34 months divided into three years.

P1: Didactic Year on campus, integrated with sites in the greater Portland area
P2: Rotation at sites including and beyond Portland area during summer; Didactic Year on campus, integrated with sites in the greater Portland area
P3: Clinical Advanced rotations at sites including and beyond the Portland area

The PharmD/MS program is approximately 46 months divided into four years, with the additional year dedicated to a research-focused curriculum.

Learning Outcomes

School of Pharmacy Student Handbook

Licensure Requirements

Students must apply for and received pharmacy intern licenses in both Washington and Oregon once accepted into the School. Students are encouraged to access the Oregon Board of Pharmacy at http://www.oregon.gov/Pharmacy and the Washington Board of Pharmacy at https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/ProfessionsNewReneworUpdate/PharmacyProfessions.

All students must maintain an active Oregon intern license and Washington Intern Registration while enrolled at the School. A copy of this document must be provided to the Office of Experiential Education, who is responsible for tracking student adherence with this policy. Revocation, expiration, or lack of said license precludes students’ ability to participate in experiential activities.

Prior to the third year, students may be required to submit proof of Intern licensure to the Office of  Experiential Education prior to beginning any rotation.

Degree Requirements


Electives


All students are required to take at least 1 didactic credit of electives. Electives may include any of the following:

Requirements for Clinical Rotations


  • Students should expect to spend clinical rotations outside the Portland area and are expected to make their own travel and housing arrangements
  • Electronic communications are utilized and students will be expected to communicate electronically with preceptors, faculty, staff, and classmates during all clinical rotations and throughout the program including breaks
  • Students are required to have reliable transportation to allow them to get to and from campus, attend off-campus clinical rotations, and participate in other community and School-related activities as required
  • Lack of transportation will not be accepted as an excused absence for non-attendance or tardiness at experiential or clinical rotations
  • Immunizations, state licenses, background checks, drug screenings, and required trainings must be kept current from start of program through end of scheduled experiential assignments.

Optional Specializations


Students may elect to specialize in one of the following tracks:

Specialization in Research and Scholarship


This is an opportunity for pharmacy students to be involved in research throughout their three years of the School of Pharmacy curriculum. Students will be trained in problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and research design, and experience 1:1 mentorship with faculty. The skills acquired will increase their marketability for residency and job search and open additional opportunities for industry employment. Ideal outcomes for both students and faculty will be dissemination of scholarship in the form of posters, presentations, and publications. Students will participate in research electives during their first and second year, APPE electives in their third year and, finally, present their research in a capstone project (poster, presentation, and/or publication). Students apply for the Research and Scholarship Specialization by contacting the Program Administrator.

Required Courses


Specialization in Leadership and Practice Management


Students focus on the values of leadership and professional advocacy, as well as explore and develop of leadership skills. Student apply for the Leadership and Practice Management Specialization by contacting the Program Administrator.

Specialization in Precision Medicine


This is an opportunity for pharmacy students to dive deeper into the emerging field of precision medicine. Students will be given the foundation to understand and apply precision medicine and to furthermore become advocates of precision medicine for other health care providers and patients. Student apply for the Precision Medicine Specialization by contacting the Program Administrator.

Required Courses


Specialization in Clinical Practice


This is an opportunity for pharmacy students to be involved in advancing clinical practice throughout their three years in the School of Pharmacy curriculum under the guidance of a faculty pharmacist mentor. Students completing the track will be positioned for future success by beginning to develop an expert knowledge base, complex decision-making skills, professional attitudes, and clinical competence for expanded practice in their desired interest area. Students will participate in clinical practice electives during their first through third year, enhanced activities during their APPE rotations in their third year and, finally, present their capstone project (poster, presentation, and/or publication). Students apply for the Clinical Practice Specialization by contacting the Program Administrator.

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