More states are expanding the role of pharmacists—and that means there’s more opportunities
to make a bigger, direct impact in the health of individuals and communities. This
is the age of the empowered pharmacist—and the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy
will get you ready to be essential health care problem solvers and team members.
A clear, seamless path to the professional phase
Join Duquesne's School of Pharmacy through the Direct Entry option and experience
a seamless transition from your first two pre-professional years to the exciting professional
phase, spanning years three through six of our comprehensive six-year program, all
when you meet our criteria. Our guaranteed seat in the professional phase ensures
you won't have to compete for spots with fellow pre-professional students, allowing
you to concentrate solely on your personal growth as a future empowered pharmacist.
Relationships and community matter here
Because our program is smaller in size, you’ll have more meaningful mentoring relationships
with faculty—and build lifelong friendships and professional networks. This emphasis
on community becomes part of your professional identity, too: Duquesne graduates know
how to gain and keep the trust of their patients, and they know how to collaborate
in today’s team-based health care environment.
Join a powerful alumni network
Be part of something bigger and shape the future of pharmacy. Our network of over
7,400 Duquesne University School of Pharmacy alumni are improving their communities
as pharmacists, researchers, and more. Our vibrant Alumni Association offers social
events, continuing pharmacy education credits, and an Annual Alumni Conference which
is the perfect place for students to connect with mentors and advance their career.
Program Information
Join our top-ranked Doctor of Pharmacy program for a successful career in pharmacy.
Get hands-on training and explore diverse career opportunities. Apply now!
6 Years Total: 2 Years (Pre-Professional Phase), 4 Years (Professional Phase)
Required Credit Hours
209
Financial Assistance
Enrolling in the professional phase of the Pharm.D. program with a bachelor's degree
will make you eligible for different financial assistance compared to if you were
joining the program without a bachelor's degree. Individuals who possess a degree
will submit their application as a graduate student, while those without a degree
will submit their application as an undergraduate transfer student
Questions About the Pharm.D. Program?
Jason Stack, Ed.D., MBA
Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Retention
Through the Direct Entry (0-6) option at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy,
students meeting progression standards automatically transition from the pre-professional
phase (years one and two) to the professional phase (years three, four, five and six)
of the six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program. Unlike most other pharmacy
schools, the guaranteed seat in the professional phase offered through the Direct
Entry option at the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy removes the professional
phase application and admissions processes, thereby eliminating competition for seats
in the professional program among pre-professional students.
A Student Success Coach assigned to ALL student pharmacists in the pre-professional
phase of the Pharm.D. program (years one and two) knows the answer to questions related
to AP and College in High School credits, class registration and pre-professional
pharmacy curriculum. Additionally, the Student Success Coach co-leads four Pre-Professional
Pharmacy Seminar classes designed to prepare student pharmacists in the pre-professional
phase for the professional phase (years three, four, five and six) of Pharm.D. program
and introduces different pharmacy career paths. All student pharmacists in the professional
phase of the program are guided by a Student Success Coach and a faculty mentor from
the School of Pharmacy.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses, offered every semester starting
in the professional phase, help student pharmacists develop and maintain professional
skills and build confidence, credibility and expertise in areas including advocacy,
career exploration, interview skills, licensure exam preparation, study strategies
and more. Additionally, the School of Pharmacy offers six academic concentrations
including acute care, ambulatory care, community practice, and geriatrics, allowing
student pharmacists a more customizable pharmacy education. All of our student pharmacists
earn immunization, tobacco treatment specialist, and pharmacist-patient care network
certificates with the option to earn additional certificates in diabetes care, Medication
Therapy Management (MTM), substance use disorders, point-of-care testing, and healthcare
leadership.
Duquesne University student pharmacists graduate with 1,784 hours of Experiential
Education experience and develop a wide range of skills in different practice settings.
The Office of Experiential Education works directly with student pharmacists to schedule
available rotations according to their career goals and interests, exposing student
pharmacists to many potential career paths at a variety of unique and prestigious
practice sites including the Allegheny General Hospital, UPMC, Cleveland Clinic, Eli
Lilly & Co., Indian Health Services, Johns Hopkins Hospital, the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration, and the University of Perugia in Italy.
The School of Pharmacy boasts 18 pharmacy student organizations, with areas of focus
like addiction and rehabilitation, pediatrics, psychiatry and mental health. We also
have Duquesne University chapters of national pharmacy honors and leadership societies
and four professional pharmacy Greek organizations.
Pharmacists-the most accessible healthcare professionals-engage in many unique professional
roles including educator, medical counselor and health care advocate. The Duquesne
University School of Pharmacy remains the only pharmacy school in the country to require
participation in a professional development and advocacy course for graduation. Student
pharmacists not only learn to advocate for the profession, but gain confidence in
doing so. Started in 2012, the annual Professional Development and Advocacy Class
Experience exposes student pharmacists to legislation affecting the pharmacy profession.
The School of Pharmacy holds several other special events and programs throughout
the year.
The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy features four Academic Research Centers.
The Center for Pharmacy Care provides health and wellness services to faculty, students
and Duquesne University employees. The Center for Pharmacy Practice, a simulated pharmacy
experience, introduces student pharmacists to working in community pharmacy and clinical
practice settings. The Center for Pharmaceutical Technology focuses on the advancement
of pharmaceutical manufacturing and features state-of-the-art analytical and manufacturing
equipment. Finally, the newest Academic Research Center, the Center for Integrative
Health, trains the next generation of practitioners to address health care disparities
and improve health equity in Pittsburgh and beyond.
Conduct research with the world-class faculty that are developing new drugs, seeking
methods for curing diseases, improving the quality and safety of drugs, and enhancing
patient care. Students can participate in active research projects with our faculty
members for credit or as volunteers. Our students publish papers, posters and give
presentations on the research that they have conducted at Duquesne.
Every year, School of Pharmacy student pharmacists led by faculty and staff participate
in a global health rotation in Italy at the University of Perugia.
Additionally, the School of Pharmacy maintains international partnerships with four
pharmacy schools around the world:
Italy
University of Bologna
University of Perugia
Japan
Daiichi University
Kobe Gakuin University
Become A Pharmacist
Transfer into or join the Pharm.D. program as a graduate student. Contact Samuel%20Pulver, Admission Coordinator, to learn more about your specific situation!
After graduating from high school, student pharmacists in the Duquesne University
School of Pharmacy complete two years in the pre-professional phase of the Pharm.D.
program, completing foundational courses to prepare for the professional phase of
the program. Through the Direct Entry Program, all students in the Duquesne University
School of Pharmacy automatically earn a seat in the professional phase of the program.
In the professional phase of the Pharm.D. program, student pharmacists complete courses
in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, medicinal chemistry, pharmacy administration and participate
in a series of Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) and Advanced Pharmacy
Practice Experience (APPE) rotations at different sites and with different areas of
focus.
Earn your Pharm.D.! After graduating from the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy,
all graduates complete the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX)
and other licensure required on a state-by-state basis.
Many graduates opt to complete optional residency programs. A residency program focuses
on a specific area of pharmacy; for example, the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy
offers PGY1 residency programs focused in ambulatory care, community practice, and
long-term care and a PGY2 residency program focused in internal medicine.
Further specialization options for licensed pharmacists include earning board certification
in a specialty area of practice. Some examples include:
Board Certified Ambulatory Care Pharmacist (BCACP)
The Duquesne University School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program is
accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and meets all
requirements for the conferral of the PharmD degree. Students who earn the PharmD
degree will be eligible for licensure in all 50 states and the District of Columbia
based on the academic curriculum. Attainment of the PharmD degree is one element of
the state licensure process for pharmacists.
In addition to the PharmD degree, candidates for pharmacist licensure must also pass
the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) to be a licensed pharmacist
in the United States. Most states also require passing the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence
Exam (MPJE) to obtain a pharmacist license in that state.
Some states may have additional requirements for pharmacist licensure. Applicants
and current students should consult individual state boards for information regarding
specific requirements to attain a pharmacist license in that state. Resource links
for each state board can be found here.
Dual Pharm.D./B.S. In Pharmacy Foundations Program
Starting with 2023 graduates, all eligible students enrolled in the Duquesne University
School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program automatically earn a Bachelor
of Science in Pharmacy Foundations (BSPF) in addition to a Pharm.D. simultaneously
with no added cost, time or stress. Make the most of your time on campus by graduating
with two degrees and the knowledge, skills and confidence to build a rewarding and
exciting pharmacy career.
Pharm.D. graduates who are ineligible to receive the B.S. in Pharmacy Foundations
include applicants already holding a bachelor's degree prior to starting the Pharm.D.
program and student pharmacists opting to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical
Sciences degree.
By The Numbers
#1U.S. News & World Report
Catholic School Of Pharmacy
86.2%NAPLEX Pass Rate
Compared to a 78.6% national average
#3Research Funding
Among PA Pharmacy Schools – NIH Funding Report
0-6Unique Direct Entry Program
Guarantee your spot in the professional phase
I chose the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy because of the diversity,
opportunity for involvement and hospitality of the school. Best decision ever!
Therapeutic Case Studies IV: A Problem-Based Learning Approach
0
PHIN 469
Community Engaged Learning: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Management
NS OR 1
PHIN 426
ABLE VI
0.5
PHEX 406
CPD VI
0.5
Elective(s)
6
PY3 Spring Total
18 OR 19
PY3 Total
36
Summer
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
PHPR 500
Pharmacist-Patient Care Network Certificate
1
PHPR 50X
Required Certificate Training** - Select One (1) Option:
1
PHPR 502 - Pharmacy & Patient-Centered Diabetes Care
PHPR 503 - Medication Therapy Management
PHPR 508 - Substance Use Disorder
PHPR 509 - Healthcare Leadership
PHEX 482W, 483W
Option to Take Advanced Experiential Education (I, II)
4-8
PY4 Summer Total
6-10
Fall
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
PHEX 482W, 483W,
Advanced Experiential Education (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
8-16
484W, 485W, 486W,
487W, 488W
PHEX 407
Continuous Professional Development VII
1
PY4 Fall Total
9-17
Spring
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
PHEX 482W, 483W,
Advanced Experiential Education (I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII)
8-16
484W, 485W, 486W,
487W, 488W
PHEX 408
Continuous Professional Development VIII
1
PY4 Spring Total
9-17
PY4 Total
32
Electives & Concentrations
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
GPSC 513
Principles of Drug Action, Design and Delivery
3
GPSC 589W
Research Methods Pharmacy Administration
3
GPSC 673
Advanced Pharmacology
3
PHBA 400
Mindfulness for Clinicians
1
PHBA 423
Perspectives in Global Health
3
PHBA 426
Basics in Investments and Personal Finance
1
PHBA 427
Applications in Investments and Personal Finance
1
PHBA 428
International Pharmacy Services
2
PHBA 431
Entrepreneurship in Pharmacy
3
PHBA 433
Special Topics in Entrepreneurship
3
PHBM 468
Independent Study and Research
1-4
PHEX 489
Optional Experiential Education
4
PHIN 452
Advanced Concepts in Oncology
3
PHPR 427
Etiology Assessment & Treatment of Pain for Health Care Professionals
3
PHPR 465
SLTP in Senior Care Pharmacy
3
PHPR 468
Ambulatory Care Models - Development, Implementation and Sustainability
3
PHPR 477
General Pediatrics Neonatal Pharmacy Therapy
3
PHPR 478
Seminar in Current Practice Guidelines in Ambulatory Care
2
PHPR 479
Clinical Preparation for Community Pharmacy Practice
2
PHPR 481
Dermatological Therapeutics and Topical Delivery Systems
3
PHPR 488
Technology Pharmacy Practitioner
2
PHPR 489
Branding of Clinical Community Practice
3
PHPR 493
Advanced Acute Care Clinical Skills
3
PHPR 494
Advanced Acute Care Clinical Skills II
3
PHPR 496
Urgent Topics in Palliative and End-of-Life Care
1
14 Credits Required
The Acute Care Concentration provides student pharmacists with education and training
directed toward careers in Institutional Pharmacy Practice and preparation for ASHP
Residencies. In didactic courses students study advanced clinical and hospital practice
topics. In experiential rotations students are required to complete additional experiential
rotations in Advanced Clinical Practice and are encouraged to develop a research project
in conjunction with a practitioner, culminating in a poster presentation at a local
or national meeting.
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
PHPR 493
Advanced Acute Care Clinical Skills I
3
PHPR 494
Advanced Acute Care Clinical Skills II
3
Two Elective Advanced Rotations in Acute Care/Research
8
13 Credits Required
The Ambulatory Care Concentration provides students in the professional phase of the
PharmD program with an opportunity to further develop and enhance skills related to
practice in this growing area.
The Board of Pharmaceutical Specialties (BPS) defines Ambulatory Care Pharmacy as
"the provision of integrated, accessible healthcare services by pharmacists who are
accountable for addressing medication needs, developing sustained partnerships with
patients, and practicing in the context of family and community". Ambulatory Care
Pharmacy services are provided in diverse practice settings including outpatient clinics,
community pharmacies, and telehealth. In 2011, BPS recognized Ambulatory Care Pharmacy
as a distinct specialty within the profession by credentialing pharmacists through
BCACP examination and certification. The BCACP credential is the second most common
BPS credential held by pharmacists practicing in the U.S. In 2014, the American Society
of Health-System Pharmacists also recognized this evolution of practice by revising
their mission and brand to include pharmacists practicing in ambulatory care settings.
Ambulatory care pharmacists typically train through the completion of a PGY1 Pharmacy
Practice or Community Practice Residency and some go on to complete PGY2 Ambulatory
Care residencies. The data suggest that this practice area is of growing interest
among pharmacy graduates. In the last 7 years, the number of Ambulatory Care PGY2
programs have more than tripled (39 in 2010 to 132 in 2017) and there are now 190
PGY1 community-based pharmacy residency programs, with many of these programs partially
or entirely based in an ambulatory care practice environment.
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
PHPR 479
Clinical Preparation for Community Pharmacy Practice
2
PHPR 478
Seminar in Current Practice Guidelines in Ambulatory Care
2
PHPR 468
Ambulatory Care Models - Development, Implementation and Sustainability
2
Complete One (1) Elective from the Following List:
3
PHPR 481 - APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings
PHIN 452 - APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings
PHPR 465 - APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings
PHPR 477 - APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings
Elective AAPE-RAM at an Approved Site
4
11 Credits Required
Community pharmacists are described as the most accessible, and one of the most trusted,
healthcare professionals. Due to the vast number of prescriptions dispensed in community
pharmacy, and the plethora of chain and independent pharmacies nationwide, community
pharmacy employs the highest number of working pharmacists in the United States. Approximately
over 70% of Duquesne pharmacy graduates each year enter into this rewarding field.
As the number of pharmacy schools across the country increase, thus increasing the
supply of licensed pharmacists, it is essential for job placement and security that
pharmacists are well-versed in the provision of additional pharmacy services that
enhance patient care outcomes, promote wellness, enhance accessibility to and affordability
of medications. While this issue is addressed in the core curriculum of Collaborative
Practice Agreements, we feel it is essential that our student pharmacists have the
opportunity to engage in more individualized, advanced practices of a clinical community
pharmacist and to have the certificate of a concentration such as this to increase
their marketability to future employers. The concentration in advanced community practice
enhances the new curriculum and is not duplicative.
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
PHPR 479
Clinical Preparation for Community Pharmacy Practice
2
PHPR 478
Seminar in Current Practice Guidelines in Ambulatory Care
2
PHPR 489
Branding Community Practice
3
APPE Rotation Requirement in Select Settings
4
6 Credits Required
This concentration is designed to allow the student to begin to understand how they
can take their pharmacy knowledge and apply it to developing their own unique business
which can be anything from owning their own traditional independent pharmacy or starting
a new clinical pharmacy business service that has never existed before in the pharmacy
industry. These courses will also allow the student to self-reflect in order to understand
themselves, how best to work with others and what are their strengths and weaknesses
in becoming an entrepreneur.
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
PHBA 431
Entrepreneurship in Pharmacy
3
PHBA 433
Special Topics in Entrepreneurship
3
15 Credits Required
The geriatric concentration provides student pharmacists with additional education
and training in the provision of pharmaceutical care to geriatric patients and encourages
students to pursue careers in long-term care pharmacy, residencies in geriatrics and
other areas within geriatric practice. The concentration culminates with a comprehensive
exam similar in structure and content to the Geriatric Certification Exam.
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
PHBM 443
Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Therapeutics in Special Populations
4
PHPR 465
Special Topics in Senior Care Pharmacy
3
Two Elective Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) in Geriatrics
8
Accreditation
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE):
190 S. LaSalle Street Suite 3000 Chicago, IL 60603
