Doctor of Pharmacy

Have completed specific prerequisite coursework (51 trimester credit hours) from an accredited post-secondary institution in the United States.

Submit 2 letters of recommendation (math/science professor, pharmacist (supervisor), employer (supervisor), healthcare professional (supervisor), liberal arts professor).

Submit a complete PharmCAS application.

Complete an interview and extemporaneous essay.

Required prerequisite courses:

Two (2) courses in General Chemistry (four trimester credit hours each, including a lab).
Two (2) courses in Organic Chemistry (four trimester credit hours each, including a lab)
Two (2) courses in General Biology (with Cell Biology) (four trimester credit hours each, including a lab).
One (1) course in Human/Mammalian Physiology (three trimester credit hours each, including lab).
One (1) course in Human Anatomy (three trimester credit hours each, including a lab).
One (1) course in Calculus (with Analytical Geometry) (three trimester credit hours).
One (1) course in Statistics (three trimester credit hours).
One (1) course in Speech Communication/Public Speaking/Interpersonal Communication or Debate (three trimester credit hours).
Two (2) courses in English Composition (three trimester credit hours each).
One (1) course in Biochemistry (three trimester credit hours each).
One (1) course in Microbiology (three trimester credit hours each, including a lab).

Preferred Coursework (not required):

Physics with Laboratory (may be non-calculus based) 4 credits/6 credits

Completion of prerequisite coursework with a cumulative and math/science grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 is required.

A minimum prerequisite course grade of “C” is required.

School of Pharmacy Transfer and Advanced Standing Credit Policy

Individuals previously enrolled in a Doctor of Pharmacy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education may request advanced standing transfer into the West Coast University (WCU) PharmD program. Requests for transfer into the WCU School of Pharmacy PharmD program will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the requirements noted below and are contingent upon space availability. Acceptance of transfer credit does not guarantee that the student will enter the same academic year as the college or school from which they are transferring.

The School of Pharmacy allows for the transfer of credits towards advanced standing when enrolling in the PharmD program over the University's TOC policy of nine (9) credits for graduate programs. However, it is generally not more than 50% of the total credits for the 144-credit PharmD program (maximum 72 credits to be transferred). Ultimately, the total number of transfer credits awarded is at the discretion of the Dean pending the credit evaluation and any applicant's individual or extenuating circumstances. Only coursework completed with a grade of C (73%) or better will be considered for transfer.

In addition to meeting all requirements for admission to the WCU School of Pharmacy, the following documentation must be submitted for review.

(1) West Coast University Center for Graduate Study (CGS) Admission Application
(2) Application Fee
(3) Personal statement to the Dean outlining reasons for seeking a transfer to West Coast University School of Pharmacy.
(4) A letter on official College/School letterhead from the Dean or Assistant/Associate Dean of Academic Affairs of the originating College/School of Pharmacy outlining details of the applicant's academic performance, and a statement that the candidate is in good academic and professional standing. The letter, addressed to the WCU School of Pharmacy Dean, can be sent via email in .pdf format to pharmdadmissions@westcoastuniversity.edu or via US Mail.
(5) Two Letters of Recommendation from a Professional Reference (Faculty, Healthcare Professional, or University Administrator).
(6) Official Transcripts from the applicant’s current school/college/institution.
(7) Official Transcripts from all institutions where prerequisite coursework was completed.
(8) Course syllabi for each pharmacy course completed at the school/college of origin.

The transfer candidate will be notified to meet with the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for an interview upon satisfactory submission and evaluation of all documents. If approved for admission, the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs will inform the candidate.

If approval to transfer to WCU SOP is granted, the candidate will be notified by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

Graduate Core Credits

144

Total

144

Three (3) Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE), 120 hrs. per IPPE, total of 360 hours       

Six (6) Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE), 6 blocks of 6 weeks, total of 1440 hours