Doctor of Pharmacy Program Information Addendum

Effective Fall I Term 2014

Program Location: Los Angeles - Learning Site
Program Credits: 144
Program Length: 9 Semesters or 48 Months (4 calendar years) – 72 Months (Maximum program time completion of 6 calendar years)

Program Mission: The School of Pharmacy is a learning community that delivers a dynamic curriculum emphasizing evidence-based practice, prepares students to serve patients as a member of an interprofessional team, engages in scholarship, and serves the community through outreach.

Program Learning Outcomes:
Each student will have the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and professional behaviors in order to:

1. Provide optimal patient-centered care.

Identify and respect patient differences, values, preferences, and expressed needs.
Identify medication-related problems, formulate medication treatment plans, and monitor and evaluate patient response to pharmacotherapy.
Listen to and educate patients and/or caregivers to optimize health outcomes.

2. Collaborate as a member of interprofessional healthcare teams.

Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team to achieve quality patient outcomes.

3. Employ evidence-based practice.

Integrate basic science knowledge into clinical practice.
Evaluate and assimilate scientific evidence and patient specific information to continuously improve patient care.

4. Utilize medication-use-systems, drug and health information, and other technologies.

Utilize resources of the health care system to provide safe, accurate, and timely medication distribution, and improve therapeutic outcomes.
Utilize human, physical, fiscal, informational, medical, and technological resources in compliance with state and federal regulations to optimize the delivery of health care and medication safety.

5. Engage in the promotion of public health through pharmacy services

Engage patients and communities in promoting health improvement, literacy, wellness, and disease prevention.
Employ concepts of disease prevention and public health promotion into their practice and utilize available resources at the local, state, and federal levels to address public health issues.

6. Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills

Communicate effectively in verbal and written formats.
Discuss ideas and concepts in audience-appropriate language and relay information in a logical and concise manner.
Accurately and persuasively convey proposals and recommendations.

7. Demonstrate Positive Personal and Professional Aptitude

Demonstrate self-awareness, accountability, and responsibility.
Identify characteristics that reflect leadership versus management.
Demonstrate creative decision making when confronted with novel problems or challenges.
Draw from professional values to make informed, rational, and ethical decisions.

Transfer Credit

The Doctor of Pharmacy program does not accept transfer credits.

Candidate Seat Deposit

Applicants that are conditionally accepted to the Doctor of Pharmacy program will be required to submit a $500.00 good faith payment for a Seat Deposit. The Seat Deposit will be credited to your program costs. The University will retain a maximum of $175.00 of this deposit should you cancel your enrollment within seven calendar days (excluding holidays) of enrollment or by the seventh calendar day of the first term, whichever is later. Deposits may be paid by money order or cashier's check made out to West Coast University.

Health Insurance Requirement

Students enrolled in the PharmD program will be required to provide evidence of health insurance during their education at West Coast University. Students are required to carry and maintain personal health insurance during their entire tenure.

Laptop Requirement

Students enrolled in the PharmD program are required to have a laptop. West Coast University does not provide laptops for rent or for sale.

Admissions Requirements

Effective Fall I Term 2014

Applicants for the Doctor of Pharmacy program must:

1. Have completed specific prerequisite coursework (63 semester credit hours or 94.5 quarter credit hour equivalents) from a regionally accredited institution in the United States.

2. Required prerequisite courses:

Two (2) courses in General Chemistry (four semester credit hours each, including a lab).
Two (2) courses in Organic Chemistry (four semester credit hours each including a lab)
Two (2) course in General Biology (with Cell Biology) (four semester credit hours each).
One (1) course in Physics (four semester credit hours including lab).
Two (2) courses in Human/Mammalian Physiology (three semester credit hours each including lab).
One (1) course in Economics (Micro, Macro, or General) (three semester credit hours).
One (1) course in Calculus (with Analytical Geometry) (three semester credit hours).
One (1) course in Statistics (three semester credit hours).
One (1) course in Speech Communication/Public Speaking/Interpersonal Communication or Debate (four semester credit hours).
Two (2) courses in English Composition (three semester credit hours each).
One (1) course in Psychology or Sociology (four semester credit hours).
Two (2) courses Humanities and Social/Behavioral Sciences (three semester credit hours each).

3. Achieve a minimum 2.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average (cGPA), and a minimum 2.75 Math/Science GPA in program prerequisite courses.

4. Submit 3 letters of recommendation (two from a math/science professor and a third letter from a pharmacist (supervisor), math/science professor, employer (supervisor), healthcare professional (supervisor), liberal arts professor).

5. Submit a complete PharmCAS application (containing items 1-3 above), supplemental application, and supplemental application fee.

6. Complete an on-site interview and extemporaneous essay.

7. Successfully complete a criminal background check.