Doctor Of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)

It's time for BIGGER goals.

With nearly 100 years of experience in educating pharmacists and ranked first among Catholic pharmacy schools by the U.S. News and World Report, the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy's Doctor of Pharmacy and Online Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs benefit graduates almost immediately, with average starting annual salaries of more than $112,000 in a variety of practice settings.

We want you to succeed, not just fill a seat.

Through the Direct Entry option at Duquesne's School of Pharmacy, first-year students 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 program if all criteria are met. Unlike other pharmacy schools, the guaranteed seat in the professional phase eliminates competition for spots among pre-professional students, allowing student pharmacists to focus on their own progression.

We believe in:

  • Educating and mentoring student pharmacists who will advance the profession of pharmacy and pharmaceutical research to improve the health outcomes of patients and their communities.
  • Developing professionals, through student-centered experiences, who are recognized leaders, innovators and advocates in all areas of pharmacy practice and research.
  • Advancing health equity and access to quality healthcare by offering free or low-cost health screenings, healthcare information and more in medically underserved communities in Pittsburgh and beyond. 

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.

Doctor Of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) On-Campus Transfer

Current undergraduate students with four completed semesters and a minimum of 64 credits (including required prerequisites courses) are eligible to transfer directly into the professional phase of the on-campus program.

Transfer Information

Program Information

Optional Concentrations: Acute Care, Ambulatory Care, Community Practice, Entrepreneurial Pharmacy, Geriatric Pharmacy, Health Services & Outcomes Research

Program Type

Major

Degree

Bachelor's, Master's, Doctorate

School

School of Pharmacy

Duration

6 Years Total: 2 Years (Pre-Professional Phase), 4 Years (Professional Phase)

Required Credit Hours

209

Why Choose Us?


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.

Additionall, the School of Pharmacy maintains international partnerships with seven pharmacy schools in five countries across three continents, including:

China
Xi'an Jiaotong University

Italy
University of Bologna
University of Perugia

Japan
Daiichi University
Kobe Gakuin University

Nigeria
Obafemi Awolowo University

Poland
Jagiellonian University

Become A Pharmacist

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 Early Assurance 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, 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)
  • Board Certified Critical Care Pharmacy (BCCCP)
  • Board Certified Pediatric Pharmacy Specialist (BCPPS)
  • Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS)
  • Certified Geriatric Pharmacist (CGP)

By The Numbers

#1Among Catholic Schools Of Pharmacy

2021 U.S. News & World Report

#2Among Catholic Schools Of Pharmacy

2021 NIH Funding

7,400+Living School Of Pharmacy Alumni

Across The United States

0-6Direct Entry Program

Guarantee Your Spot In The Professional Phase

Bridget Trabbold headshot

I chose the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy because of the diversity, opportunity for involvement and hospitality of the school. Best decision ever!

Bridget Trabbold Pharm.D. Candidate, 2024

Non-Traditional Pharmacy Careers

 
 
Pharmacists in a hospital setting

Non-Traditional Pharmacy Careers

Learn More!
 

Pharm.D. Program Curriculum

209 Credits

Course Number Course Title Credits
BIOL 111 Biology I W/ Lab 4
BIOL 203/204 Introductory Microbiology W/ Lab 4
BIOL 207 Anatomy & Physiology I 3
BIOL 209 Anatomy & Physiology II 3
CHEM 121/122 General Chemistry I & II W/ Lab & Recitation 10
CHEM 211/212 Organic Chemistry I & II W/ Lab 8
MATH 115 Calculus I 4
BRDG 101 Writing & Analysis 3
BRDG 102 Writing and Literature 3
THEO Theology-Based Course 3
BRDG 105 Intro to Ethical Reasoning 3
  Essential Questions Seminar 3
  Business-Based Course 3
  Cultural Fluency and Creative Expression 3
PHIL Philosophy-Based Course 3
BRDG 103 IPE Health Research Skills 1
MATH 225 Introduction to Biostatistics 3
PSYC 101 OR SOCI 101 Social & Historical Reasoning 3
PHAR 101 Pre-Professional Seminar (101) 0
PHAR 102 Pre-Professional Seminar (102) 0
PHAR 103 Pre-Professional Seminar (103) 0
PHAR 104 Pre-Professional Seminar (104) 0
  Pre-Professional Phase Total 67
Fall
Course Number Course Title Credits
PHPT 300 Pharmaceutical Calculations 1
PHBM 350 Biochemistry I – Peptides and Carbohydrate Metabolism 3
PHBM 355R Human Physiology and Pathology I/Recitation 4/0
PHCE 360/360R Pharmaceutical Principles and Drug Delivery Systems I/Recitation 3/0
PHBA 340W Pharmaceutical Law and Ethics 2
PHPR 341W Pharmacy Practice I: Patient Care Skills I 2
PHBA 310 The American Health Care System 2
PHIN 321 Ability-Based Laboratory Experience (ABLE) I 0.5
PHEX 301 Continuous Professional Development (CPD) I 0.5
PHAR 300 Doctor of Pharmacy Orientation Program 0
  PY1 Fall Total 18
     
Spring
Course Number Course Title Credits
PHPR 301 Sterile/Non-Sterile Compounding 1
PHBM 351 Biochemistry II – Metabolism, Protein Synthesis and Nucleic Acids 3
PHBM 356 Human Physiology and Pathology II 4
PHCE 361/361R Pharmaceutical Principles and Drug Delivery Systems II/Recitation 3/0
PHBM 352 Foundations in Pharmacology and Medicinal Chemistry 3
PHPR 342W Pharmacy Practice II: Patient Care Skills II 1
PHBA 311 Public Health and Epidemiology 2
PHIN 322 ABLE II 0.5
PHEX 302 CPD II 0.5
  PY1 Spring Total 18
     
Summer
Course Number Course Title Credits
PHEX 372 Intro Experiential Education I 0.5
  PY1 Summer Total 0.5
  PY1 Total 36.5
Fall
Course Number Course Title Credits
PHBM 432 Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Cardiology 5
PHBM 418 Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Infectious Disease I 3
PHBM 436 Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Respiratory Disorders 2
PHBM 401 Therapeutic Case Studies I: A Problem-Based Learning Approach 0
PHCE 430 Biopharmaceutics 3
PHPR 448 Pharmacy Practice IV: Drug Literature Evaluations 2
PHPR 444 Pharmacy Practice III: Self-Care in Pharmacy Practice 2
PHIN 423 ABLE III 0.5
PHEX 403 CPD III 0.5
  PY2 Fall Total 18
     
Spring
Course Number Course Title Credits
PHBM 431 Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Psychiatry and Neurology 4
PHBM 419 Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Infectious Disease II 3
PHBM 435 Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Pain, Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Dosorders 2
PHBM 437 Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Endocrine Disorders 3
PHBM 402 Therapeutic Case Studies II: A Problem-Based Learning Approach 0
PHCE 431 Pharmacokinetics 3
PHPR 498 Pharmaceutical Science and Practice of Immunization 1
PHPR 499 Tobacco Treatment Specialist Training and Certificate Program 1
PHIN 424 ABLE IV 0.5
PHEX 404 CPD IV 0.5
  PY2 Spring Total 18
     
Summer
Course Number Course Title Credits
PHEX 468 Intro Experiential Education II 0.5
  PY2 Summer Total 0.5
  PY2 Total 36.5
Fall
Course Number Course Title Credits
PHPR 443 Pharmacy Practive V: Physical and Clinical Assessment 3
PHPR 442 Pharmacy Practice VI: The Development, Implementation, Management and Evaluation of Pharmacy Services in Current and Future Pharmacy Model 3
PHBA 411 Pharmacy Management Concepts 2
PHBM 441 Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics: Principles of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation 3
PHBM 442 Biomedical Sciences & Therapeutics: Gastroenterology  3
PHBM 403 Therapeutic Case Studies III: A Problem-Based Learning Approach 0
PHIN 469 Community Engaged Learning: Health Promotion/Disease Prevention & Management NS OR 1
PHIN 425 ABLE V 0.5
PHEXT 405 CPD V 0.5
Elective(s)   3
  PY3 Fall Total 18 OR 19
     
Spring
Course Number Course Title Credits
PHBA 413W Management Theory and Application 1
PHBA 412W Advanced Law and Ethics Applications 1
PHBM 443 Biomedical Sciences & Therapeutics: Therapeutics in Special Populations 4
PHBM 444 Biomedical Sciences & Therapeutics: Therapeutics in the Critically Ill 3
PHIN 490 Personalized Therapeutics: Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacogenomics, Pharmaceutics 2
PHBM 404 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
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

(312) 664-3575

www.acpe-accredit.org

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