Curriculum
Our accredited Doctor of Pharmacy program requires three years of pre-pharmacy studies followed by four years of professional education, regardless of prior degrees.
Students spend the first three years of the Doctor of Pharmacy program on the WSU Health Sciences campus in Spokane or the WSU Doctor of Pharmacy program extension on the Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences campus in Yakima.
The fourth year is a series of 7 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) in assigned geographic locations across Washington, Idaho, Oregon and in northern California. Read more about our rotations on the Office of Experiential Services webpage.
Innovation in teaching
The College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) takes seriously our mission to develop outstanding health care professionals and scientists. We have a long history of being committed to preparing pharmacists to enter the practice of pharmacy today, and to lead the changes in the practice of pharmacy that are certain to come in the future. Student pharmacists begin interacting with patients and other health care professionals in their first year, and direct patient care opportunities continue throughout the curriculum.
Patient care
Student pharmacists begin interacting with patients and other health care professionals in their first year, and direct patient care opportunities continue throughout the curriculum.
A better teaching model
New pharmacists are entering a world of constant change and collaboration; competent graduating pharmacists must therefore also be lifelong learners and collaborators. Our curriculum prepares you for this environment. We put the focus on the successful development of the student. You will be expected to be actively involved and take ownership in the learning process both inside and outside the classroom.
We pair a traditional teaching model with a system of support and learning resources to ensure each student has the greatest opportunity for success. Student ambassadors, student mentors, student-led organizations, student services resources, free campus tutoring, alumni mentoring, and faculty advisors provide a network that contributes to student achievement.
Our integrated student support system aligns with our commitment to create a rigorous and community-focused educational experience for all students.
Professional certificate training
As one of the first programs in the nation to offer immunization training, our college has helped spearhead public access to immunizations. In the second year of the Doctor of Pharmacy program, you will complete the Washington State Pharmacy Association (WSPA) vaccination training certificate program so that you can begin working in community health clinics and gain real-world experiences during rotations. Receiving our nationally recognized training certificate not only helps you get a head start in working with patients, but also gives you vital skills for your career in pharmacy.
Certificates & Dual Degrees
Pharmacy students looking to extend their skill-sets beyond the realm of pharmacy have the option to participate in certificate and dual degree programs.
Four professional years
Our Doctor of Pharmacy program consists of four professional years. Below is a brief description that outlines the learning objectives of each year:
Foundational biomedical & pharmaceutical sciences
Professional year 1
Key concepts include understanding the connection between how biochemistry, anatomy and physiology relates to drug therapy, the top 200 drugs, foundational physical assessment and communication skills.
Mastery of theoretical background and application
Professional year 2
Student pharmacists engage in increased peer-to-peer role-play, simulation of real world clinical scenarios, and faculty-led case discussions with constructive and helpful feedback.
Empowering interdisciplinary and interprofessional team collaboration
Professional year 3
Student pharmacists take patient assessment and evaluation skills to a higher level by working with complicated patient cases and developing confidence in building patient specific therapeutic plans.
Rotations
Professional year 4
This year is split into 7, 6-week advanced pharmacy practice experience rotations. Students will be in real practice settings and be involved with the care of patients under the supervision of a WSU preceptor.
Pharmacy careers
“One of the greatest aspects of my position is the variety. On any given day I may research information about a new drug for a monograph I am writing, answer questions from pharmacists and patients, and help teach a class.”
– Terri Levien, Drug Information Pharmacist & Clinical Professor
Pharmacy Practice and Professional Development course overview
Pharmacy Practice and Professional Development (PPPD) is a 6-course series taught during the fall of each semester of the didactic curriculum. This course series is designed to support the development of the skills, attitudes and values that are essential for practicing health care professionals as you prepare for and reflect upon your rotation experiences. This course introduces the 10 pharmacist attributes, per ACPE accreditation standards 3 and 4 (self-awareness, professionalism, innovation and entrepreneurship, leadership, problem solving, interprofessional collaboration, communication, education, patient advocacy and cultural awareness). The intent of the PPPD course series is to provide students with strategies focused on learning, well-being, career development, development within the 10 pharmacist attributes, and co-curricular engagement to enhance success throughout the program and post-graduation.
These courses connect to the yearly Continuous Professional Development Plan and Co-Curricular requirements. Want to learn more? Visit the Advising & Co-Curricular Engagement page.
Pharmacy Practice and Professional Development – Year 1:
Professional year one students work to begin answering the question: Who am I as a professional student pharmacist?
Students are supported on navigating their own professional journey as they begin working on their Continuous Professional Development Plan and Co-Curricular requirements. This academic year focuses on problem solving, communication, self-awareness, and professionalism.
Examples of topics covered: Acclimating to pharmacy school; navigating and getting the most out of the curriculum and co-curriculum; goal setting; career exploration; development of a Continuous Professional Development Plan and Co-Curricular Activities; study skills; life/school balance and wellness.
Pharmacy Practice and Professional Development – Year 2:
PY2 students focus on answering the following question : Who am I as a health care provider?
During the second academic year students continue their professional journey through the development of their Continuous Professional Development Plan and targeted Co-Curricular experiences. This year focuses on on interprofessional collaboration, demonstration of cultural sensitivity, communication, self-awareness, leadership, and professionalism.
Domains covered include: Strategic reflection for professional growth; self-assessment; cultural exploration; ethics in health care; wellness in health care; leadership in health care; career opportunities.
Pharmacy Practice and Professional Development – Year 3:
PY3 students seek to answer this question: Who am I as an innovative individual who serves to meet the needs of the community?
Student pharmacists refine the focus of their Continuous Professional Development Plan and Co-Curricular experiences. This year focuses on education, patient advocacy, cultural sensitivity, self-awareness, innovation, and entrepreneurship and professionalism.
Examples of topics covered: self-assessment; the future of health care; assessing unmet community needs; career exploration and opportunities; residency and job searching and preparation for advanced rotations.