School of Pharmacy—Professional Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program
The School of Pharmacy is dedicated to maximizing human health and well-being by preparing pharmacists to be life-long learners, by providing pharmaceutical care, by developing innovative practice models, and by advancing science through cutting-edge research.
The professional curriculum is configured in a course of study requiring two years (62 credits) of pre-professional study followed by four years of professional courses. The professional curriculum emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking, blending classroom and laboratory learning with clinical practice experiences. As students progress through the curriculum they develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to deliver pharmaceutical care to their patients.
In addition to the professional Doctor of Pharmacy degree, which is explained here, the school also offers graduate programs leading to an MS and a PhD.
For further information on the graduate programs, see the School of Pharmacy—Graduate (PhD/MS) Program section of this bulletin.
The University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 311 West Superior Street, Suite 512, Chicago, IL 60610; 312-664-3575; 1-800-533-3606; fax: 312-664-4652, and is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy.
Contact Information
- School of Pharmacy
- Office of the Dean
- 1104 Salk Hall
- General Information: 412-648-1014
- Admissions: 412-648-1120
- Fax: 412-648-1086
- E-mail: rxschool@pitt.edu
- www.pharmacy.pitt.edu
Pre-Professional Requirements
Applicants to the professional pharmacy program must have successfully completed, or be in the process of completing, all prerequisite mathematics and science subjects no later than the spring term of the year of admission. All other pre-professional courses should be completed no later than the first day of the fall term of admission. Pre-professional courses must be taken for a letter grade.
Pre-Professional Courses:
|
|
| General Biology (with lab) |
8 credits
|
| General Chemistry (with lab) |
8 credits
|
| Organic Chemistry (with lab) |
8 credits
|
| English Composition |
6 credits
|
| Calculus |
4 credits
|
| Statistics |
4 credits
|
| Psychology (Intro) |
3 credits
|
| Economics (Intro, Micro, or Macro) |
3 credits
|
| Elective courses+ |
18 credits
|
| TOTAL |
*62 credits
|
| *Freshman Studies, 1 credit, is recommended for University of Pittsburgh freshmen. |
| +At least 6 credits must be in the humanities and 6 credits in the social sciences. A course in Public Speaking is recommended. |
| Non-native English-speaking applicants must supply evidence of their proficiency in the English language. |
All applicants must first file an application through PharmCAS, a Web-based Pharmacy College Application Service, and submit the Supplemental Application by February 1.
The application process, application deadlines, and other admission requirements are summarized on the School of Pharmacy Web site.
Admission Options
Conditional Acceptance
High school students who rank in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class, score 1250 or higher on the SAT with a minimum of 650 in the math section, and specify Pharmacy on their University application are eligible for this type of admission.
Open Admission
Qualified University of Pittsburgh students and students attending other universities are encouraged to apply to the School of Pharmacy. More details on conditional acceptance and open admission options can be found on the school's Web site at www.pharmacy.pitt.edu/programs/PharmD/application/step1.html.
The University offers scholarships, grants-in-aid, tuition loans, and student employment for undergraduate students. Students should investigate with the University of Pittsburgh’s financial advisors their eligibility for federal and state programs by calling the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid at 412-624-PITT or e-mail oafa@pitt.edu.
The University’s financial advisors are the best source of information about local grants or scholarships that go beyond federal and state programs. Students are encouraged to look outside of the health professions for additional support. Students may be able to compete successfully for economically or academically awarded scholarships from private groups and associations.
In addition, the School of Pharmacy has a number of general scholarships and loan funds provided through the generosity of the school’s alumni and friends. These are described in detail on the school’s Web site at http://students.pharmacy.pitt.edu/scholarship/scholarship.html.
Academic and Professional Standards
The following sections detail the School of Pharmacy's academic and professional standards.
Academic Integrity
School of Pharmacy students are responsible for upholding the standards of behavior outlined in the University's Guidelines on Academic Integrity, the University's policy on sexual harassment, and other policies related to student behavior.
Enrollment in the School of Pharmacy carries with it obligations of conduct within and outside of the classroom. Professional students are expected to have the highest standards of personal integrity and conduct themselves in a manner that is a credit to themselves, the school, and the profession.
Each year, students will be asked to sign a copy of the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy Code of Conduct that reaffirms their commitment to ethical and professional behavior. Details of the Code are outlined on the school's Web site.
Grading System
Doctor of Pharmacy students are subject to the provisions of the Guidelines and Regulations for the Promotion of Students in force at the time. All students will be given a copy of these guidelines and regulations upon entry into the program.
With the exception of experiential learning courses, all courses in the School of Pharmacy are graded on an A, B, C, D, or F basis. Experiential learning courses are graded on a satisfactory, unsatisfactory, or honors basis (H/S/U). See University policy on the grading system for first-professional programs at www.pitt.edu/HOME/PP/policies/09/09-01-01.html.
Dean's List
To be placed on the School of Pharmacy Dean's List, a student must have earned a term grade point average of 3.25 or greater. The academic achievement of these students is recognized with a congratulatory letter from the dean.
Immunization Policy
The University requires the immunization of all incoming freshmen against measles, mumps, and rubella, as a condition of attendance at the University of Pittsburgh. Incoming freshmen must provide to the University Student Health Service documentation of immunization that includes the month, day, and year that the immunizations were administered. Completed immunization forms must be kept on file in the Student Health Service.
Exemptions may be granted based on a written statement from a physician that the immunization may be detrimental to the health of the student, or on a student's objection to immunization on religious grounds, or on the basis of a strong moral or ethical conviction, similar to a religious belief. However, if an outbreak of measles, mumps, or rubella occurs, the State Health Department may require the school to exclude from classes students who do not provide proof of immunity to these diseases.
The School of Pharmacy requires proof of immunization against measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, hepatitis B, tetanus, diphtheria, and polio. In addition, all students are required to provide the results of a tuberculin skin test (PPD Mantoux method) prior to enrollment and each year thereafter. With the exception of hepatitis B, students must complete all of the immunizations prior to enrollment. The first of the three immunizations for hepatitis must be completed prior to the first day of class. The entire series must be completed before the end of the first-professional year in order to enroll in the experiential learning course. The school strongly urges students to obtain health insurance coverage.
Internship
Pharmacy students who plan to complete the requirements for pharmacy licensure in Pennsylvania must complete 1,500 hours of internship under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist. A maximum of 750 hours of internship credit may be gained from practical experience obtained through the school's curriculum. Students must complete the remaining hours on their own. Non-resident students should contact the board of pharmacy in their state to learn about internship requirements in their state.
Inquiries regarding qualifications for licensure in Pennsylvania should be made to: Executive Secretary, Pennsylvania State Board of Pharmacy, Box 2649, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2649 (the Web site is www.dos.state.pa.us/bpoa/cwp/browse.asp?A=1104&q=432995).
Internship positions are posted on the University's Placement Center Web site. Students may learn of other intern opportunities by attending one of the many informational workshops held throughout the academic year.
Experiential Learning
Experiential learning sites are located throughout Allegheny County and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In the first three years of the professional curriculum, students are placed at sites within a 30-mile radius of the campus. Transportation to and from experiential sites is the student's responsibility. University of Pittsburgh students can ride a Port Authority Bus at no charge anywhere in Allegheny County by showing the driver a valid and current University ID. More information about this benefit and bus schedules can be found on the University's Web site at www.pc.pitt.edu/transportation.
At present, nearly 70 percent of pharmacy students complete their fourth-year clerkships at clinical sites in Allegheny County. Although every effort is made to meet individual student needs, the school cannot guarantee that students will be placed at sites near their home or campus address. Entering students should understand that they may be required to complete portions of their fourth professional year at locations other than Allegheny County. Transportation to clinical sites and housing costs are the student's responsibility. Because students are involved in a wide variety of activities during the clerkship period, a car may be a necessary resource.
Advising
Advisors in the Arts and Sciences Advising Center, 252 Thackeray
Hall, assist pre-pharmacy students with pre-professional requirements.
Questions regarding professional requirements, licensing, and career
opportunities are referred to faculty or staff in the School of
Pharmacy.
Once enrolled in the School of Pharmacy, students meet individually with the school's registrar and academic advisor to plan a course of study.
Faculty advisors are available for students who wish guidance on career decisions, advice on selection of rotations, and personal or professional problems. Student participation is voluntary, and the program is designed to be supportive and informal.
Degree Requirements
To earn the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy, the student must demonstrate satisfactory achievement in required course work prescribed by the curriculum (detailed below under Program Description), earning an overall GPA of 2.00 or higher. Refer to the school's Web site at www.pharmacy.pitt.edu for the guidelines for academic progress.
Special Academic Opportunities/Programs
Students in the School of Pharmacy begin their clinical experience during the first term of the first professional year. Their clinical experience becomes more complex as they progress in the curriculum, culminating in their last academic year. Students may select an area of practice that interests them most and complete rotations under the direction of experienced preceptors. Off-campus rotations may be arranged through the U.S. Public Health Service, the Food and Drug Administration, the pharmaceutical industry, professional associations, and a variety of non-traditional practice settings.
Research projects, ranging from molecular and basic science problems to clinical outcomes, may be completed under the guidance of a school faculty member. Research rotations are available for students interested in pursuing a graduate degree or research career.
All students are members of the Academy of Students of Pharmacy, the student branch of the American Pharmaceutical Association. There are a variety of other professional organizations that are active in the school. Students are encouraged to attend regional, state, and national professional meetings and seminars.
Tutors are available through the Rho Chi Society, pharmacy's honor society, for students who need additional help with their courses.
Program Description
The professional curriculum leads to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree and requires completion of 121 credits (note: this curriculum is subject to change):
| FALL TERM—First Professional Year (P-1) |
|
| PHARM 5110 Profession of Pharmacy 1 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5112 Experiential Learning 1 |
1 cr.
|
| PHARM 5114 Anatomy and Physiology 1 |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5116 Biochemistry 1 |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5118 Principles of Drug Action |
4 cr.
|
|
15 cr.
|
| SPRING TERM—First Professional Year (P-1) |
|
| PHARM 5111 Profession of Pharmacy 2 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5113 Experiential Learning 2 |
1 cr.
|
| PHARM 5115 Anatomy and Physiology 2 |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5117 Biochemistry 2 |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5119 Drug Development 1 |
4 cr.
|
|
15 cr.
|
| FALL TERM—Second Professional Year (P-2) |
|
| PHARM 5210 Profession of Pharmacy 3 |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5212 Experiential Learning 3 |
1 cr.
|
| PHARM 5214 Pharmacotherapy of Infectious Disease 1 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5216 Pharmacotherapy of Cardiovascular Disease |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5218 Drug Development 2 |
4 cr.
|
|
16 cr.
|
| SPRING TERM—Second Professional Year (P-2) |
|
| PHARM 5211 Profession of Pharmacy 4 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5213 Experiential Learning 4 |
1 cr.
|
| PHARM 5215 Pharmacotherapy of Infectious Disease 2 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5219 Drug Development 3 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5223 Gastroenterology Nutrition |
2 cr. |
| PHARM 5225 Advanced Pharmaceutical Care 1 |
1 cr.
|
|
16 cr.
|
| FALL TERM—Third Professional Year (P-3) |
|
| PHARM 5310 Profession of Pharmacy 5 |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5312 Experiential Learning 5 |
1 cr.
|
| PHARM 5314 Immunology |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5316 Pulmonology/Rheumatology |
2 cr.
|
| PHARM 5318 Endocrinology |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5319 Professional Elective |
3 cr.
|
|
15 cr.
|
| SPRING TERM—Third Professional Year (P-3) |
|
| PHARM 5311 Profession of Pharmacy 6 |
2 cr.
|
| PHARM 5313 Experiential Learning 6 |
1 cr.
|
| PHARM 5315 Oncology/Hematology |
3 cr.
|
| PHARM 5319 Neurology/Psychiatry |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5321 Advanced Pharmaceutical Care 2 |
2 cr. |
| PHARM Professional Elective |
3 cr. |
|
15 cr.
|
| FALL TERM—Fourth Professional Year (P-4) |
|
| PHARM 5401 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience 1 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5402 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience 2 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5403 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience 3 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5404 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience 4 |
4 cr.
|
|
16 cr.
|
| SPRING TERM—Fourth Professional Year (P-4) |
|
| PHARM 5405 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience 5 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5406 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience 6 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5407 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience 7 |
4 cr.
|
| PHARM 5400 PharmD Seminar |
1 cr.
|
|
13 cr.
|
| Total Professional Credits: |
121 cr.
|
|
