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    Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Pharmacy, Pharm.D.


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REQUIREMENTS

The William Carey University School of Pharmacy offers a three-year accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program with an innovative curriculum that provides students with the knowledge and skill set required to excel as an entry-level practitioner. This dynamic program offers well-designed coursework, classroom interaction, and clinical experience enabling students to benefit from a targeted education. The clinical experience component allows students to gain exposure to a variety of practice models and experiences enabling them to apply their knowledge within actual clinical settings. The three-year accelerated program model allows students to complete the PharmD degree faster and to start their pharmacy career sooner.

William Carey’s School of Pharmacy, located on the Tradition Campus of William Carey University in Biloxi, MS, is on an emerging campus adjacent to new and upcoming health science centers, clinics and research centers. These facilities and their future development allow us to focus on our academic offerings, plan for additional growth and focus on future opportunities for our students.

The pharmacy profession has many diverse career opportunities for today’s graduates to make a substantial impact on the health of the individual, community, and the nation. The William Carey University School of Pharmacy is determined to make a difference in the lives of those who suffer from health issues such as diabetes, obesity, drug and tobacco addiction and asthma. Our graduates will be able to apply the skills they learned in their degree and advance the field of pharmacy nationwide.

ADMISSIONS

The goal of the Admissions Department is to recruit and matriculate the highest quality and most qualified students to accomplish the educational mission of the School of Pharmacy. The William Carey University School of Pharmacy incorporates a holistic approach to admissions and considers such factors as GPA, prior experience, completion of a bachelor’s degree or advanced education, and interview results in the admissions process. Applicants presenting with above average GPAs scores are more competitive. 

  • Bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required
  • PCAT is not required
  • Preferred overall GPA ≥ 3.0 and science and math GPA ≥ 2.5

All applicants must submit a web-based application through PharmCAS (Pharmacy College Application Service), a centralized application service. Applications must be complete and verified by PharmCAS prior to being evaluated by the WCUSOP.

Academic Requirements for Admission

To be eligible for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Complete a minimum of 68 semester credit hours of pre-pharmacy study in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada, or the equivalency of credits from a foreign college or university whose transcripts are evaluated by Josef Silny and Associates, World Educational Services, or AACRAO International Education Services.
  2. Have a grade of C (or its equivalent) or better in all prerequisite courses.

Applicants do not have to have all prerequisite coursework completed before applying for admissions; however, the applicant must have a plan to complete any remaining prerequisites by June 1of the year of enrollment, unless informed otherwise by the Admissions Office. All science laboratory courses must be completed in a live, in-person laboratory environment.  No online or hybrid laboratory courses will fulfill the prerequisite laboratory requirement.

Prerequisite Courses

Prerequisite Courses

Required Credit Hours

General Biology I & II with labs1

8.0 Sem. Hrs.

College Chemistry I & II with labs1

8.0 Sem. Hrs.

Organic Chemistry I & II with labs1

8.0 Sem. Hrs.

College Physics I with or without lab

(algebra-based course fulfills

this requirement)

3.0 Sem. Hrs.

Human Anatomy or A&P I1

3.0-4.0 Sem. Hrs.

Human Physiology or A&P II1

3.0-4.0 Sem. Hrs.

Economics (general, micro or macro)

3.0 Sem. Hrs.

English Composition I & II

6.0 Sem. Hrs. 2

Calculus I

3.0 Sem. Hrs. 3

Public Speaking / Speech

3.0 Sem. Hrs. 2

College Statistics

3.0 Sem. Hrs. 4

General Education

(includes humanities, history, business, computer science, fine arts or foreign language)

9.0 Sem. Hrs. 2

Social Sciences

(includes psychology, sociology, political science, or anthropology)

6.0 Sem. Hrs. 2

Total

68.0 Sem. Hrs.5

1Laboratory courses must be completed in a live, in-person laboratory environment
2 Similar coursework will be evaluated and may be deemed to fulfill the required semester credit hours.
3 The mathematics component must include a minimum of 3 semester hours of calculus.
4 The 3 hours of college statistics is required in addition to the mathematics requirement.
Prerequisite courses taken under quarter hour systems will be evaluated for equivalency (generally 1 semester hour credit = 0.75 quarter hour credit) and may be deemed to fulfill the required semester credit hours.

Applicants may not exclude any part of their college-level educational history. Any applicant who fails to report all institutions attended will forfeit his/her eligibility for admission to William Carey University School of Pharmacy, or may be dismissed from the program if the student has matriculated. Records and documents submitted for admission to PharmCAS or the William Carey University School of Pharmacy will not be returned.

Applicants meeting the minimum criteria will have their files evaluated. Due to the large number of candidates that apply for admissions, only the most qualified applicants will be invited for an interview. During the interview day, applicants will be given an introduction to the school and its curriculum, and provided information on student services and financial aid. Applicants will be interviewed by faculty, asked to provide a writing sample, take a preliminary knowledge assessment, and given a tour of the campus and the School’s facilities. Ample opportunities will exist to ask questions about the program, the University, and the local area. If there are any additional questions during the application process, please feel free to email pharmacyadmissions@wmcarey.edu.

Admissions to the Doctor of Pharmacy program is highly competitive. As the School of Pharmacy utilizes a “rolling” admissions process, priority is given to candidates who complete their application early.

WCUSOP Transfer and Advanced Standing Policy

Because WCUSOP’s didactic curriculum consists of highly integrated, blocked courses, requests for transfer of credits for coursework from another Doctor of Pharmacy program or academic institution will not be considered. In addition, WCUSOP does not award credit for coursework taken on a noncredit basis or for life or work experience. 


HEALTH AND IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENTS

Immunizations

The required immunizations for matriculation to the WCUSOP include documentation of hepatitis B series (or a positive titer), varicella immunization or immunity, two MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) or MMR titer, Polio, Tdap (Tetanus/ Diphtheria/Pertussis) and an annual influenza vaccine. Students are also required to have an annual PPD or negative Chest X-ray. Candidates failing to meet these requirements will not be allowed to participate in experiential rotations and or clerkships, or any course that requires direct patient care. Some experiential sites may have additional requirements. Students are required to submit current health records in order to register.

CPR Certification

All students must complete and maintain certification or re-certification of CPR for the Health Professional during their tenure at WCU. Students will be provided a CPR course during the first year of their matriculation at the WCUSOP. Students are responsible for providing evidence of current certification in their electronic portfolio.  

Verification of Health Insurance

In accordance with the policy of William Carey University, all students are required to maintain health insurance. Students must provide verification of health insurance coverage at the beginning of each academic term in order to register for classes. Students may also be subject to random checks throughout the year and will be dis-enrolled from all didactic and experiential coursework for failure to maintain health insurance coverage. In the event a student misses time on a rotation due to the lack of health insurance coverage, all missed time must be made up or the course repeated based on APPE policy and graduation may be delayed.


CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS

Students accepted into the William Carey University School of Pharmacy must have evidence of a clear criminal background check (CBC) prior to matriculation. This is a mandatory requirement as part of the Mississippi state law, Section 43-13-11 of Mississippi Code of 1972. Students may be required to update their CBC periodically for experiential rotations. All costs associated with CBCs are the responsibility of the student.

After enrollment, any subsequent disciplinary action or legal action including but not limited to, arrest, charge, addiction, or impairment must be reported immediately to the Office of Student Services and will be reviewed by the Associate Dean of Curriculum and New Programs and the Director of Experiential Education. Failure to report any and all subsequent disciplinary actions, arrests, or impairment will constitute falsification of records and may result in disciplinary action. All costs associated with criminal background checks are the responsibility of the student.


DRUG TESTING

Drug Testing Policy

All students must provide evidence of a negative urine drug screen within one month of beginning any experiential coursework.  Some rotation sites may also require a drug screen within 30 days prior to the start of the rotation and/or submit to random drug screenings. Refusal by a student to submit to drug testing will result in immediate dismissal from the WCUSOP. Any student who tests positive for illegal drugs will be remanded to the Office of Student Services and the Associate Dean. All costs associated with drug testing are the responsibility of the student.


OTHER REQUIREMENTS FOR MATRICULATION

Technical Standards for Programs in the School of Pharmacy (Admission and Progression)

Candidates for admission to and students enrolled in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program at William Carey University must demonstrate the following abilities and skills in areas of communication, intellectual abilities, behavioral/social attributes, observation, and motor skills in order to perform the essential functions for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. Reasonable accommodations for persons with prior documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis. Students wishing to request accommodations for disabilities should contact the Director of Disability Support Services (see Disabilities Support Services in the Student Services section of the catalog).
Communication

Candidates and students must demonstrate evidence of effective written and oral communication skills in both the academic and experiential settings. Once enrolled, students must demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with the public and other healthcare professionals in order to elicit and provide information required for optimal healthcare.

Intellectual Abilities

Candidates and students must demonstrate the ability to retrieve information and to measure, calculate, reason with, analyze, and synthesize it. These intellectual abilities are required to solve problems, an essential skill that graduates must possess. Candidates and students must be able to retrieve (electronically and manually), read, and understand medical literature. Completion of a degree program requires the student to be able to demonstrate mastery of these skills and the ability to use them together in a timely fashion when involved in problem solving and providing patient care as related to his or her practice setting.

Behavioral and Social Attributes

Candidates and students must exhibit the emotional health and stability required for full utilization of their intellectual abilities, exercise of good judgment, and prompt completion of all academic and experiential responsibilities. The development of mature and effective relationships with colleagues, patients, and other members of the healthcare community are essential. The ability to function when faced with the challenges and uncertainties inherent in experiential settings and the ability to exhibit compassion, flexibility, adaptability, integrity, motivation, interpersonal skills, and concern for others are required.

Observation

Candidates and students must demonstrate sufficient capacity to observe and function in the lecture hall, laboratory, and experiential settings. Sensory skills to perform educational duties and obligations are required of students in all degree programs. In any situation where a candidate’s or student’s ability to observe or acquire information through sensory modalities is compromised, the candidate or student must demonstrate alternate means and/or abilities to acquire the essential information conveyed in this fashion.

Motor Skills

The ability to participate in the basic operational and procedural activities required in laboratory and experiential settings is essential. Students and candidates must have sufficient motor function to execute movements reasonably required to properly participate in the activities of a laboratory or an experiential rotation, with or without assistive devices. Candidates and students who cannot perform activities independently should minimally be able to understand and direct the methodology involved in such activities.

Writing and Computer Requirements

Students in the WCUSOP are expected to demonstrate communication proficiency in written and verbal skills. In addition, computer skills will be used throughout the program. Students are expected to integrate current online information into discussion forums, papers, and presentations. Students must utilize Microsoft Office in submitting papers and presentations.

Computer Technology and Skills Requirements

Technology is an essential and integral aspect of a web-enhanced curriculum. Students are required to have a laptop computer for classroom activities and taking examinations, as well as a stable connection to the Internet on a regular basis (including off campus), software to meet course requirements and adequate system capacity. As web-enhanced lectures may contain either/both audio and video components, students will need the capability to access audio through speakers and record through a microphone. Recommended specifications include:

Feature

Minimum Recommended

Preferred

Processor

Intel Core I3 (Windows/Mac)

Intel Core i5 or I7 (Windows/Mac)

Memory

4GB

8GB

Hard disk

500 GB

1 TB (1000 GB)

Wireless

Wireless capability

Wireless capability

Screen Resolution

At least 1024x768

At least 1024x768

Operating system

Windows 7/8.1/10

Mac OS 10.6 or Higher

Windows 7/8.1/10

Mac OS 10.6 or Higher

Software

Microsoft Office (2013 or newer), Adobe Acrobat reader, Anti-Virus Software

Microsoft Office (2013 or newer), Adobe Acrobat reader, Anti-Virus Software

 

Service and Support: It is recommended to purchase a support and/or damage plan for your equipment. Due to liabilities and warranty restrictions, IT staff members do not perform hardware or software repair work on personally-owned equipment.

Transportation   

All students must maintain reliable transportation.  In addition to traveling to campus each day for class, a large portion of the pharmacy education experience entails clinical experiential education at sites located throughout Mississippi and the gulf coast region. While WCUSOP understands there are temporary transportation issues, such as a flat tire or automobile accident, the lack of reliable transportation on a consistent basis will not be a valid excuse for missed class time, assessments (exams, quizzes, etc.), or clinical experience. Grade penalties resulting from missed classes or experiential rotations will be enforced.


CURRICULUM

The professional pharmacy curriculum is intended to produce generalist pharmacists proficient in all professional and educational competencies as set forth in the WCUSOP’s “Educational Outcomes and Competencies (EOCs)” statements. The curriculum will educate and develop the necessary knowledge and skills based on sound basic and clinical science, professional skills, attitudes, and values in a student-centered, cooperative, active learning environment. Students will learn to integrate and apply these skills to the practice and advancement of the profession of pharmacy.

The basic outline of the curriculum is:

  1. A foundational sciences component in which the majority of the basic biomedical sciences, pharmaceutics, social and behavioral sciences, jurisprudence, integrated pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pathophysiology and advanced pharmacotherapeutics, and electives are taught;
  2. The experiential curriculum, which includes the Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice experiences, and Service Learning.

The Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum is designed to be successfully completed in 2 years and 10 months, and runs throughout the calendar year. The curriculum is designed to deliver a combination of faculty-delivered didactic lectures, student-centered active learning and problem-solving activities, and experiential educational activities that emphasize the achievement of the professional competencies and outcome expectations (EOCs) of the curriculum. Requirements for the PharmD degree for graduates in the program include completion of a minimum of 146 credits, which include more than 1800 hours of experiential coursework. In addition, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average 2.20 or better in order to progress and graduate.


CURRICULAR LAYOUT

PY1

Term 1

PHA 614 Biochemistry (3)  

PHA 616 Introduction to Physiology (3)  

PHA 622 Introduction to Patient Care I (3)  

PHA 624 Introduction to Interprofessional Education (1)  

PHA 633 Pharmaceutics I + Lab (4)   

Total Credits 14

Term 2 

PHA 634 Introduction to Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry and Toxicology (5)  

PHA 642 Introduction to Patient Care II + Lab (3)  

PHA 653 Pharmaceutics II + Lab (4)  

PHA 666 Public Health and US Healthcare Systems (2)   

Total Credits 14

Term 3

PHA 636 Immunology (2)  

PHA 644 Drug Literature and Informatics I (2)  

PHA 655 Pharmacokinetics + Recitation (4)  

PHA 662 Self-Care Therapeutics (3)  

PHA 664 Introduction to Patient Care III + Lab (3)  

PHA 695 Service Learning (1)   

Total Credits 15

Term 4

PHA 696 Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Experience I (Community) (5)   

PHA 698 Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Experience II (Institutional) (5)   

Total Credits  10

PY2

Term 1

PHA 712 Principles of Drug Action I (4.5)  

PHA 722 Pharmacotherapeutics I (5)  

PHA 724 Patient Care Lab I (1.5)  

PHA 726 Drug Literature and Informatics II (2)   

Total Credits 13

Term 2

PHA 732 Principles of Drug Action II (4.5)  

PHA 742 Pharmacotherapeutics II (5)  

PHA 744 Patient Care Lab II (1.5)  

PHA 746 Pharmacoeconomics (2)   

Total Credits 13

Term 3

PHA 752 Principles of Drug Action III (4.5)  

PHA 762 Pharmacotherapeutics III (5)  

PHA 764 Patient Care Lab III (1.5)  

PHA 766 Pharmacy Management and Entrepreneurship (2)   

Total Credits 13

Term 4

PHA 772 Principles of Drug Action IV (4.5)  

PHA 782 Pharmacotherapeutics IV (5)  

PHA 784 Patient Care Lab IV (1.5)  

PHA 786 Advanced Law and Ethics (2)   

Total Credits 13

PY3

PHA 810 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Community) (6)  

PHA 820 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Institutional) (6)  

PHA 830 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Ambulatory Care) (6)  

PHA 840 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Medicine (6)  

PHA 850 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Elective I) (6)  

PHA 860 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Elective II) (6)  

PHA 899 Global Capstone (1)   

Total Credits 37

Elective courses to demarcate from primary curricular courses (choose any two)

PHA 905 Advanced Pharmacy Management and Entrepreneurship (2)  

PHA 910 Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation Elective (2)  

PHA 915 Preparing for Pharmacy Residency Program Elective (2)  

PHA 920 Introduction to Medical Microbiology (2)  

PHA 925 Composition and Function of the Human Microbiome (2)  

PHA 930 Pharmacogenomics, Eyakem (2)  

PHA 935 Veterinary Pharmacy (2)  

PHA 940 History of Pharmacy (2)  

PHA 945 Drugs of Abuse (2)  

PHA 950 Opiod use Disorder (2)  

Total Credits 4

Total Degree Credits 146


ACADEMIC CALENDAR

   Fall Term 2019 (PY1/T1 and PY2/T5, 11 weeks total)

June 27-28, 2019                                               Orientation (P1)

July 1, 2019                                                         First day Fall term (P1/P2)

July 4-5, 2019                                                     July 4th Holiday

September 2, 2019                                             Labor Day

September 11, 2019                                            End of Fall term (P1/P2)

September 12, 2019                                            Study day (P1/P2)

September 13, 16-19, 2019                                Final Exam (P1/P2)

September 20-24, 2019                                     Intersession Break (P1/P2)

 

     Winter Term 2019 (PY1/T2 and PY2/T6, 11 weeks total)

September 25, 2019                                           First Winter term (P1/P2)

November 27-29, 2019                                     Thanksgiving Break

December 6, 2019                                              End of Winter term

December 9-13, 2019                                        Final Exams

December 16-January 3, 2020                        Christmas / Intersession Break

 

     Spring Term 2019 (PY1/T3 and PY2/T7, 11 weeks total)

January 6, 2020                                                 First day of Spring term (P1/P2)

January 20, 2020                                              Martin Luther King Day

March 16, 2020                                                  End of Spring term

March 17-20, 2020                                            Final Exams

March 23-27, 2020                                            Spring Break

 

     Summer Term 2020 (PY1/T4, 10 weeks total and PY2/T8, 11 weeks total)

March 30 – May 1, 2020                                  IPPE-I (P1)

March 30, 2020                                                 First day of classes: Summer term (P2)

April 10, 2020                                                    Easter Holiday (P2)

May 4 – June 5, 2020                                       IPPE-II (P1)   

May 25, 2020                                                      Memorial Day

June 5, 2020                                                       End of Summer Term (P1/P2)

June 8-12, 2020                                                 Final Exams (P2)

June 15-June 26, 2020                                     Summer Break (P1)

June 15-19, 2020                                                Capstone/Milestone exams (PCOA)

June 22-26, 2020                                              Summer Break (P2)

 

ADVANCED PHARMACY PRACTICE SCHEDULE 2020-2021 (P3, Class of 2021)*

     Fall Term (PY3/T8, 12 weeks total):

June 29 – August 7, 2020                                Advan. Pharmacy Practice Experience I

August 10 – September 18, 2020                   Advan. Pharmacy Practice Experience II

September 21-22, 2020                                    APPE Forum and Career Fair

September 23-25, 2020                                    Fall Break

 

     Winter Term (PY3/T9, 12 weeks total):

September 28 – November 6, 2020              Advan. Pharmacy Practice Experience III

November 9 – December 18, 2020                Advan. Pharmacy Practice Experience IV

December 21, 2018 – January 1, 2021          P3 Winter Break

 

     Spring Term (PY3/T10, 12 weeks total): 

January 4 – February 12, 2021                Advan. Pharmacy Practice Experience V

February 15 – March 26, 2021                 Advan. Pharmacy Practice Experience VI

March 29 - April 2, 2021                           Intersession Break, P3

April 5 – 30, 2021                                      APPE Capstone, Milestone, NAPLEX Review

 

Curriculum


The professional pharmacy curriculum is intended to produce generalist pharmacists proficient in all professional and educational competencies as set forth in the WCUSOP’s “Educational Outcomes and Competencies (EOCs)” statements. The curriculum will educate and develop the necessary knowledge and skills based on sound basic and clinical science, professional skills, attitudes, and values in a student-centered, cooperative, active learning environment. Students will learn to integrate and apply these skills to the practice and advancement of the profession of pharmacy.

The basic outline of the curriculum is:

  1. A foundational sciences component in which the majority of the basic biomedical sciences, pharmaceutics, social and behavioral sciences, jurisprudence, integrated pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry, Pathophysiology and advanced pharmacotherapeutics, and electives are taught;
  2. The experiential curriculum, which includes the Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice experiences, and Service Learning.

The Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum is designed to be successfully completed in 2 years and 10 months, and runs throughout the calendar year. The curriculum is designed to deliver a combination of faculty-delivered didactic lectures, student-centered active learning and problem-solving activities, and experiential educational activities that emphasize the achievement of the professional competencies and outcome expectations (EOCs) of the curriculum. Requirements for the PharmD degree for graduates in the program, include completion of a minimum of 146 credits, which include more than 1800 hours of experiential coursework. In addition, a student must maintain a cumulative grade point average 2.20 or better in order to progress and graduate.

Curricular and Academic Policies


Enrollment 

Enrollment at WCUSOP is a privilege. WCUSOP reserves the right to dismiss a student at any time it is deemed necessary to safeguard standards of scholarship, conduct, and orderly operation of the institution, subject only to the policies and procedures of William Carey University, the School of Pharmacy, and relevant law.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees are approved each year by WCU Board of Trustees and may change annually without advanced individual notice to students and applicants.

Professionalism
Students are expected to adhere to the William Carey University School of Pharmacy Codes of Conduct, Ethics, and Professionalism, and to maintain a professional academic atmosphere at all times. The WCUSOP expects all students to project a professional image to patients, colleagues, and the community at large through their dress and appearance, and as such, students are required to adhere to the “Student Dress Code”.  Conservativism and modesty in dress are key factors in projecting a professional image. Students will also be required to wear their white coats while on campus or anywhere necessary to conduct official SOP sanctioned business.  William Carey University seeks to create an environment that encourages continued growth of moral and ethical values, which include personal honesty and mutual trust. The faculty and administration at the William Carey University School of Pharmacy places the highest value on academic integrity and regards any act of academic dishonesty as a serious offense. Academic dishonesty is considered unethical and in violation of William Carey University’s academic standards. If such an incident occurs, students, faculty, and/or staff are obligated to initiate appropriate action.  Depending upon the seriousness of the offense, sanctions could include failure of the assignment, failure of the course, or could lead to suspension or dismissal from the University.  Students who fail to report an actual or perceived violation of the University’s academic standards, will themselves be found in violation and subject to disciplinary sanctions. Additional information on the Ethics, Honor and Professionalism Code can be found in the William Carey University School of Pharmacy Student handbook.

Attendance Policy

Attendance in class is expected of all students. All classes and examinations will start at the regularly scheduled times, unless otherwise announced or approved by the course instructor or coordinator. Each student is responsible for all material covered during class whether or not the student is present. Students are reminded that, in accordance with course syllabi, graded in-class assignments may be used to compute course grades.

Course Grading Scale

WCUSOP has adopted a numerical scoring system where a 60% score is the minimum passing grade using a 10 point grading scale. All grades are rounded to the nearest whole number using standard rounding rules. Unless noted separately in the course syllabi, the following is WCUSOP’s grading scale and the quality points assigned to each letter grade:

A          (4.0 quality points)

=

>89.50 or above

B          (3.0 quality points)

=

79.50 to 89.49

C          (2.0 quality points)

=

69.50 to 79.49

D          (1.0 quality points)

=

59.50 to 69.49

F          (0.0 quality points)

=

59.49 or below

Other possible grades include:

I

=

Incomplete: An incomplete will be assigned only when unavoidable circumstances prevent completion of the work of the course on schedule. When the work is completed satisfactorily, the “I” will be changed to the appropriate final course grade.  All incompletes must be cleared by the end of the following trimester in which the incomplete was recorded or it will automatically become an “F.”

P/F

=

Pass/Fail

W

=

Withdraw

Grades for all attempted coursework are calculated in the School of Pharmacy’s grade point average.

Good Academic Standing

At the end of each term of coursework, a student in good academic standing is defined as:

  1. Having passing grades in all required courses, electives, milestone exams, and other mandatory exercises
  2. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA for courses taken within the pharmacy degree program of greater than or equal to 2.20 to progress to the next term, progress to experiential rotations, and to graduate.
  3. Having behaved in accordance with high standards of professional and academic ethics and having no probationary sanctions imposed by the Ethics, Honor, and Professionalism (EHP) Board as set forth in the Student Rights and Responsibilities section of this Student Handbook.

Students not meeting any of the above requirements will be listed as not in good academic standing, placed on academic probation, and may be dismissed from the program.

Failure to Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

A student who fails to maintain satisfactory academic progress as evidenced by being placed on not in good academic standing will only return to good academic standing upon completion of all requirements as set forth by the Academic Standing Committee (ASC), the Dean, the EHP Board, as well as meeting all requirements for being listed in good academic standing as described above.

Unsatisfactory Progress During the Didactic Curriculum

Any student who receives a grade of F in any didactic coursework (P1 or P2 year) may be automatically dismissed from WCUSOP if they fail the course again on the second attempt. The Academic Standings Committee will meet to discuss the student’s academic record and provide the Dean with a recommendation regarding the student’s future standing with WCUSOP. A student making an F in any coursework will be required to retake the course in the following academic year. Students which have been held for poor academic performance may be required to complete an alternate academic recovery plan as defined by the Dean or may be required to repeat coursework.

Unsatisfactory Progress during the Experiential Program

A student who fails an assigned rotation in the experiential program will have his or her performance evaluated by the ASC and the Dean. The Dean in collaboration with the Experiential Department and the Chair of Pharmacy Practice will determine the appropriate plan to satisfy the pharmacy practice experience requirements. Any student who fails an experiential rotation will be required to repeat the experiential rotation in accordance with the recommendations of Director of Experiential Education and the terms of the Academic Improvement Plan that may include any of the following:

  • Repeating the entire Pharmacy Practice Experience that was failed;
  • Other Academic Recovery plans as deemed appropriate by the Director of Experiential Education and Chair of Pharmacy Practice.

Additional tuition and fees will be required for any repeated experiential rotations or coursework and may delay graduation.          

Graduation Requirements

Except as otherwise provided in these standards, in order to graduate from the School of Pharmacy with a PharmD degree and receive a diploma, a candidate for graduation must have received credit in all required courses, electives, and curricular activities, successfully completed the required hours of experiential course work, paid all tuition and/or fees, and have a cumulative GPA of ≥2.2. Students who achieve a 3.50 and above will be designated for honors.

Additional information about WCUSOP, its curriculum, the admission process, prerequisite courses, tuition and fees, financial aid, student life, and accreditation status are available at https://wmcarey.edu/school/pharmacy

Curricular Layout


PY1

Term 1

PHA 633 Pharmaceutics I + Lab (4)  

PHA 614 Biochemistry (3)  

PHA 616 Introduction to Physiology (3)  

PHA 622 Introduction to Patient Care I (3)   

PHA 624 Introduction to Interprofessional Education 1 (1)  

Total Credits 14

Term 2 

PHA 634 Introduction to Pharmacology, Medicinal Chemistry and Toxicology (5)  

PHA 653 Pharmaceutics II + Lab (4)  

PHA 642 Introduction to Patient Care II + Lab (3)  

PHA 666 Public Health and US Healthcare Systems (2)  

Total Credits 14

Term 3

PHA 636 Immunology (2)  

PHA 655 Pharmacokinetics + Recitation (4)  

PHA 662 Self-Care Therapeutics (3)  

PHA 664 Introduction to Patient Care III + Lab (3)  

PHA 644 Drug Literature and Informatics I (2)  

PHA 695 Service Learning (1)  

Total Credits 15

Term 4

PHA 696 Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Experience I (Community) (5)  

PHA 698 Introduction to Pharmacy Practice Experience II (Institutional) (5)  

Total Credits  10

PY2

Term 1

PHA 712 Principles of Drug Action I (4.5)  

PHA 722 Pharmacotherapeutics I (5)  

PHA 724 Patient Care Lab I (1.5)  

PHA 726 Drug Literature and Informatics II (2)  

Total Credits 13

Term 2

PHA 732 Principles of Drug Action II (4.5)  

PHA 742 Pharmacotherapeutics II (5)  

PHA 744 Patient Care Lab II (1.5)  

PHA 746 Pharmacoeconomics (2)  

Total Credits 13

Term 3

PHA 752 Principles of Drug Action III (4.5)  

PHA 762 Pharmacotherapeutics III (5)  

PHA 764 Patient Care Lab III (1.5)  

PHA 766 Pharmacy Management and Entrepreneurship (2)  

Total Credits 13

Term 4

PHA 772 Principles of Drug Action IV (4.5)  

PHA 782 Pharmacotherapeutics IV (5)  

PHA 784 Patient Care Lab IV (1.5)  

PHA 786 Advanced Law and Ethics (2)  

Total Credits 13

PY3

PHA 810 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Community) (6)  

PHA 820 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Institutional) (6)  

PHA 830 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Ambulatory Care) (6)  

PHA 840 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Medicine (6)  

PHA 850 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Elective I) (6)  

PHA 860 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (Elective II) (6)  

PHA 899 Global Capstone (1)  

Total Credits 37

PHA 900 elective courses to demarcate from primary curricular courses

Total Credits 4

Total Degree Credits 146

 

Academic Calendar


     Fall Term 2019 (PY1/T1 and PY2/T5, 11 weeks total)

June 27-28, 2019                                               Orientation (P1)

July 1, 2019                                                         First day Fall term (P1/P2)

July 4-5, 2019                                                     July 4th Holiday

September 2, 2019                                             Labor Day

September 11, 2019                                            End of Fall term (P1/P2)

September 12, 2019                                            Study day (P1/P2)

September 13, 16-19, 2019                                Final Exam (P1/P2)

September 20-24, 2019                                     Intersession Break (P1/P2)

 

     Winter Term 2019 (PY1/T2 and PY2/T6, 11 weeks total)

September 25, 2019                                           First Winter term (P1/P2)

November 27-29, 2019                                     Thanksgiving Break

December 6, 2019                                              End of Winter term

December 9-13, 2019                                        Final Exams

December 16-January 3, 2020                        Christmas / Intersession Break

 

     Spring Term 2019 (PY1/T3 and PY2/T7, 11 weeks total)

January 6, 2020                                                 First day of Spring term (P1/P2)

January 20, 2020                                              Martin Luther King Day

March 16, 2020                                                  End of Spring term

March 17-20, 2020                                            Final Exams

March 23-27, 2020                                            Spring Break

 

     Summer Term 2020 (PY1/T4, 10 weeks total and PY2/T8, 11 weeks total)

March 30 – May 1, 2020                                  IPPE-I (P1)

March 30, 2020                                                 First day of classes: Summer term (P2)

April 10, 2020                                                    Easter Holiday (P2)

May 4 – June 5, 2020                                       IPPE-II (P1)   

May 25, 2020                                                      Memorial Day

June 5, 2020                                                       End of Summer Term (P1/P2)

June 8-12, 2020                                                 Final Exams (P2)

June 15-June 26, 2020                                     Summer Break (P1)

June 15-19, 2020                                                Capstone/Milestone exams (PCOA)

June 22-26, 2020                                              Summer Break (P2)

 

ADVANCED PHARMACY PRACTICE SCHEDULE 2020-2021 (P3, Class of 2021)*

     Fall Term (PY3/T8, 12 weeks total):

June 29 – August 7, 2020                                Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience I

August 10 – September 18, 2020                   Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience II

September 21-22, 2020                                    APPE Forum and Career Fair

September 23-25, 2020                                    Fall Break

 

     Winter Term (PY3/T9, 12 weeks total):

September 28 – November 6, 2020              Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience III

November 9 – December 18, 2020                Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience IV

December 21, 2018 – January 3, 2021          P3 Winter Break

 

     Spring Term (PY3/T10, 12 weeks total): 

January 4 – February 12, 2021                      Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience V

February 15 – March 26, 2021                       Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience VI

March 29 - April 2, 2021                                 Intersession Break, P3

April 5 – 30, 2021                                             APPE Capstone, Milestone, NAPLEX Review

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