School of Clinical Sciences

www.ulm.edu/pharmacy

H. Glenn Anderson, Dean
Bienville, 102C

• COLLEGE OF PHARMACY- CLINICAL SCIENCES
• COLLEGE OF PHARMACY- DOCTOR OF PHARMACY PROGRAM
• Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY- CLINICAL SCIENCES

www.ulm.edu/pharmacy/cas

Anderson, Andonie, Aymond, Barbo, Below, Brady, Brooks, Cockerham, Comeau, Craft, Donald, J. Evans, Garza, S. Hill, Hoh, Horace, Jacobs, Manor, Miller, Nickelson, Rotundo, Sampognaro, Savage, Terrell, Tice, Walker, Zagar

COLLEGE OF PHARMACY- DOCTOR OF PHARMACY PROGRAM

www.ulm.edu/pharmacy/

Doctor of Pharmacy Program

The Doctor of Pharmacy degree is the highest level of applied professional education offered in pharmacy. It is designed to assure development of clinical skills and judgment with the acquisition of the confidence necessary to assess therapeutic problems and to be an active participant in decision-making processes related to pharmaceutical care. The program is designed to provide a broad spectrum of study in the administrative, biological, clinical, pharmaceutical, and social sciences to prepare the graduate for careers in academic, ambulatory, community, industrial and institutional settings.

Admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy requires preparatory coursework focusing in the areas of biological, chemical and physical sciences, and written and oral communications which need to be completed prior to admission into the College of Pharmacy. Students wishing to pursue a career in pharmacy are encouraged to complete their pre-professional requirements in conjunction with pursuing a four year degree (e.g., toxicology, biology, chemistry, etc.). Pre-professional preparatory coursework may be completed at any accredited university. Students aspiring to complete their pre-professional preparatory coursework at the University of Louisiana at Monroe must meet the admission requirements for the University. Students with a “Pre-Pharmacy” major designation must present a 2.33 cumulative grade point average once they have earned 57 hours to maintain the designation. Students who fail to present a 2.33 grade point average will be required to change their major to LUIO (undeclared) or another major at the 57 hour mark.

Upon completion of the preparatory coursework, students may apply for admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program in the College of Pharmacy. Admission to the program is competitive and, at a minimum, is based on cumulative pre-professional preparatory course work grade point average and written and oral communication skills.

Students applying for admission to the College of Pharmacy must meet the following academic requirements:

1. Have a preferred minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average;
2. Meet the Louisiana Board of Regents’ core curriculum requirements (39 hours) with a grade of “C” or better in each core course;
3. Complete the following course and semester hour requirements with a grade of “C” or better:

4. Meet the technical standards of the College of Pharmacy.

For students attending the University of Louisiana at Monroe for their pre-professional requirements, courses listed online at https://www.ulm.edu/pharmacy/prospective/prereq_curr.html will fulfill the College of Pharmacy’s pre-professional requirements. This list along with course descriptions provided in the undergraduate or graduate and professional catalog also provide students attending other state or out of state institutions guidance concerning course content for pre-professional requirements.

Admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program

Admission to the program is competitive, and is based on the student’s academic ability, communication skills, and potential for professionalism. As required by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the College of Pharmacy offers extensive experiential clerkship instruction in its educational program. For this reason, admissions are determined annually based upon the availability of the instructional resources available to the program. Preference for admission is extended to Louisiana residents. The University of Louisiana at Monroe, Office of Admissions determines residence status in accordance with the regulations of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors.

In addition to meeting the requirements of admission for the University of Louisiana at Monroe, applicants for admission to the Professional Program in the College of Pharmacy must have completed the required pre-professional preparatory coursework with no grade less than “C”, possess a preferred cumulative grade-point average of at least 2.50 (uncorrected, based on a 4.0 system) in all previous coursework undertaken, exclusive of developmental courses, whether passed or failed at all institutions of attendance and meet the technical standards of the College of Pharmacy.

The application process for admission to the College of Pharmacy requires the student to complete an online application with the Pharmacy College Admission Service (PharmCAS), a supplemental application with the College of Pharmacy, and a University application. Online applications to PharmCAS must be completed by May 1st immediately preceding the applicant’s effective admission date. Supplemental applications are due to the Office of Student and Professional Affairs in the College of Pharmacy no later than May 1st immediately preceding the applicant’s effective admission date. All pre-professional preparatory coursework and University core curriculum requirements must be completed. Coursework completed more than ten years prior to the applicant’s requested admission date may not be used to satisfy pre-professional requirements and will be excluded from all evaluations and grade point calculations associated with the professional program admission process. An appeal of the ULM College of Pharmacy admission policies and procedures shall be submitted in writing to the current Admissions Committee Chair. The letter should contain the date, name of applicant, the basis for the appeal and the signature of the applicant. The student may not expand the original appeal beyond that initially presented in writing. The student must initiate an appeal within 60 calendar days of the admissions denial. Student appeals of the policy will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee. The Committee will recommend a course of action to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy. The final approval or denial of an appeal rests with the Dean of the College of Pharmacy.

Selected qualified students will be invited to campus for interviews to evaluate their communication skills and potential for professionalism. Applicants are expected to exhibit the degree of maturity commensurate with advanced academic study, as well as motivation for the practice of pharmacy. Applications will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee, and final recommendations will be made to the Dean. All students will be notified of their status through PharmCAS. A complete explanation of application procedures pertaining to the current admissions cycle and application forms is available online at the College of Pharmacy website (www.ulm.edu/pharmacy).

Students seeking to transfer to the professional program of the College of Pharmacy from other accredited colleges of pharmacy must meet the pre-professional preparatory coursework requirements and be eligible for admission to the University. Additionally, the applicant must be in good academic standing and be eligible to continue and progress in the College of Pharmacy he/she has been attending. The student must have an overall grade point average of at least 3.0 (4.0 system) on all coursework attempted at the time of transfer. A logical sequence of professional courses and appropriate prerequisites must have been maintained. Advanced standing will be granted on comparable subject matter for which a grade of “C”, or better, has been earned. A minimum of one academic year is required for graduation. Transfer opportunities are possible only when vacancies in existing classes occur. Students admitted on a professional transfer basis to a class in progress shall be subject to all requirements and restrictions applicable to other students in the class.

Any person having been convicted of a drug related felony will not be admitted to the professional program of the College of Pharmacy

Attendance Policy

The professional educational experience in the College of Pharmacy involves many multifaceted learning objectives, including professional interactions with faculty and peers, that do not lend themselves to traditional testing modalities and assignment of letter grades. As a result, class attendance is mandatory in all pharmacy courses. Any student who is not present for at least 75% of the scheduled class sessions in any course may receive a grade of “W” if this condition occurs prior to the last day to drop a course or a grade of “F” after that date. In accordance with College of Pharmacy policy and procedure, a grade of “W” will be counted as an “F” grade with respect to academic standards.

Background Checks

Students applying to the College of Pharmacy may be required to undergo a background check as a part of the application process. All students enrolling in the professional program will undergo criminal background checks as a part of obtaining their Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy Intern License. Any previous activity that would preclude the issuance or continuance of an intern activity will result in suspension or dismissal from the program.

Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct

The College of Pharmacy employs a code of ethical and professional conduct which relies on the honor system. The code is based on the assumption that pharmacy students, as future health care professionals will develop maturity and professionalism through self-governance. The code of ethical and professional conduct is a form of student self-governance that applies to all facets of the student’s academic and professional life.

The basic assumption of the code is that central to the act of being a professional is conducting one’s self with the highest sense of honor and integrity, and primary core values that every pharmacy student should possess include honesty, integrity, responsibility, competence and respect for people. Pharmacists do not learn to be professionals upon completion of degree requirements or through issuance of a license. Instead, the internalization of the concept of professionalism must occur as a part of the professional education process so that pharmacy students carry these concepts with them into the profession. It is the pharmacy student’s responsibility to develop a selfless sense of service that demands personal excellence and accountability. By enrolling in the College of Pharmacy, a student accepts these professional standards and requirements as a prerequisite for continued enrollment in the pharmacy curriculum and graduation.

As a condition of acceptance to the College of Pharmacy, the applicant shall be required to agree to abide by the Code of Ethical and Professional Conduct.

Computer Requirements

All students admitted to the Doctor of Pharmacy program are required to purchase a laptop for use in the classroom and obtaining notes. It is the responsibility of the student to backup their system, print their notes, and have technical service for their computer. The technical support area of the College of Pharmacy is available for connectivity issues relating to our wireless network. However, they do not provide in-depth technical support for student computers.

Fees, Expenses, and Refunds

Tuition and fees are set on an annual basis and are subject to change. Because the expenses of educating pharmacists is substantially more than the expenses associated with undergraduate training, tuition and fees, including a professional fee, are substantially higher than those associated with the undergraduate programs in the University. Students classified as non-Louisiana residents under the regulations of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors will pay out-of-state tuition in addition to general tuition and fees. Courses enrolled for audit will be charged tuition the same as courses for academic credit. In order for a student’s enrollment to be complete, the student’s registration fees must be paid in full. It is the student’s responsibility to follow-up on anticipated or pending financial aid to ensure that the student’s bill is paid in full. Payments must be received in the “University” or by mail in the Controller’s Office, or via web payment by the published deadline in order that the payments are not considered to be late payments. A student who resigns from the University may be entitled to some refund of tuition, activity and out-of-state fees, and/or room and meal plan charges. The exact amount of the refund, if any, will depend upon the resignation circumstances and timing. Refunds will be subject to an administrative fee. A complete description of the student billing and refund policy can be found at http://www.ulm.edu/controller/sas/.

Immunization Policy

In addition to the general Immunization Compliance required of all students by Louisiana R.S. 17.170, students admitted to the professional program of the College of Pharmacy must meet immunization requirements established by the School in the Pharmacy Practice Manual. Students accepting admission to the College of Pharmacy will be provided a set of immunization requirements and a deadline to meet the requirements. Students failing to meet immunization deadlines will have their offer of admission rescinded.

Students are also required to comply with practice site requirements related to immunizations. Failure to meet the requirements of the College and practice site may result in a delay in obtaining clinical hours, progressing in clinical courses, or graduation.

Health Insurance Requirements

Health insurance is required of all students enrolled in the College of Pharmacy. Students failing to show proof of health insurance may have their offer of admission rescinded or be suspended from the program until such proof is available.

Liability/Malpractice Insurance

All students enrolled in the professional program are automatically covered by professional liability insurance during their practice experiences or while participating in other practice activities that are part of the student’s curriculum. The University maintains commercial excess general and medical malpractice liability insurance administered through the State of Louisiana Office of Risk Management for itself, its agents, officers, employees and students. This coverage can be viewed from the web site located at: http://legis.la.gov/Legis/Law.aspx?d=964881 Primary Commercial General Liability coverage is underwritten by the Louisiana Self-Insurance Fund (Self insured by the office of Risk Management) and provides $5,000,000 per occurrence (no aggregate). Miscellaneous Tort Liability coverage is underwritten by the Louisiana Self-Insurance Fund and provides comprehensive umbrella excess of $5,000,000 per occurrence. The student professional liability insurance does not cover students when employed outside the curriculum.

Pharmacy Intern Permits

Students admitted to the professional program must apply for an active pharmacy intern permit during the first semester following enrollment into the professional program and maintain the intern permit continually throughout enrollment in the professional program. Students found to be in violation of the regulations of the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy may be required to resign their enrollment.

Random Drug Screening Requirements

In the interest of public health and safety, all students enrolling the professional program of the College of Pharmacy are subject to random drug screening. Such tests are conducted by independent laboratories and test results are reported directly to the College of Pharmacy. Results of random drug screenings will also be reported to Louisiana State Board of Pharmacy.

Technical Standards

The University of Louisiana Monroe College of Pharmacy (ULM COP) is committed to graduating qualified, practice-ready pharmacists. Candidates for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must be able to perform essential functions in each of the following categories: observation, communication, sensory and motor coordination, intellectual-conceptual abilities, and behavioral/social skills for completion of our program.

The ULM COP technical standards describe the essential functions student pharmacists must demonstrate in order to fulfill the requirements of a general pharmacy education, and thus, are prerequisites for entrance, continuation, and graduation from the College of Pharmacy. The ULM COP will consider for admission any applicant who demonstrates the ability to perform or to learn to perform the skills listed in this document.

As an advisory committee to the Dean, the Admissions Committee is instructed to exercise judgment on behalf of the faculty to recommend the entering class, and to consider character, extracurricular achievement, and overall suitability for the pharmacy profession based upon information in the application and personal interviews. Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of their disability(ies), if any, to the Admissions Committee. However, any applicant with questions about these technical standards is strongly encouraged to discuss the issue with the Director of Student Success and/or the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Development prior to the interview process. If appropriate, and upon the request of the applicant/student pharmacist, reasonable accommodations will be provided.  The program faculty will monitor maintenance of these standards. Student pharmacists must be able to independently perform the described functions as listed below:

1. Observation

Student pharmacists must be able to:

1. observe demonstrations and conduct exercises in a variety of areas related to basic pharmaceutical sciences, medical illustrations and models, and contemporary pharmacy practice, including but not limited to, monitoring of drug response and preparation of specialty dosage forms.
2. observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand, noting nonverbal as well as verbal signals. Observation necessitates the functional use of the sense of vision, hearing, somatic, and other sensory modalities. Specific vision-related requirements include, but are not limited to, the following abilities:

2. Communication

Student pharmacists must be able to:

1. communicate effectively, efficiently, and quickly in oral and written English with instructors, peers, patients, caregivers, and other healthcare providers.
2. relate effectively and sensitively with patients and their caregivers and convey a sense of compassion and empathy.
3. communicate clearly with, listen to, and observe patients in order to elicit information, accurately describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive verbal as well as nonverbal communication.
4. demonstrate proficiency using electronic communication and information systems.

3. Sensory and motor coordination and function

Student pharmacists must be able to:

1. have enough sensory and motor function to monitor drug response and to prepare and/or dispense all forms of pharmaceuticals.
2. reasonably execute motor movements required to participate in the general care and emergency treatment of patients, including medication administration (e.g., subcutaneous or intramuscular injections, performance of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or administration of first aid).
3. withstand the physical stresses imposed by the typical daily routine of the pharmacy practitioner in a variety of settings.

4. Intellectual-conceptual, integration and quantitative evaluation

Student pharmacists must be able to:

1. possess and demonstrate a fundamental and continuing ability to use intellectual skills that allow mastery of the abundant and complex knowledge and experiences that encompass the professional pharmacy curriculum.
2. adapt to various teaching, learning, and assessment strategies conducted in various classroom and practice settings.
3. multi-task to solve problems using measurements, calculations, recall, reasoning, analysis, and synthesis of complex information.
4. integrate and process data promptly and accurately to solve patient care problems in a competent manner.

5. Behavioral attributes

Student pharmacists must:

1. possess emotional and mental health sufficient to allow them to complete a very challenging didactic and experiential curriculum. This includes the ability to function in stressful and changing environments while making timely and appropriate decisions.
2. have emotional and social skills to interact professionally with faculty and staff members, fellow student pharmacists, other health professionals and their students, as well as patients and their caregivers.
3. must be aware, always, of and appropriately react to their own immediate emotional responses and environment.

Transportation

College of Pharmacy classrooms are located approximately 1 & 1/2 miles away from the main campus. Students are expected to provide their own transportation to and from classes. Additionally, Introductory and Advanced Practice Experiences may be assigned anywhere in Louisiana or the surrounding region. Students are expected to provide for their own housing and transportation during the practice experiences.

Academic, Ethical and Professional Standards

Students admitted to the College of Pharmacy are held to rigorous academic, ethical and professional standards as outlined in the College of Pharmacy Student Handbook. To complete the Doctor of Pharmacy program, the student must have demonstrated satisfactory academic performance and ethical and professional standards. Disciplinary actions may occur based on violations of academic, ethical or professional standards as outlined in the College of Pharmacy Bulletin.

ACADEMIC PROGRESSION. Failure of a student to earn a minimum grade of “C” in a professional pharmacy course precludes progression to courses for which it is a prerequisite. In the event that a student fails to obtain a grade of “C” or better in a professional pharmacy course, the student must remediate that course or its equivalent at the next offering of the course, and such remediation must be completed within one year of the original course. If a student does not progress and is placed on a modified course schedule, a catalog change may be required if courses change or are no longer available. Course withdrawals and leaves of absences disrupt a student’s progress and are discouraged. A student who must withdraw from one or more courses for compelling circumstances beyond his or her control may petition the Associate Dean of Academic Affair withdraw from specific courses or from all courses. Withdrawal from a course without administrative approval will result in “W” grades being treated as a grade of “F” for academic progression and retention purposes. Failure of a student to earn a minimum grade of “C” in all professional pharmacy courses precludes progression to the Advanced Practice Experiences. Students who fail to meet minimum progression standards may find it necessary to resign their enrollment for one or more semesters. Students who interrupt their enrollment in professional pharmacy courses for a period of more than two consecutive enrollment periods (two semesters) must apply for readmission to the professional program of the College of Pharmacy. Some courses are graded in a “Credit (C)/No Credit (NC)” manor.  A grade of “NC” is treated as an “F” for academic progression and retention purposes.

PROBATION. Any full-time or part-time student enrolled in the professional program in pharmacy who fails to maintain a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in required professional pharmacy courses, earns a semester grade-point average below 2.0 in professional pharmacy courses or earns a grade of “D” in two or more professional pharmacy courses in a semester, or earns a grade of “F” in a professional pharmacy course shall be placed on probation. Academic probation will extend no less than two regular semesters (Fall or Spring). Students may also be placed on probation for violation of ethical or professional standards.

REMOVAL FROM PROBATION. To be removed from probation, full-time or part-time students enrolled in the professional program of pharmacy must earn an overall cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in required professional pharmacy courses and earn a grade of “C” or better on all professional pharmacy coursework during their probationary period and meet any criteria set by the academic standards committee. Students placed on probation due to violation of ethical or professional standards will be removed from probation when they have met the requirements set by the Board of Ethical and Professional Conduct and the Dean of the College of Pharmacy in their disciplinary actions.

SUSPENSION. Any student on probation who fails to earn a grade of “C” or better on all professional coursework during their probationary period or achieve an overall cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 in required professional pharmacy courses at the conclusion of their probationary enrollment shall be suspended for a period of one academic year. Upon reentry into the professional program of pharmacy after suspension for scholastic reasons, a student is placed on probation and will be suspended if an overall cumulative grade average of at least 2.0 in required professional pharmacy courses and a grade of “C” or better on all required professional pharmacy coursework is not achieved during the next enrollment period. Students who have their permit suspended or revoked by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy will be suspended from the College of Pharmacy until their permits are reinstated. Suspensions related to violations of ethical and professional standards may vary in duration, and students suspended for non-academic reasons must meet the requirements set by the Board of Ethical and Professional Conduct in their disciplinary action to be readmitted into the program.

In order to preserve the educational environment of the College of Pharmacy, any student enrolled in the professional program of the College of Pharmacy who is formally charged by civil authorities with the commission of a drug related felony shall be suspended from the College of Pharmacy pending the outcome of the civil judicial process. The policy is applicable to all such alleged offenses whether committed on the University campus or at an off-campus location.

COURSES TAKEN BY STUDENTS UNDER SUSPENSION. A student suspended from the professional program in the College of Pharmacy may not take courses within the professional program, but may retake pre-pharmacy college courses or take courses toward advancement of another degree, including those within the UL System. Credits earned under these conditions may be accepted for a degree at the suspending institution provided grades of “C” or higher are earned in each of the courses to be transferred.

DISMISSAL FROM PHARMACY. Any student enrolled in the professional program of pharmacy shall be dismissed from the program for the following:

1. Receiving a second scholastic suspension.
2. Failing to satisfy all graduation requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree within a six calendar year period immediately following his/her initial enrollment in the professional pharmacy program. If a student reaches a point from which it could not be expected for him/her to finish within the required six-year period by progressing through the normal sequencing of remaining courses, the student will be dismissed from the program at that time.
3. Any student enrolled in the professional pharmacy program that earns two or more “F” grades or more than four non-progressing grades in professional pharmacy courses - in any sequence or combination.
4. Any student enrolled in the professional pharmacy program that fails to complete a required professional pharmacy course or its equivalent with a minimum grade of “C” upon a second attempt. (i.e. when repeating a required professional pharmacy course in which an initial grade of either “F” or “D” was earned, the student must achieve a minimum grade of “C” upon the first remediation attempt).
5. Students denied a pharmacy intern permit by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy.
6. Any student who has been admitted to the professional program of the College of Pharmacy and subsequently convicted of a drug related felony.
7. Students who have their pharmacy intern permit permanently revoked.
8. Any student admitted to the professional program that is not compliant with the immunization requirements of the College of Pharmacy.
9. Students failing to attend class.
10. Professional and/or ethical misconduct.
11. Inability to meet the technical standards of the College of Pharmacy.

DROPPING CLASSES OR WITHDRAWING FROM THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. Students admitted into the Doctor of Pharmacy Program in the College of Pharmacy are not allowed to withdraw from courses or from the College or University without academic consequences. Students withdrawing from courses without administrative support will receive a grade of “W” which will be treated as a grade of “F” for academic standards purposes. Students withdrawing from the College or University without administrative support may not resume activities in the College unless they are readmitted to the Doctor of Pharmacy Program.

Students wishing to take a leave of absence or withdraw from the program with administrative support must send a written request to the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Pharmacy. To receive administrative support for withdrawal, students must demonstrate and document a significant hardship that will impact their ability to continue in the program. Failure to maintain appropriate progress or achievement in a course is not sufficient hardship to acquire administrative support. The request will be reviewed by the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in consultation with the Office of Student and Professional Affairs. Students receiving administrative support for withdrawing from the program will sign a letter of agreement from the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs which states the reason they are withdrawing from the program, when they will return to the program, remediation or developmental programs that must be completed while on leave, and the status of the student upon returning to the program. Students withdrawing from the College of Pharmacy professional program with administrative support will be readmitted to the program upon completion of the requirements set forth in their letter of agreement. Students not complying with their letter of agreement will be dismissed from the program unless the letter has been modified with the consent of the Dean of the College of Pharmacy or his/her designee. Students withdrawing from the Doctor of Pharmacy Program without administrative support will be considered dismissed from the program and must appeal to the College of Pharmacy Academic Standards Committee for readmission to the program.

APPEALS FOR STUDENTS WHO HAVE WITHDRAWN OR BEEN DISMISSED FROM THE COLLEGE OF PHARMACY. Students who have withdrawn from the University or College without administrative support or have been dismissed from the College of Pharmacy for academic reasons may appeal to the Academic Standards Committee for readmission to the program. The student should write a letter of appeal to the Chair of the Academic Standards and Ethics Committee outlining and supporting their request to be readmitted to the program. The Academic Standards and Ethics Committee will review the request and recommend appropriate action to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy. The Dean or his designee will communicate the decision to the student in question via certified mail.

Students dismissed from the College for professional or ethical reasons, may appeal to the Academic Standards and Ethics Committee for readmission to the program. The student should write a letter of appeal to the Academic Standards and Ethics Committee outlining and supporting their request to be readmitted to the program. The Academic Standards and Ethics Committee will review the request and recommend appropriate action to the Dean of the College of Pharmacy. The Dean or his designee will communicate the decision to the student in question via certified mail.

Students who have withdrawn from the University or College without administrative support or who have been dismissed from the College for violation of academic or ethical and professional standards will not be allowed to reapply for admission as a first time student, and can only be readmitted to the College via the appropriate committee.

Any decision for readmission to the program may include conditions of remediation or development, including but not limited to repeating all or part of the program the student has already completed, that must be successfully completed for the student to reenter or remain in the program.

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Professional students may be eligible to receive the Pharmaceutical Sciences, B.S. (512099)  (BSPS) degree. The degree would be awarded to all students who successfully complete all prerequisite courses and selected courses totaling 55 hours in the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm. D) program. A student planning to receive the BSPS degree will also have to complete additional courses in humanities, social sciences, and fine arts. The purpose of awarding this degree is to recognize the achievement of these students when they have earned credit hours in an amount comparable to that of students receiving other baccalaureate degrees and to give appropriate recognition for their academic accomplishment to that point in the educational process. Students who have received a previous bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the BSPS degree. Contact the Office of Student and Professional Affairs for more information.

Degree Requirements

In addition to meeting the general requirements for graduation for the University, the candidate for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must, after completing the requirements of the pre-professional preparatory coursework, be enrolled in the professional pharmacy curriculum for a minimum of four academic years (eight semesters or equivalence) and have earned a minimum grade of “C” in all courses comprising the degree requirements. In addition to meeting minimum course grade requirements, students must meet programmatic requirements for graduation which may include but not be limited to attendance at student convocations, participation in professional development programs, co-curricular requirements and successful completion of progression and/or competency exams. The curriculum prepares all students to provide entry-level, patient-centered care in a variety of practice settings as a contributing member of an interprofessional team. The didactic and experiential curricula include opportunities for students to learn about, from, and with other members of the interprofessional healthcare team.  A majority of semester hours required in the professional program must be earned at ULM. All advanced practice experiences must be completed through ULM using ULM approved practitioners and practice sites. Finally, students must demonstrate the professional maturity and demeanor necessary to succeed in the profession of pharmacy.

Computer Literacy

Computer literacy for pharmacy majors is defined as an ability to effectively utilize representative commercially available pharmacy applications software in pharmacy practice. Each student must demonstrate computer literacy. Students entering the College of Pharmacy professional program should be well versed in common computer applications such as electronic mail, internet applications, word processing, presentation software, and data management software such as MS Excel(R) and MS Access(R). Students who have never used a personal computer for common applications such as word processing are encouraged to complete

CSCI 1070

 (or equivalent) prior to enrolling in the professional pharmacy program.

Experiential Program Policy

The experiential program component of the professional pharmacy curriculum consists of two supervised experiences of four weeks duration each and seven supervised experience of six weeks duration each to be completed at affiliated practice sites. This experiential component begins with mandatory registration in supervised experiences during the summer following both the first and second professional years of the professional program and culminates with additional supervised clinical experiences distributed over an eleven-month period beginning in May of the student’s fourth year. To accommodate the non-standard nature of the academic calendar relating to the experiential program in the student’s final year, two non-standard academic terms are scheduled. Each term is equivalent in cost to a regular semester but is structured around an academic calendar that is unique to the final year of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Students must enroll in their first advanced practice experiences in the first non-standard term. In addition, students must complete a mandatory practice experience orientation in the month of April or May preceding the start of experiences. Failure to complete this orientation may result in a delayed graduation date.

Although the primary administrative and instructional facilities of the College of Pharmacy are housed at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, the program has numerous off-campus clinical affiliates located inside and outside of Louisiana. Students may be required to relocate for advanced practice experiences in the final year of the program. Because local sites are limited and demand is great, standing in the program, among other criteria, may be used to allocate advanced practice experience sites. The student is referred to the Introductory and Advanced Practice Experience Manuals for complete policy and procedures governing the experiential component of the program.