The Online Pharm.D. Program (OPP) puts a new career in reach for you by combining
online and limited on-campus instruction in Pittsburgh with educational technology,
enabling students to balance school, work, family and all other commitments.
The first three years require a short amount of on-campus instruction, as well as
one introductory level clinical experience during each of the summer semesters. The
entire fourth year of the program involves clinical experiences in a variety of practice
settings that often lead to job offers before graduation.
Online students must meet prerequisite course requirements from a four-year accredited
college or university in the United States. The OPP is not a PharmCAS participant.
Dual Pharm.D./B.S. In Pharmacy Foundations Program
All 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 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.
Optional Concentrations: Acute Care, Ambulatory Care, Community Practice, Entrepreneurial
Pharmacy, Geriatric Pharmacy, Health Services & Outcomes Research
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.
Prerequisites
1. Prerequisite Courses (34 Credits)
These courses must be taken at an accredited 4-year college/university or 2-year community
college.
Complete background check conducted by Castle Branch required prior to matriculation.
Become A Pharmacist
Transfer into or join as a graduate student the Online Pharm.D. program. Contact Marianne%20Leister, Senior Academic Advisor for Online Programs, to learn more about you specific situation!
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, specialty
pharmacy 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)
William Moran, a Pharm.D. candidate in the Class of 2023 studying the Online Doctor
of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program discusses the benefits of pursuing a pharmacy education
online.
Benjamin Austin, Pharm.D. Candidate, 2023
Benjamin Austin, a Pharm.D. candidate in the Class of 2023 and Online Doctor of Pharmacy
(Pharm.D.) program student pharmacist, talks about the program.
Online Pharm.D. Program FAQ
Our Online graduates our eligible for the same positions as any student graduating
with a Pharm.D. in a traditional program. Online Program graduates start at an average
salary of $112,000 per year.
No. The school does not participate in Pharm CAS.
No–we start a new class once a year. The program begins each year in August. The class
functions as a cohort, going year-round for four years.
No.
Yes.
Online courses/programs offered through regionally accredited college/universities
are acceptable under the same grade guidelines as on-campus courses. Check with the
School of Pharmacy to see if a particular college is appropriately accredited for
such courses. Please note that some online colleges and other technical schools do
not have regional accreditation, and therefore their credits do not transfer to Duquesne
University.
No, the PCAT is optional for admission.
We are aware of one published by Barron’s, but there may be others. The PCAT website
offers practice exams and other relevant information in helping you prepare for the
test. https://www.PCATweb.info.
Your composite score (not the percentage) should be at least a 375. To be competitive
for our program, your composite score should be closer to a 400 or better.
The minimum to apply is a 2.5 GPA. To be competitive, applicants should have a
3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Yes, very closely, and grades below a “C” grade are not accepted. If you have earned
below a “C” grade in a prerequisite, you must repeat that course at a grade of “C”
or better.
We look for students who appear to have the best chance of completing the program,
and have a strong aptitude for Science and Math. Applicants should have excellent
grades and as many prerequisites completed as possible. Students with multiple “D”,
“F” and/or “W” grades will not be competitive.
We prefer for students to perform their own transcript evaluation initially. We
limit formal transcript evaluations done by our staff to those who have applied for
admission.
Yes. Most applicants have a few courses to complete when they apply. All courses
must be successfully completed by the time the program begins in May (successfully
completed is defined as earning a “C” grade or better.) Acceptance to the program
would be contingent upon completing those courses.
We accept applications from international students who have earned Baccalaureate
degrees in the United States only. Those students MUST also meet all prerequisite
requirements.
Due to the limited number of seats in the program, and a highly talented applicant
pool, many students will not be offered admission. If you were denied admission, you
may apply the following year by asking us to reactivate your application. Our Committee
on Admission will consider your application the following year if you have had significant
changes in your academic profile since the last time you were considered. Most often,
students choose to pursue a Masters degree in Chemistry or Biology, demonstrating
sustained academic performance in a rigorous curriculum, and then reapply.
Details of the application/admission process are confidential. We consider all
elements of the application, including academic performance (grades), the PCAT score,
and your interview.
Online Doctor of Pharmacy students pay the same per-credit rate of tuition that
the Traditional Doctor of Pharmacy students pay: Tuition Rates
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
PY4 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
PY4 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
PY4 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
9 Credits Required
The research concentration provides student pharmacists an opportunity train students
in introductory health services and outcomes research (HSOR) that improves clinical
decision making for patients, healthcare professionals, industry, and government and
to conduct research on the clinical, economic, and humanistic impacts of medication
and medication-related healthcare services.
Course Number
Course Title
Credits
GPSC 589
Research Methods in Health Services and Outcomes Research
3
GPSC 592
Evidence Synthesis in Healthcare
3
GPSC 520
Qualitative Methods in Healthcare Research
3
Accreditation
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE):
20 North Clark Street Suite 2500 Chicago, IL 60602
