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:
- 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.
- 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
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Prerequisite Courses
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Required Credit Hours
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General Biology I & II with labs1
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8.0 Sem. Hrs.
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College Chemistry I & II with labs1
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8.0 Sem. Hrs.
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Organic Chemistry I & II with labs1
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8.0 Sem. Hrs.
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College Physics I with or without lab
(algebra-based course fulfills
this requirement)
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3.0 Sem. Hrs.
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Human Anatomy or A&P I1
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3.0-4.0 Sem. Hrs.
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Human Physiology or A&P II1
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3.0-4.0 Sem. Hrs.
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Economics (general, micro or macro)
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3.0 Sem. Hrs.
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English Composition I & II
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6.0 Sem. Hrs. 2
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Calculus I
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3.0 Sem. Hrs. 3
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Public Speaking / Speech
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3.0 Sem. Hrs. 2
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College Statistics
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3.0 Sem. Hrs. 4
|
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General Education
(includes humanities, history, business, computer science, fine arts or foreign language)
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9.0 Sem. Hrs. 2
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Social Sciences
(includes psychology, sociology, political science, or anthropology)
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6.0 Sem. Hrs. 2
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Total
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68.0 Sem. Hrs.5
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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.
5 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:
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Feature
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Minimum Recommended
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Preferred
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Processor
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Intel Core I3 (Windows/Mac)
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Intel Core i5 or I7 (Windows/Mac)
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Memory
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4GB
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8GB
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Hard disk
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500 GB
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1 TB (1000 GB)
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Wireless
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Wireless capability
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Wireless capability
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Screen Resolution
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At least 1024x768
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At least 1024x768
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Operating system
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Windows 7/8.1/10
Mac OS 10.6 or Higher
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Windows 7/8.1/10
Mac OS 10.6 or Higher
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Software
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Microsoft Office (2013 or newer), Adobe Acrobat reader, Anti-Virus Software
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Microsoft Office (2013 or newer), Adobe Acrobat reader, Anti-Virus Software
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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.
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:
- 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;
- 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
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