Doctor of Pharmacy

Rural Health Track

Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences > Doctor of Pharmacy > Dual Degrees & Specialized Tracks > Rural Health Track

Access to health care continues to be a challenge for the nearly 800,000 people living in rural Washington. To help increase access to quality health care in these areas, the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS) is offering a specialized track for student pharmacists who are committed to expanding pharmacist care in rural communities.

You can apply to the Rural Health Track at the end of your first year in the PharmD program. Once admitted, you will be assigned a faculty or alumni mentor to guide you along your successful completion of the track. Along with Doctor of Pharmacy coursework, you will learn about the demographics, ethnicity, and employment of the diverse populations you will serve. If accepted into this specialized track, you will also be eligible to receive a $10,000 scholarship. Upon graduation, you will be equipped with the skills, tools, and network needed to work and thrive in a rural setting.

Program Details

Access to Specialized Elective Course Work

  • Fall PY2: Introduction to Rural Health Care (2 credits)
  • Spring PY2: Introduction to Rural Health Care and Research Methods (2 credits)
  • Fall PY3: Policy, Advocacy, and Legislature for Rural Health (1 credit)
  • Spring PY3: Chronic Disease Management and Role of the Rural Health Pharmacist (1 credit)

Capstone Course – 2 to 4 Elective Credits

  • Longitudinal special project focused on improving an aspect of rural health care
  • Faculty and community mentors
  • Present results at a regional or national meeting, develop a manuscript for publication

IPPE and APPE Rotations Scheduled at Rural Sites

Multiple home zones available across the state

Interprofessional Service and Learning Experiences in Rural Communities

Unique Mentoring Program

Faculty and alumni advisors with rural pharmacy experience will guide you as you complete the track

Benefits of Participation

  • Special preparation for a rewarding career with opportunities to positively impact health disparities and improve access to care
  • Access to additional scholarships up to $10,000 per year
  • Access to loan repayment programs upon graduation if practicing in a qualifying setting
  • Assistance with identifying post-graduate training opportunities in rural health
  • Distinguish yourself from your peers: special recognition at commencement, certificate of completion for your curriculum vitae

Applying to the Rural Health Track

Ideal applicants for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences rural health track are student pharmacists with a commitment to practicing pharmacy in Washington state’s rural communities. Student pharmacists that are from rural communities in Washington state and hope to return to those communities are especially encouraged to apply.

Requirements of Applicants

  • Completion of the fall semester PY1 year
  • Maintenance of good academic standing, passing all courses throughout the PharmD curriculum
  • Scholarship recipients make a commitment to practice in a rural setting in Washington state for at least 3 years after graduation

How to Apply

To be considered for admission into the Rural Health Track, please submit your application materials by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Monday, December 18, 2023 via email to Angela Stewart at stewas@wsu.edu.

2023 Application [PDF]