The role of the pharmacist is changing, and the Western New England University Doctor of Pharmacy program prepares you to be a part of that future through the Distance Learning Pathway (DLP). As the practice of pharmacy transitions, WNE is meeting the moment through a comprehensive and adaptable online curriculum.
Yes. Our PharmD Distance Learning Pathway has been approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and we are excited to offer this pathway to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree. You can find additional information regarding our PharmD accreditation on our accreditation page.
A distance pathway allows students to receive the same excellence in education without the need to relocate, as well as a more flexible schedule to allow students to learn when it best meets their life schedule.
Classes will be delivered both asynchronously and synchronously. For asynchronous classes, students do not need to be online attending class at the same time as the on-campus students. The exception to this will be for final exam week, in which distance students will be taking exams during weekdays at the same time as campus students. Each week, there will be three consistent and scheduled days of asynchronous classes and two days of synchronous activities. Asynchronous days will include class material that can be completed online at any time. Synchronous days will consist of scheduled discussions, faculty office hours, group work, student organization meetings, laboratories, and assessments. Scheduled class and meeting sessions will begin no earlier than 10:00 a.m. ET. WNE believes in the value of face-to-face interactions with students and faculty, connecting with each other to facilitate engagement and inclusion. There will be five 1-2 week-long immersive sessions over the course of the 4-year program in which students will be on campus.
On-campus housing will be available during immersive sessions at a daily rate. Additional information on costs can be found on the PharmD page. Should on-campus housing be limited due to campus population needs, a list of economical hotels will be provided.
It is important for students to understand that taking courses online does not mean they will be any less demanding than campus-based learning. The distance pathway encompasses the same curriculum and delivers the same excellent education as the campus-based pathway. It will require the same educational commitment but with some added day-to-day flexibility. Successful distance students can communicate well through writing, be self-motivated and disciplined, be willing to ask for help when needed, use effective time management skills, and have basic technical skills. To help determine if an online program will be a good fit for you, take a quick self-assessment.
Candidates will apply through PharmCAS, the same system used for on-campus PharmD program applications. Additional information can be found on the application information page.
Distance pathway students will be expected on campus at the following times:
On-campus housing will be available during immersive sessions at a daily rate. Should on-campus housing be limited due to campus population needs, a list of economical hotels will be provided.
The curriculum of the distance pathway to the PharmD closely mirrors the campus-based pathway, with the exception of the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE), which will take place over the summers between professional years 1 and 2 (PY1-PY2) and professional years 2 and 3 (PY2-PY3). Both pathways include 146 credits over four years, consisting of didactic, laboratory, and experiential coursework. Courses will be offered in 15-week fall and spring semesters. Some of the semester coursework will be completed during the immersive campus-based sessions (1-2 weeks long) scheduled in May and January.
State-of-the-art tablet devices will be provided to all students. All required applications and software will be installed on the devices and fully supported. Upon program completion, ownership of the tablets will be transferred to the student for $1. Technical support is available via phone, email, or virtually to assist students.
Due to ACPE restrictions, international students are not eligible for the distance learning pathways. U.S. citizens and permanent residents must reside in the U.S. to complete experiential education. Additionally, technological support or accommodations cannot be guaranteed for students traveling outside the U.S.
We currently have affiliated practice sites for experiential education available in many locations throughout the United States and have the ability to add new affiliations. Students will identify potential sites for clinical experiences by submitting a request for the program to add a clinical site at least six months in advance of rotations. Students in the distance learning pathway will complete 2-4 credits of IPPE (112-224 hours) in a community or health system pharmacy during the summer between PY1 and PY2. During the summer between PY2 and PY3, students will complete 2-4 more credits of IPPE (depending on how many credits are completed during the first summer), which equals 336 total hours (6 credits) for IPPE experiences, with a minimum of 112 hours (2 credits) in a health system pharmacy. Every effort will be made to secure in your area; however, if one is not able to be identified, you may be required to come to campus.
APPE clinical rotations in the distance pathway will follow the same schedule and requirements as the on-campus pathway (eight 6-week rotations). Students may be required to complete one 6-week experience with WNE faculty.
Housing will be made available for students completing APPEs in the Springfield area. Additional costs will apply.
*Due to the limited number of health systems and unavailability of sites in Puerto Rico, students from Puerto Rico will be required to complete health system rotations (one IPPE and at least three APPEs) in the continental United States.
Yes. Both programs offer distance online learning.
Students may be able to transfer (one time) from one pathway to the other for extenuating circumstances.
The intent of the 0-6 Pharmacy program is for students to complete the prerequisite coursework and the PharmD degree on campus. At the point of transition into the PharmD program, students may be able to choose the online distance pathway, if space is available.
The tuition and fees for the distance pathway are the same as for the on-campus program. Additional details can be found on our Cost & Aid page.
