Doctor of Pharmacy

_{*Program Length may vary.  This program allots a maximum of 6 calendar years to complete.}

Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) Code: 29-2052.00, 29-1051.00

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.

•  Recognize 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. 

•  Demonstrate a climate of mutual respect and shared values within an interprofessional team. 
• Identify roles and responsibilities of interprofessional team members to optimize outcomes.
• Communicate effectively in an interprofessional team. 
• Apply principles of team dynamics to perform effectively within interprofessional teams.

3.  Employ evidence-based practice.

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

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

• Utilize components of medication-use-systems (i.e., procuring, storing, furnishing, transcribing, compounding/preparing, dispensing, and administering) to provide safe, accurate, and timely medication distribution.
•  Apply relevant concepts in utilization of human, physical, fiscal, informational, and technological resources in the health care system in compliance with state and federal regulations.

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

•  Employ concepts of disease prevention, public health promotion, literacy, and/or wellness.
•  Evaluate population health issues by considering quality of care, access, and cost at the local, state, and federal levels  .

6.  Demonstrate Effective Communication Skills

•  Discuss ideas and concepts in audience-appropriate language and relay information in a logical and concise manner.
•  Convey proposals and recommendations persuasively.

7.  Demonstrate Positive Personal and Professional Aptitude 

•  Demonstrate the ability to examine and reflect on personal knowledge, skills, and attitudes.
•  Apply values and principles of team dynamics to perform effectively in various team roles to achieve shared goals.
•  Demonstrate creative decision making when confronted with novel problems or challenges.
•  Exhibit behaviors and values that are consistent with the trust given to the profession.

Transfer Policy

Transfer students are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  All transfer students must meet the requirements of admission.  Additionally, students seeking transfer must submit the following items directly to the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs:

• A letter from the Dean of the college/school of pharmacy in which the student is enrolled that describes good academic and professional standing. 
• A letter of recommendation from a current pharmacy school faculty member.
• A detailed letter (no more than two pages) from the student describing the specific circumstances why a transfer is being sought.
• Official transcripts from all undergraduate, graduate, and/or professional schools attended.  

International applicants who wish to receive transfer credit for prerequisite coursework completed outside the U.S. must submit an official, detailed course-by-course evaluation obtained from a professional credentialing agency such as World Education Services.  Both transfer and international applicants who move forward are invited to participate in the traditional interview process, and their files are forwarded to the Admissions Committee review.

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.