2014-2015 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2014-2015 Graduate Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)


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Program Information
The College of Pharmacy offers a six-year course of study (2-year pre-pharmacy and 4-year professional program phase) leading to an entry level Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The Pharm.D. is a professional degree which enables  graduates to pursue diverse career opportunities and ensures that their pharmacy education prepares them for future changes in the profession. The program provides unique opportunities for students who want to make a significant contribution to the health care needs of today’s society.

Program Admission
Preparation for the Major
In high school the student should take an academic curriculum in preparation for entrance to college. A sound basic education in science and mathematics courses is an essential part of preparation for the study of pharmacy. Good written and verbal communication skills are important. Students planning to transfer from another college or university should consult with the College of Pharmacy early in their academic careers to plan coursework that will transfer to the College of Pharmacy and meet the admission requirements.

Application Process
All students seeking admission to the 4-year professional program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must submit an application for the professional program. Applications are available from the College of Pharmacy web site. The deadline for applying for admission for the fall semester is February 1. Limitations in the size of the physical facilities, the number of faculty, and the number of advanced pharmacy practice experience sites make it necessary to limit the class size in the professional program. Each student admitted into the professional program is required to authorize and pay for a criminal background check. The background check report is automatically sent to the student and to the College and must be approved by the Admissions Committee.

Selection is competitive and based upon several factors including pre-pharmacy coursework, ACT or PCAT scores, written and oral communication skills, knowledge of the profession, residency status and other factors. Any student who anticipates successful completion of the pre-pharmacy mathematics, science and communication requirements prior to fall semester is eligible to apply.

Notification of acceptance into the professional program will be made by the March 15.  Students admitted to the professional program must submit a non-refundable pharmacy major fee to secure their position for the fall semester.

Program Format
The curriculum is divided into a 2-year pre-pharmacy and a 4-year professional program phase. The pre-pharmacy courses provide a solid knowledge base and ability to use critical thought processes in the biological and physical sciences.

The four years of the professional program incorporate a solid foundation of pharmaceutical science courses as well as a comprehensive sequence of therapeutics and professional practice courses. Students earn a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences after successful completion of the first two years of the professional program. The application of drug knowledge, basic science, and critical thinking to resolve problems of drug distribution and patient care are emphasized throughout the curriculum. In their first three years of the program, students gain initial practice experience through introductory pharmacy practice experiences in settings such as community and hospital pharmacies.

In the final year of the program, students have an opportunity to apply knowledge and pharmacy care principles to pharmacy practice situations in a series of advanced pharmacy practice experiences in a variety of patient care settings which include patient care areas of hospitals, nursing homes, community pharmacies, hospital pharmacies, Indian Health Service facilities, and clinic pharmacies.

Curriculum Notes

  1. Eligible for B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences after completion of all general education requirements, 300 and 400-level required PHA courses, and general elective credits for a total of 138 credits.
  2. Successful completion of the capstone activities are required as part of the degree requirements for both the BS in Pharmaceutical Science and the Doctor of Pharmacy degrees.
  3. P3 year courses are taught at the University Center North in Sioux Falls. Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) are completed during Summer Sessions, Fall, and Spring Semesters.

Pharmacy Regulations
Students in the College of Pharmacy are governed by the regulations which apply to all students at SDSU but are also governed by requirements established by the College. These requirements are presented in detail in the Pharmacy Student Handbook and include:

1. Pharmacy GPA Calculation – Pharmacy GPA is calculated using all pharmacy PHA prefix courses, excluding 201 & 321.

A.  For pharmacy courses repeated at SDSU, only the repeated grade will be used to calculate the pharmacy GPA.

B.  For pharmacy courses repeated at another college of pharmacy, a grade of “C” will be used to calculate the pharmacy GPA in place of the grade received for the   corresponding course at SDSU (grades of “D” or “F” for pharmacy courses from other pharmacy programs do not satisfy the course requirement).
 

2. Probation - A student will be placed on “pharmacy probation” when the student’s pharmacy GPA for a semester falls below 2.0. Each subsequent semester while on “pharmacy probation” the student must earn a pharmacy GPA of 2.0 or better or the student will be placed on “refused status.” The student will be on probation for a minimum of one semester while taking pharmacy courses (PHA prefix, excluding 201 & 321) and will remain on “pharmacy probation” until the student’s cumulative Pharmacy GPA is 2.0 or greater.
 

3. Graduation - A student must earn a minimum 2.0 grade point average for all pharmacy courses (excluding PHA 201 & PHA 321) to qualify for graduation with a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences or to progress to the P3 year.
 

4. Progression –


A. To progress to the P3 year a student cannot have more than 9 credits of “D” and/or “F” grades in PHA prefix courses.

B. The Exit Exam is a capstone activity that each student must take for completion of the P2 year and progression into the P3 year; it is administered during the spring semester of the P2 year. The exam is intended to determine competency in the general and professional curricular outcomes that are pertinent through the P2 year (see Outcome Statements for Pharmacy Curriculum in the Student Handbook). If a student does not pass the P2 exam (passing determined by Assessment Committee based on College and National results), the student will carry out remediation according to instructions provided to the student. The student will also be required to take the exam in the spring of the P3 year, pay for the exam, and achieve a passing score. If a passing score is not achieved in the P3 year, the student will be required to take the exam in the spring of the P4 year, pay for the exam, and achieve a passing score (see Outcome Statements for Pharmacy Curriculum in the Student Handbook). 

C. Standing - Some pharmacy courses have prerequisites such as “P1 Year Standing”, etc. These are defined as follows (note: “completion” means a passing grade in each pharmacy course and maintaining semester and cumulative PHA GPA requirements): 

P1 Year Standing - The student must have been admitted into the professional program. 
P2 Year Standing - Completion of all PHA 300 level required courses and PHA 109. 
P3 Year Standing - Completion of all PHA 400 level required courses and PHA 610, a bachelor’s degree, and all capstone activities are required to begin the fall semester. Completion of all required PHA 700, non-advanced practice experience courses are required to progress to the subsequent semester. 
P4 Year Standing - completion of all PHA 600-700 level required, non-advanced practice courses. 

D. Students must have a C or better (or “S” where applicable) for completion of each 700 level course taken in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. 

E. If completion of an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is not achieved by a student, the student may repeat that APPE the following summer according to availability after the next class has selected their APPEs. If completion of an elective APPE is not achieved, the student may select another elective APPE rather than repeating the same elective APPE. If a student fails completion of more than one APPE, the student will not be allowed to progress to another semester of the program.

F. The student must successfully complete P4 capstone requirements including P4 seminar, the P4 knowledge exam, all items on the Student Activities Checklist, and all components of the P4 Assessment Activities. In addition, the student must maintain a portfolio of activities according to distributed portfolio guidelines.

Student Learning Outcomes

General Outcomes

A.  Critical Thinking and Decision Making Abilities - Demonstrate critical thinking skills in making informed, rational, and responsible decisions. 

  1. Demonstrate the use of critical thinking skills to identify problems, goals, and alternatives to assess, prioritize, and solve problems.
  2. Evaluate decisions by integrating factors such as, scientific, social, cultural, economic, and ethical issues in decision making.
  3. Take responsibility for the outcomes of each decision made.

B.  Communication Abilities and Skills - Use appropriate and effective communication in all situations.

  1. Demonstrate appropriate comprehension and interpretation in reading, listening, and use of data.
  2. Demonstrate effective writing, speaking, reading, listening, and interpersonal skills.
  3. Demonstrate effective communication skills that apply aspects of cultural competency.

C.  Self-Assessment and Life-Long Learning Skills - Demonstrate the ability and take responsibility for self-assessment and learning.

  1. Demonstrate the ability to accurately self-assess strengths and areas needing improvement.
  2. Take responsibility for maintaining professional competency through life-long learning.

D.  Appreciation and Understanding of the Social Sciences, Humanities, Aesthetics (i.e., Fine Arts) and International and Multicultural experiences - Demonstrate an understanding and the ability to effectively use ideas and skills from social sciences, humanities, fine arts, and international and multicultural experiences.

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts from areas such as, music, art, literature, political science, foreign cultures, psychology, religion, sociology, history, and philosophy.
  2. Appreciate the impact that these areas have on society and one’s own personal and professional life.

E.  Knowledge of the Principles and Application of the Scientific Method - Articulate and apply the principles of science and mathematics in experimental design, analysis of data, and evaluation of the scientific validity of investigational studies.

F.  Leadership and Social Responsibility - Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts of leadership and social responsibility and apply these concepts to personal and professional life.

Professional Outcomes

A.  Medication therapy management: Patient-centered - Apply knowledge of the biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and medication therapy management principles to provide patient-centered care.

  1. Demonstrate a thorough understanding and ability to use critical thought processes in the following areas:
    Biomedical Sciences,
    Pharmaceutical Sciences,
    Behavioral, Administrative and Social Sciences,
    Clinical Sciences
  2. Demonstrate professional competency in the provision of patient-centered medication therapy management which includes:
    Preparation, dispensing and administration of medications in multiple practice settings
    Design, implement, monitor, and evaluate safe and effective evidence-based medication therapy regimens to optimize patient outcomes
    Communicate and collaborate with other health-care professionals to provide patient-centered care

B.  Medication therapy management:  Population-based - Apply knowledge of the biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, and medication therapy management principles to promote health, wellness and prevent disease with a population-based focus.

  1. Develop and implement population-specific, evidence-based programs and protocols to resolve public health problems.
  2. Communicate and collaborate with other health-care professionals and policy makers to promote public health and wellness.

C.  Acquisition, Use and Communication of Professional Information - Obtain, evaluate, and effectively communicate information in professional settings.

  1. Demonstrate the ability to effectively counsel patients regarding medication therapy and to clearly and concisely document pharmacy practice activities in the patient medical records.
  2. Use current technology to retrieve, analyze, and correctly interpret the professional, lay and scientific literature to effectively communicate medical information and therapeutic recommendations to patients, families, health care providers and the community at large.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate through professional writing.
  4. Demonstrate effective intra- and/or inter-disciplinary skills.

D.  Management Skills - Demonstrate appropriate knowledge and behaviors to effectively manage professional practices.

  1. Apply the laws, regulations, and standards of pharmacy practice in professional settings.
  2. Apply management concepts to effectively manage professional resources.
  3. Demonstrate an understanding of U.S. health care systems and their effect on management, decision-making and operations.

E.  Professional Development and Professional Contributions - Demonstrate the ability for continuous professional development and understand the importance of contributions to the profession.

  1. Demonstrate the ability for continuous professional development, and contribute to the profession.
  2. Understand the role and value of professional organizations, and the importance of individual participation.

F.  Values, Ethical Principles, and Professionalism - Demonstrate values and ethical principles and maintain professionalism in all situations.

  1. Integrate ethical principles and theories, with the thoughts and values of self and others, to make decisions in personal, societal, and professional situations.
  2. Conduct personal behavior in a professional manner at all times.

Accreditation, Certification, and Licensure
Accreditation
The Pharm.D. program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603-4810

Certification and Licensure
Graduates with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree are eligible to apply for licensure in any state. Licensure as a pharmacist requires graduation with the Pharm.D. degree from an accredited pharmacy program, a certified period of supervised internship experience and successful completion of the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination in order to practice as a pharmacist.

These requirements vary slightly from state to state. Students interested in practicing in a particular state should contact the Board of Pharmacy of that state for information concerning requirements.

Facilities and Services
The graduate programs are housed in the recently constructed Avera Health and Science Center, a first-class educational and research facility on the Brookings campus. The Avera Health and Science Center has enabled the College to incorporate new teaching strategies into the curriculum that will lead to pharmacy graduates that are better prepared to provide patient care utilizing modern technology and a team-based approach. The facility has modern research laboratories that support our growing research program.

Student Engagement and Support Opportunities
Graduate students may choose to take part in Peer Mentoring or get involved with the College’s Honorary societies and other student organizations.

Available Options for Graduate Degrees


Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.)       218 Credits

Core Requirements


 System General Education Requirements*: 34

  • Goal #1 Written Communication: ENGL 101* and ENGL 201*Credits: 6
  • Goal #2 Oral Communication:  SPCM 101* Credits: 3
  • Goal #3 Social Sciences/Diversity:  ECON 202* Credits: 6
  • Goal #4 Arts and Humanities/Diversity: Credits: 6
  • Goal #5 Mathematics: MATH 121-121L* Credits: 5
  • Goal #6 Natural Sciences: CHEM 112-112L*, and CHEM 114-114L* Credits: 8

Institutional Graduation Requirements**: 5

  • Goal #1 First Year Experience: PHA 109** Credits: 2
  • Goal #2 Cultural Awareness and Social and Environmental Responsibility Credits: 3

Major Requirement Credits: 1791,2

  • BIOL 151-151L - General Biology I and Lab* (COM) Credits: 4
  • BIOL 221-221L - Human Anatomy and Lab(COM) Credits: 4
  • CHEM 328-328L - Organic Chemistry II and Lab(COM) Credits: (3, 1)
  • BIOL 325-325L - Physiology and Lab (COM) Credits: 4
  • CHEM 326-326L - Organic Chemistry I and Lab(COM) Credits: (3, 1)
  • MICR 231-231L - General Microbiology and Lab (COM) Credits: 4
  • STAT 284 - Biostatistics for the Health Sciences Credits: 3
  • PHA 109 - First Year Seminar - Pharmacy** Credits: 2
  • PHA 320 - Introduction to Pathophysiology Credits: 3
  • PHA 323 - Pharmaceutical Biochemistry Credits: 4
  • PHA 324 - Biomedical Science I Credits: 4
  • PHA 331 - Pharmaceutics I Credits: 3
  • PHA 332-332L - Pharmaceutics II and Lab Credits: 4
  • PHA 340-340L - Medicinal Chemistry I and Lab Credits: 4
  • PHA 341-341L - Medicinal Chemistry II and Lab Credits: 4
  • PHA 367-367L - Pharmacy Practice I and Lab Credits: 2
  • PHA 368-368L - Pharmacy Practice II and Lab Credits: 3
  • PHA 410 - Introductory Practice Experience I Credits: 3 3
  • PHA 415 - Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics Credits: 4
  • PHA 425 - Biomedical Science II Credits: 3
  • PHA 430 - Pharmacy Practice Law Credits: 3
  • PHA 442 - Pharmacology I Credits: 5
  • PHA 443 - Pharmacology II Credits: 4
  • PHA 444 - Toxicology Credits: 2
  • PHA 445 - Pharmacotherapeutics I Credits: 2
  • PHA 446 - Pharmacotherapeutics II Credits: 3
  • PHA 467-467L - Pharmacy Practice III and Lab (AW) Credits: 3

Must have a bachelor’s degree to begin the P3, 600-700 level courses 4

Assigned Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences: 10
Choose 10 credits from the following:

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) are completed during Summer sessions, Fall, and Spring semesters. 

Elective Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences +: 10
Choose 10 credits from the following:

APPEs not utilized from list of Assigned APPEs

Elective Credits: 10

  • General Electives Credits: 6
  • Pharmacy Electives, PHA 700 level, nonAPPE Credits: 4

Total Credits: 218

Footnotes


1 Eligible for B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences after completion of all general education requirements, 300 and 400-level required PHA courses, and general elective credits for a total of 138 credits.

2 Students must meet progression standards and capstone requirements in order to advance within the program.

3 PHA 410 must be completed during the summer between the P1 and P2 years.

4 General Electives are a College of Pharmacy requirement and can be from any discipline but must be completed by the end of the P2 year. For all students, general elective credits can include credits in excess of System Graduation Requirements (SGR) or SDSU Core (IGR). Students starting at SDSU summer 2012 or more recently will complete 8 IGR credits according to the catalog, students starting fall 2012 or later will complete 5 IGR credits (including PHA 109 for 2 credits) and BIOL 151.

5 PHA 610 must be completed during the summer between the P2 and P3 years. 

Curriculum Notes


* The 30 credit Board of Regents System General Education Requirements (SGRs) must be completed as part of a student’s first 64 credits. The 34 SGR credits include 2 extra Mathematics credits from Math 121-121L and 2 extra Natural Sciences credits from the CHEM 112-112L and CHEM 114-114L.

** South Dakota State University has a 5 credit Institutional Graduation Requirement (IGRs).

(G) Globalization Requirement.

(AW) Advanced Writing Requirement.

Students must take the proficiency examination after completing 48 credits. English 101, and a course in each of the General Education areas of social science, mathematics, natural science, and humanities and arts must be taken prior to taking this exam.

Additional Admission Requirements


Applicants to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Program will submit:

  • The completed application
  • Official transcripts
  • Contact information for two references
  • Documentation of your ACT, SAT, or PCAT scores
  • A short essay on the topic of “Why I want to obtain a Doctor of Pharmacy Degree at SDSU”
  • A completed shadowing form

The program requires an interview with the Pharmacy Admissions Committee before we make the final selections for the new Fall class.
Those selected are required to send a non-refundable deposit to secure enrollment for the fall semester.
Students must pass a criminal background check before final approval for admission into the professional program.
Applicants receive notification of acceptance into the professional program by March 15.

For more information see frequently asked questions (FAQ).

General Requirements (Pharm.D.)


For additional information see Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Requirement.

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