School of Pharmacy

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Overview

Pharmacists are professionals who have studied drug development, use and distribution. Pharmacists work with physicians and other health-care professionals to create, implement, and monitor drug treatment plans. Pharmacists require clinical drug therapy knowledge, excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills as well as effective communication capability.

Northeastern University Bouvé College of Health Sciences provides a unique educational experience, combining the best in classroom, laboratory and experiential learning under the direction of a world class faculty, right in the heart of Boston. 

Distinctive Features

• 0-6 pharmacy program - most students are admitted as freshmen
• Opportunities for participation in:
  • lab-based and field research;
  • global experiences;
  • leadership; and
  • political advocacy
• Cooperative education (Co-op), a program unique among US schools of pharmacy, provides for three 4-month experiences, with a total of up to 48 weeks of full-time practical experience, that satisfy the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE) requirement of the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)
• A Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies (non-licensing) degree is conferred at the end of the didactic portion of the curriculum
• A Doctor of Pharmacy degree is conferred following the successful completion of the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy Studies degree and six 6-week Advance Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE), after which graduates qualify to take the national board examination, NAPLEX, to become licensed pharmacists.

Curriculum

The Doctor of Pharmacy Program provides a foundation of basic science and targeted liberal arts course work, a comprehensive, integrated professional course curriculum and extensive professional work experience that prepares students for work in a wide variety of pharmacy practice settings.

Read the PharmD curriculum plan.

Experiential Learning

The pharmacy curriculum includes introductory (cooperative education) and advanced pharmacy practice experiences.  These pharmacy practice experiences are provided primarily under the direct supervision of qualified pharmacist preceptors and occasionally with other qualified health care professionals.  The school is affiliated with many world-class practice sites in metropolitan Boston and throughout the United States, providing students with access to experienced clinicians and scholars.  Although every effort is made to accommodate individual circumstances and requests, students should be prepared to travel outside of the Boston area to complete some of their pharmacy practice experiences.  Availability of a car may be required, as some sites are not accessible by public transportation.  All expenses associated with pharmacy practice experiences, including travel and housing, are the responsibility of the student.

Co-operative experiences are an integral part of a Northeastern education. Learn more about the PharmD employers and opportunities on the NU Pharmacy Co-op page.

How to Apply

High School Seniors:  To apply to the 0-6 Doctor of Pharmacy program at Northeastern, visit our Admissions website to access our undergraduate online application process. 

Transfer Students:  For students looking to transfer into the program (and begin coursework for the fall 2014 semester), we will be introducing a new application process that will be developed by the fall of 2013.  Application details, as well as prerequisite requirements, are currently being determined. To receive further information when it becomes available, please visit our admissions website and submit an inquiry form which can be found at the following link:  https://neubos3ss375v.nunet.neu.edu/inquiryform/inquiryform.asp

Licensure Pass Rates

The pass rate for the Northeastern Class of 2012 taking the NAPLEX exam was 99.11%.

Computer Requirement

School of Pharmacy students must have a current laptop computer (see below for suggested specifications) during the professional years of the program (P1-P4).   

Pharmacy educators and pharmacy practitioners depend on graduates being functional users of information technology and networked information resources. Pharmacists rely extensively on information systems in the provision of patient care. Our school of pharmacy will ensure that students are well prepared to optimally use information technologies for life-long learning, professional practice and research. 

Laptop computers are used for a variety of tasks including, but not limited to: conducting on-line research; corresponding via email; completion of course evaluations; in-class electronic testing; presentation design development and delivery; accessing and downloading of on-line course materials; installation of  prescription software; accessing electronic medical records; submission and review of portfolios; transmission and access to  general coursework, laboratory and seminar information; and submission of assignments. Each year new uses are integrated into the curriculum. 

New computer purchase recommendations and options may be found at http://www.northeastern.edu/resnet/?p=394. Netbooks and Ultrabooks are acceptable to meet the laptop requirement. In addition to outlined specifications, battery life of at least four hours may be necessary for computer use for electronic testing or in laboratories and seminar rooms.

iPads and other tablets can be used to satisfy many but not all of the programmatic requirements; therefore, students can consider them as optional devices in addition to the laptop.  

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Contact Info

School of Pharmacy
140 The Fenway (formerly the Forsyth Institute)
Mailstop R218TF
Tel: 617.373.3380
Fax: 617.373.7655
schoolofpharmacy@neu.edu