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PharmD Program

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences


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. Here, you will learn the technical, social, and administrative aspects of pharmacy as you also develop the skills needed to become a healthcare leader.

Our curriculum uses today’s best practices to enhance your learning and provide you with firsthand experience in our technologically advanced labs, in various types of pharmacy settings, and through service opportunities in the community. As a graduate of our program, you will be a highly prepared pharmacy practitioner, ready to provide care to an increasingly diverse patient population in an assortment of environments. Through our curriculum, you will develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a licensed professional equipped to deliver optimal patient care in a caring, collaborative, safe, and culturally aware manner.

NEW! PharmD Distance Program

The Doctor of Pharmacy program will be offered, as a full-time, online distance pathway for new PY1 students to allow them to pursue a career in pharmacy remotely with a minimal on-campus commitment. Learn more about this exciting opportunity.

Outstanding Preparation for the NAPLEX Exam 
The WNE PharmD Class of 2021 earned a high first-time pass rate (91.5%) 
on the NAPLEX Exam, and an 86.6% pass rate on the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).

The NAPLEX first time pass rate of 91.5% significantly exceeds that of the state and national rate, 78% and 83.6%, respectively. This is the fourth consecutive year our pass rates have topped state results and second consecutive year we have topped national results. Our in-state MPJE pass rate of 86.6% also exceeds other MA programs in-state pass rate of 73.5%, and national in-state pass rates of 80.3%.

Why Choose the PharmD Program?

The Doctor of Pharmacy program fosters critical thinking skills; embraces professionalism; and instills a commitment to lifelong learning, community service, and leadership. The four-year program leading to the PharmD degree enrolls a maximum of 75 students for each incoming class. With a student to faculty ratio of 10 to 1 and small laboratory classes, your professors will know your name and take a personal interest in your academic success, a hallmark of a Western New England University education. Students may also earn dual PharmD/MBA or PharmD/MS in Organizational Leadership degrees.

What Will You Learn?

The curriculum entails a competency-based framework, using integrated content and teaching, problem-based approaches when appropriate, integrated technology, and experiential exposure threaded throughout. It is designed to incrementally develop strong scientific foundations (in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, social and administrative, and clinical sciences) and professional skills. During pharmacy practice experiences, learners have many opportunities to demonstrate and apply these skills in progressively advanced methods. The Doctor of Pharmacy tablet (or mobile learning technology) program will enable learners to lease tablets and utilize them in every aspect of the learning process, both didactically and experientially. 

Top 5 Reasons to Choose The Doctor of Pharmacy Degree at WNE

  1. Outstanding Preparation for the NAPLEX Exam
    The WNE PharmD Class of 2020 earned a high first-time pass rate (93.2%) on the NAPLEX Exam, greater than the national average (88.4%). This marks our third consecutive year of having a pass rate greater than 90%, making WNE one of only three programs in the northeast to achieve these results.

  2. Small Class Sizes Mean Individualized Attention and Support.
    The four-year program leading to the PharmD degree enrolls a maximum of 75 students for each incoming class. With a student-to faculty-ratio of 10 to 1 and small laboratory classes, our faculty at Western New England University is renowned for its commitment to individualized student learning and faculty availability to support the learning process.

  3. Dual Degree Opportunities to Double Your Impact
    In addition to the PharmD degree, you can prepare for leadership roles in a wide range of practice areas by simultaneously earning a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Pharmacogenomics offered by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, or an MBA or MS in Organizational Leadership from our AACSB International-accredited College of Business.

  4. An Emphasis on Cocurriculars for Professional Development
    There are a variety of cocurricular activities for our PharmD students to get involved with from honor societies and student government to professional organizations for various branches of pharmacy practice. Participation in these student organizations enriches the learning experience for our doctoral students, helps them to become invested in their community, and provides important connections to their professions.

  5. Earn Scholarships to Advance Your Studies
    Western New England University has a history of making our outstanding educational experience accessible to individuals with academic potential who also have financial need. Many motivated and talented students look to the University for scholarships to enable them to fulfill their educational and career goals. 

Requirements

Each fall the PharmD program admits a maximum class of 75 students. Learn more about our admissions process and requirements.

PharmD Distance Pathway

Are you looking for a rigorous online option to pursue your Doctor of Pharmacy degree?

Pending approval from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will offer a full-time, online distance pathway to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.

This full-time program provides the same curriculum and experiences as our campus-based PharmD program while offering more day-to-day flexibility. This rigorous online opportunity will prepare you to become a pharmacist in the ever-changing medical field through access to our caring, expert faculty; a comprehensive and up-to-date curriculum; and experiential learning in your area.

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Core Competencies

The Doctor of Pharmacy program has 10 general and professional ability-based outcomes which are required of its graduates. These are referred to as the WCOP Core Comps.

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Accreditations

The Doctor of Pharmacy Program at the Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60503, 312/664-3575; FAX 312/664-4652. Learn more

Accreditations

Experiential Education

Learn more about the practice component of the Pharmacy curriculum, which we call Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs) and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs).

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Housing

Western New England University offers campus housing for students in our doctoral programs as space allows.

Graduate Housing

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  • PharmD Viewbook

    Western New England University offers a personal pharmacy education for students who will go on to work in one of America’s most trusted professions in healthcare. Our professional program integrates science, communication, ethics, management, and practical learning in the four-year curriculum.

    Viewbook
  • Dual Degrees

    WNE PharmD students are eligible for admission for our PharmD/MS in Pharmacogenomics or PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences.  Applicants can apply after at least one semester in the PharmD program and will be evaluated based on their performance to date in the PharmD program and their undergraduate academic record. Pharmacy students who see their future careers in management and leadership roles may also choose to pursue one of our dual degrees offered through the AACSB International accredited College of Business: the PharmD/MBA or the PharmD/MS in Organizational Leadership.