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The Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum consists of four years of full-time study to prepare students to be leaders and innovators in pharmacy practice. All students complete a required core curriculum and select an emphasis in one of three pathways: Pharmaceutical Care, Pharmaceutical Health Policy & Management, or Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The first and second professional years are intended to broaden the students' knowledge in the basic biological, physical, and chemical sciences and understanding of the areas of professional emphasis in pharmacy. The emphasis in academic instruction shifts from the physical to the biological sciences to the mechanisms of drug action. Throughout the curriculum, students take elective coursework to explore their professional interests and the varied dimensions of pharmacy practice. In addition, through Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs), students gain patient care experience in a variety of practice settings. See Year 1 course descriptions. See Year 2 course descriptions.
The third professional year is a transitional year, combining additional scientific and professional courses with a significant clinical orientation. Students take an increasing number of pathway-specific courses in the third year. See Year 3 course descriptions. See pathways curriculum.
The fourth year combines experience in patient care settings with a focus on the pathway through a combination of required and elective courses. Students complete advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs) in a variety of acute, ambulatory, long-term care, and community settings. The clinical curriculum focuses on applying formal classroom training to the practice of pharmacy in the total health care of patients. See pathways curriculum.
Elective courses enable you to further extend your study into the areas which interest you.
Go To: PharmD Degree Program
The UCSF Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum prepares graduates to:
Students in the PharmD degree program may apply during the first, second, or third year to enter a combined PharmD/PhD program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics. Graduates of this combined PharmD/PhD degree are uniquely qualified to translate basic research into clinical applications. Learn more about the PharmD/PhD Program.
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