Doctor of Pharmacy
The Doctor of Pharmacy program is 150 semester hours of full-time study, offered in nine semesters over three or four years. The curriculum prepares graduates to become licensed pharmacists who are able to practice in a wide array of professional settings.
The Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum explores the role of medications in the management of health and treatment of diseases of all populations of people. Students study the basic biological and pharmaceutical sciences, including pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and pharmaceutics, that form the foundation of modern medication therapy. Application of these principles is achieved during the curriculum through team-based learning that focuses on real-world, professional situations that require critical thinking, communication, and team-building skills. Students also learn about the U.S. health care system, pharmacy law, using drug information resources, health care ethics, and more. The primary teaching strategy used throughout the curriculum is team-based learning, which is an active learning method that emphasizes student preparation and assessment both as an individual and as a member of a student team. During the curriculum, students learn how to apply fundamental principles to medication management as part of a health care team.
The School of Pharmacy program offers students experiential learning opportunities throughout the curriculum. Experiential learning opportunities are designed to allow the students to apply the knowledge gained from courses in a variety of health care settings. The experiential sequence includes both introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences. The introductory experiential component consists of one semester of campus-based learning and five semesters of off-campus introductory practice experiences. The advanced experiential component requires students to complete seven, six-week experiences during the summer semester following their third year and both semesters of their fourth professional years. Participation in the experiential learning component of the program necessitates travel to various sites in the Denver metro and surrounding areas. Advanced pharmacy practice experiences are also offered (but not required) in other states within the United States, its territories and possessions. All expenses incurred during the introductory and advanced practice experiences are the responsibility of the student. During any one rotation students are given choices within a select subset of these sites.
The goal of the curriculum is found within the educational outcomes of the Regis University School of Pharmacy developed by the faculty. The educational outcomes are:
A Regis Pharmacist Must Be Knowledgeable.
Regis University School of Pharmacy must prepare students so that they know how:
- to acquire and process information to solve problems efficiently;
- the pharmacy profession fits into the interdisciplinary health care system;
- to integrate knowledge from different scientific and academic disciplines into pharmacy practice;
- the economic, psychological, social, and cultural factors affect all aspects of health care;
- scientific and clinical principles dictate disease management strategies; and
- the business, social and administrative aspects affect pharmacy practice.
A Regis Pharmacist Must Be Skillful.
Regis University School of Pharmacy must ensure that students will:
- acquire and critically evaluate information related to patient care;
- provide pharmaceutical care using evidence-based principles;
- accurately communicate drug therapy information to health care professionals, patients and their caregivers;
- be proficient in drug compounding, distribution, and administration;
- demonstrate the ability to manage basic business aspects of pharmacy practice;
- be able to adapt to changes in the health care system; and
- collaborate with all members of the health care team.
A Regis Pharmacist Must Be Principled.
Regis University School of Pharmacy must foster students who are:
- aware of their own and others’ emotions and respond to them appropriately;
- accountable to, responsible to, and respectful of others;
- committed to continuous professional and personal development;
- empathetic towards others;
- trustworthy;
- prepared for leadership roles in the profession and the community;
- ethical and socially responsible;
- culturally aware when interacting with others;
- sensitive to issues of social justice; and
- willing to accept the crucial role that pharmacists play in achieving a common good within society.
Essential Functions
In order to provide safe and effective pharmacy care, a student in the Doctor of Pharmacy program is expected to possess functional use of the senses of vision, hearing, and somatic sensation. All information received by the senses must be integrated, analyzed, and synthesized in a consistent and accurate manner. The applicant/student must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. Students must possess the ability to communicate in many forms, and also must have adequate psychomotor and cognitive skills and must possess the psychological ability required for utilization of their intellectual abilities.
If a student cannot meet these essential skills and abilities, it is the responsibility of the student to request appropriate accommodations. The university will provide reasonable accommodation as long as it does not fundamentally alter the nature of the program offered and does not impose an undue hardship. The details of the essential functions are found in the School of Pharmacy Student Handbook.
Admission
The School of Pharmacy uses a holistic admissions process. Holistic admissions is a flexible, individualized way of assessing an applicant’s capabilities by which balanced consideration is given to experiences, attributes, and academic metrics and, when considered in combination, how the individual might contribute value as a pharmacist. With the exception of Regis undergraduate student who participate in an internal pathway to the PharmD program, applicants to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program must complete and submit their application through the PharmCAS system at www.pharmcas.org. Initial screening of PharmCAS applications is performed by the Office of Admissions. Screening is based on selection criteria designed by the School of Pharmacy faculty. All applicants, including Regis undergraduates in internal pathways, who meet the required qualifications are invited for an interview with members of the faculty and leaders in the pharmacy community.
The Interview Selection Criteria
- Recommended minimum science and mathematics grade point average of 2.5 (on 4.0 scale)
- Required grade of C- or better in prerequisites. Prerequisite course work must be completed prior to matriculation.
- Submission of the PharmCAS application.
- One letter of recommendation.
- If English is not the applicant’s native/first language, the applicant must meet the following language proficiency requirement:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet-based: Minimum score of 82 (24 Writing, 20 Speaking, 22 Reading, 16 Listening), Computer-based: Minimum score of 213. Regis University's TOEFL code is 4656.
- Applicants who have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited US institution do not need to provide a TOEFL score.
0-5 PharmD Early Assurance Program
The School of Pharmacy offers direct entry to the PharmD program via the 0-5 PharmD Early Assurance Program. Exceptional high school seniors applying to Regis College are invited to apply to this program if the meet the following criteria:
- Meet criteria for undergraduate study in Regis College.
- Committed to obtaining a PharmD degree.
- Have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Willing to live on campus for the first two years of study.
After it has been determined that these applicants meet the criteria for admission to Regis College, the applicants are interviewed for entry to the PharmD program and faculty in the school of pharmacy make a decision about their entry into the 0-5 PharmD Early Assurance Program.
To maintain status as a 0-5 PharmD Early Assurance student, a student must do the following:
- Live on campus the first two years of study.
- Maintain a GPA of 3.0 or better throughout their studies at Regis University.
- Pursue the set course schedule of study throughout the program.
- Have no documented professionalism or academic integrity issues during pre-pharmacy studies.
- Remain in the same cohort throughout their time of study.
Students who lose their status as an Early Assurance student during their pre-pharmacy studies may continue their studies in Regis College, unless otherwise disqualified, and are invited to apply for entry into Doctor of Pharmacy program as a regular applicant.
Pre-Pharmacy Track
The School of Pharmacy offers a guaranteed interview for entrance into the Doctor of Pharmacy program for Regis University students meeting certain criteria. Students must have completed at least three semesters of full-time study at Regis University, have maintained a cumulative GPA and cumulative math/science GPA of 3.0 or above during the pre-professional phase, and have met the minimum requirements for admission. Student must also have no documented professionalism or academic integrity issues while enrolled in Regis College. Regis undergraduate student who do not meet the above criteria and desire admittance into the Regis University Doctor of Pharmacy program are invited to apply through PharmCAS as any other applicant.
Interview Day
Selected applicants will be invited for a one day on-campus or virtual interview.
Qualified Applicants
Multiple criteria are used, and they are considered holistically, in admission screening and decisions. At minimum, the criteria considered for all applicants include:
- Performance on all interview components
- Science and mathematics grade point average (recommended minimum of 2.5 on a 4.0 grading scale).
- Prerequisite grades
- Required grade of C- or better in prerequisites. Prerequisite course work must be completed prior to matriculation.
- Submission of the PharmCAS application
- One letter of recommendation
- If English is not your native/first language, you must meet the following language proficiency requirement:
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet-based: Minimum score of 82 (24 Writing, 20 Speaking, 22 Reading, 16 Listening); Computer based: Minimum score of 213. Regis University’s TOEFL code is 4656.
- Applicant that have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at a regionally accredited US institution do not need to provide a TOEFL score.
Should the GPA requirement not be met but an applicant demonstrates strong or promising potential, an applicant may be considered for an interview day, with exception, if approved by the School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee.
Offer of Admission
Applicants who have met the admission criteria, including prerequisite and compliance materials, and submitted all application documentation will be offered admission in the Doctor of Pharmacy program.
Alternate List
If a candidate meets the criteria for admission but there is no space available in the class, an alternate list may be maintained until the beginning of classes. If space becomes available, alternate list applicants will receive written notification and/or a phone call of an offer of admission.
Deposit
Applicants must reply to the Office of Admissions within 10 days of receipt of the offer of admissions. A non-refundable deposit is required upon acceptance. The current deposit amount can be found at www.regis.edu/pharmd. Applicants that matriculate into the Doctor of Pharmacy program will have their deposit applied to tuition for the fall semester of the first year following matriculation.
TOEFL
If English is not the applicant’s native or first language, the applicant must submit a TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score. A minimum score of 82 on the Internet-based TOEFL (24 writing, 20 speaking, 22 reading, 16 listening), or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, is required. The TOEFL code for Regis University is 4656. Applicants that have successfully completed an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited U.S. institution do not need to provide a TOEFL score.
International Students
There are specific requirements for international students that must be met to be considered for admission at Regis University. All applicants must meet the above defined minimum qualifications for admission plus International students must:
- Submit an evaluation of foreign educational credentials from one of the agencies approved by Regis University (Note: approved agencies can be found at www.naces.org. Photocopies of the evaluation are not acceptable);
- Submit a completed International Supplemental Application;
- Have received a minimum score of 82 on the Internet-based TOEFL (24 writing, 20 speaking, 22 reading, 16 listening), or 213 on the computer-based TOEFL, if English is not the applicant’s native or first language (Note: TOEFL code for Regis University is 4656); and
- Submit additional documentation as required by Regis University.
Prerequisites
Prerequisite course work must be completed prior to matriculation into the School of Pharmacy. A minimum of 49 semester hours of prerequisite coursework is required prior to entry into the program. Although only 49 semester hours of prerequisite coursework is needed for the PharmD program, qualification for financial aid requires 72 semester hours of prerequisite coursework or a bachelor's degree.
Students should contact the Office of Admissions for inquiries regarding course equivalencies in prerequisite requirements. Students may complete prerequisites at Regis University or at any regionally accredited college of university in the United States. International graduates must submit an evaluation of foreign educational credentials from one of the agencies approved by Regis University. All prerequisite coursework must be completed before a student begins the program. Students may be admitted prior to completion of all prerequisites contingent upon successful completion by the start of classes.
| Code | Title | SHs |
|---|---|---|
| Natural Sciences and Mathematics | ||
| General Biology and Lab I | 4.00 | |
| General Biology and Lab II | 4.00 | |
| General Chemistry and Lab I | 4.00 | |
| General Chemistry and Lab II | 4.00 | |
| Organic Chemistry and Lab I | 4.00 | |
| Organic Chemistry and Lab II | 4.00 | |
| College Algebra or higher | 3.00 | |
| Human Anatomy (Lab Recommended) | 3.00 | |
| Human Physiology (Lab Recommended) | 3.00 | |
| One upper division biology course with lab 1 | 4.00 | |
| Written and Oral Communication | ||
| English Composition | 3.00 | |
| Speech Communication or equivalent | 3.00 | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| (Psychology and Sociology recommended) | 6.00 | |
- 1
Examples include Biochemistry and Lab, Cell Biology and Lab, Genetics/Genomics and lab, Immunology and lab, Microbiology and lab, and Molecular and lab.
Limitations of Prerequisites
There is a seven-year limit on the calculus prerequisite. However, this time limit may be waived if the applicant has a prior bachelor’s degree or higher. Applicants with a prior bachelor’s degree, who have completed this prerequisite outside this limitation will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Transfer Credit From Another School of Pharmacy
The Regis University SOP curriculum includes Integrated Pharmacotherapy courses for the first three professional years, which integrate therapeutics and content from pharmaceutics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and biological science. Because the curriculum is highly integrated, Regis University does not accept transfer credit from other schools of pharmacy.
Computer Literacy
Students are required to be computer literate prior to entering the program. Necessary skills include proficiency in several computer programs, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Students are also expected to be comfortable navigating web pages using common Internet browsers, attaching documents to e-mails, and participating in online discussion groups as required by specific courses within the program. For students unfamiliar with computers and software, courses can be taken through community colleges, continuing education programs or through private companies prior to beginning the program.
Students are also required to have a laptop or personal electronic device (i.e., iPad or Surface Pro) that meets the minimum requirements for our testing software. These requirements can be found at https://examsoft.com/resources/examplify-minimum-system-requirements/#windows29.
Computer-based Testing Requirements
If an assessment is administered electronically, students must use their personal device with specifications as described in the minimum system requirements or a provided desktop computer. Most quizzes and exams will be taken electronically. Students may use a laptop computer or a provided desktop computer for exams. It is recommended that students also have access to a printer and broadband internet access (cable or DSL) at home. There is no formal support from either the University or the School for personal electronic devices. Students are responsible for maintaining a functioning laptop, Surface Pro, or iPad.
Since nearly all public spaces on the Regis campus have wireless internet access, any device with a wireless internet allows students to access internet resources necessary for the School of Pharmacy program such as library databases, audio and video files pertinent to course content, and specialized databases.
Advising
A faculty advisor is assigned to all Doctor of Pharmacy students. An advisor counsels students on the process for meeting requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy program and provides guidance and support for progression throughout the program as necessary. Students are required to meet with their advisors at least once a year to facilitate ongoing dialogue and development of professional behaviors, complete portfolio requirements, and address graduation criteria throughout their studies. All first-year students are also supported by the School of Pharmacy Success Coach. The Student Success Coach is essential in helping students navigate resources available at Regis University. The Student Success Coach can also assist student as they determine which pathway by which they will obtain their PharmD (traditional or accelerated). The Student Success Coach works closely with the student's advisor, the RUSOP Assistant Dean of Student Affairs, and the RUSOP Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs in supporting students during the first-year of the program.
Program Progression/Probation/ Suspension/Dismissal
See details within the RHCHP Academic Standing and Penalties section of this Catalog and the School of Pharmacy Supplemental Student Handbook.
Graduation Requirements
The following requirements apply to all current and future students:
Students must meet the following criteria to be awarded the Doctor of Pharmacy degree:
- Satisfactory completion of 150 semester hours of 600 or 700-level academic and clinical coursework.
- Cumulative GPA of 3.000 and no less than a “C” grade in any course.
- Satisfactory completion and final defense of the Professional Development Portfolio.
- Satisfactory completion of all degree requirements within six years (72 months) from the date of matriculation.
- Recommendation for the degree by the faculty of the School of Pharmacy.