51¶¯Âþ

Doctor of Pharmacy

Start your journey to becoming a pharmacist with the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at 51¶¯Âþ’s School of Pharmacy. The PharmD program prepares you to take the (NAPLEX) and the (MPJE), which are required examinations in the process to earn your pharmacist license. Through a dynamic curriculum, students prepare for pharmacy practice in a variety of settings, including academic, clinical, community, public health and the pharmaceutical industry.Ìý

Over four years, you’ll participate in shadow experiences, introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences (known as IPPE and APPE), dynamic coursework, labs and small group recitations. Through these experiential methods, you’ll develop the skills necessary to be a successful pharmacist.Ìý

Midway through the PharmD program, students tailor their educational experience to best align with their personal and professional needs. During their third year, students can customize their degree through an elective track in advanced clinical practice, business, clinical trials management or medication safety. For their fourth-year clinical rotations, students explore new and nontraditional areas of pharmacy practice in and around the city of Philadelphia, around the globe at affiliated sites, and within international pharmacy missionary rotations.Ìý

PharmD vs. Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD

The PharmD is a professional degree for students who want to become practicing pharmacists in a variety of settings. The Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD is designed for students who want to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research.  

Tracks & Concentrations

During your third year, you’ll be able to customize your PharmD by choosing one of four elective tracks.

• The advanced clinical practice track is the ideal option for students who want to pursue a residency program after graduating from the PharmD program. The track will sharpen your skills in institutional practice and management.Ìý

• °Õ³ó±ð business track is managed in conjunction with the Fox School of Business and allows the student to enroll in the MBA program and graduate with a dual PharmD/MBA. This track allows students to study the financial and marketing side of the pharmaceutical industry. A strong foothold in both the business and pharmaceutical world is beneficial for those who wish to work in health systems, become an administrator in a wide array of practice venues or operate their own independent pharmacy.Ìý

• °Õ³ó±ð clinical trials track prepares students to participate in drug study design to determine a drug’s efficacy and safety levels. Drug study design involves review of biomarkers, pharmacogenetics and pharmacokinetics in order to minimize side effects and increase benefits of new and existing drugs.Ìý

• °Õ³ó±ðÌýdrug safety track provides advanced education in pharmacovigilance, the science and activities relating to the detection, assessment, understanding and prevention of adverse effects or any other medicine/vaccine-related problem. The FDA requires drug safety policies and procedures for all entities that develop and dispense medications. The track can prepare you for a residency or fellowship in drug safety following graduation.

Classes & Curriculum

The PharmD curriculum is offered at 51¶¯Âþ’s Health Sciences Center. Many rotations and professional practice experiences are held at  .  

Some of the program’s courses include the following.Ìý

• Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics 

• Contemporary Pharmacy Practice 

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• Pharmacogenomics and Drug Metabolism;  

• Professional Practice

• Social and Economic Aspects of Health Care 

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Related Graduate Programs

As a PharmD student or graduate, you can also pursue the Master of Science in Global Clinical and Pharmacovigilance Regulations to specialize in drug efficacy and safety. Upon successful completion of the the master’s program, degree recipients may also apply for the certificate in Global Pharmacovigilance: Benefit-Risk Assessment.

Related Graduate Degrees

• Pharmaceutical Sciences MS
• Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD
• Regulatory Affairs and Quality Assurance MS

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51¶¯Âþ’s commitment to access and affordability, this Doctor of Pharmacy offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.Ìý

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