Advanced Standing Curriculum

This is the first in a series of three foundational courses that provide the basis for pharmacist patient-centered care for students in the Advanced Standing pathway. The courses integrate concepts from pharmaceutical sciences, socio-behavioral and administrative pharmacy, and pharmacy practice. This comprehensive blended course addresses basic concepts of human nutrition, disease state management of gastrointestinal disorders, non-prescription medications and self-care skills, and the literature resources used to provide evidence-based care. Problem-solving skills are emphasized by applying the Pharmacists’ Patient Care process. (32-0-2)

This is the second in a series of three foundational courses that provide the basis for pharmacist patient-centered care for students in the Advanced Standing pathway. The courses integrate concepts from pharmaceutical sciences, sociobehavioral and administrative pharmacy and pharmacy practice. This comprehensive blended course addresses pharmacy calculations, pharmacokinetics, health care systems, interprofessional collaboration, laws governing the pharmacist’s scope of practice, ethics in professional practice, health disparities and disease state management of lipid disorders, obesity, diabetes mellitus, and genitourinary and women’s health disorders. Problem-solving skills are emphasized using pharmaceutical calculations and applying the Pharmacists’ Patient Care process. (60-20-5)

This 160-hour total, out-of-classroom, supervised, outpatient experience highlights the operations and practice management aspects of community pharmacy practice. The experience is designed to introduce students to the Medication-Use Process, patient and health care provider communication, and outpatient health care delivery. Emphasis is placed on medication dispensing; patient counseling; pharmacy policy/procedure; application of local, state, and federal regulations; and exploring the community pharmacist’s approach to patient care. Students will participate in all applicable pharmacy operations and patient-care activities, reply to drug information questions, complete projects, and participate in topic discussions. (0-160-4)

This is the third of a five course pharmacy skills development series that integrates principles of pharmaceutical sciences, social and behavioral pharmacy, and pharmacy practice. Students will apply knowledge and practice skills complementary to content in the third semester of the curriculum. Skills practiced include written and verbal communication; pharmacy calculations; application of commonly used medications knowledge; identification of errors; verification of orders; drug information retrieval; evaluation and provision; patient assessment; and selection and monitoring of pharmacotherapy patient-care plans. Team building activities are incorporated throughout the course to enhance professionalism and communication skills. (0-48-1)

This is the second in a series of eight courses that integrate the principles of pathophysiology,pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of diseases. Students learn how to appropriately select and monitor pharmacotherapy regimens based on drug, disease, and patient characteristics and apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process in solving patient-care cases. The course focuses on the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. (64-0-4)

This is the third in a series of eight courses that integrate the principles of pathophysiology, pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of diseases. Students learn how to appropriately select, and monitor pharmacotherapy regimens based on drug, disease, and patient characteristics and apply the Pharmacists Patient Care Process in solving patient-care cases. This course focuses on women’s health, urology, respiratory conditions, GI, endocrine, and nutrition. (64-0-4)

This is the third of a five course sequence that prepares the student to develop the knowledge and problem solving skills needed to become a practice-ready professional who can apply concepts to manage the quality and safety of the medication use process and deliver patient-centered care. This course addresses advanced patient communication, patient health education, finance, resource management, and pharmaceutical marketing concepts. (32-0-2)

This is the third of a five-course sequence that prepares the student to retrieve, evaluate, and use the medical and scientific literature and other drug information resources. It introduces pharmacoepidemiology and applies the fundamentals of biostatistics, research design, and methodology to evaluate scientific and medical literature. (32-0-2)

This is the third in a series of five courses that focus on leadership and professional development. This course emphasizes personality awareness, career pathways, networking, and professional goal setting and planning. Students will assess and reflect on their personality characteristics and career pathway preferences, create a LinkedIn profile, networking plan, curriculum vitae, update their professional goals and create a professional development plan. Teamwork is reinforced through peer evaluation and team-based learning. Curriculum and cocurricular activities stimulating student growth are tracked through the electronic portfolio. (16-0-1)

This is the third in a series of five courses offered each semester designed to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from previous courses. The Bring Back and Look Forward sections of the course reinforce concepts and introduce material to prepare students for future courses. It brings back pharmacotherapy cases and topics in drug literature evaluation, medication adherence, health literacy, and motivational interviewing. It introduces basics of pharmacoeconomics in preparation for the Evidence-Based Practice courses that follow. (32-0-2)

This is the third in a series of three foundational courses that provide the basis for pharmacist patient-centered care for students in the Advanced Standing pathway. The courses integrate concepts from pharmaceutical sciences, sociobehavioral and administrative pharmacy and pharmacy practice. This comprehensive blended course introduces the basis of pharmacogenomics, and foundational concepts of statistics and research design. Disease state management of thyroid and inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome are addressed, and problem-solving skills are emphasized by applying the Pharmacists’ Patient Care process. There is a laboratory experience where students apply knowledge and practice skills in communication, patient counseling, calculations, prescription dispensing, and drug information provision. (32-0-2)

This course introduces the fundamentals of immunology, microbiology, and pharmacology of anti-infective agents. It prepares students for the Integrated Disease Management course series in infectious and immunologic diseases that follow. Topics covered include an introduction to the body’s immune response and mechanisms of defense at the cellular and humoral level. The classification, morphology, physiology, and mechanisms of virulence of microorganisms that primarily cause human pathology - such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans - will also be covered. Therapeutic agents used to treat bacterial infections are introduced. (32-0-2)

This is the fourth in a series of eight courses that integrate the principles of pathophysiology, pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of diseases. Students learn how to appropriately select and monitor pharmacotherapy regimens based on drug, disease, and patient characteristics and apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process in solving patient-care cases. This course focuses on the treatment of diseases of the immune system. (48-0-3)

This is the fifth in a series of eight courses that integrate the principles of pathophysiology, pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of diseases. Students learn how to appropriately select and monitor pharmacotherapy regimens based on drug, disease, and patient characteristics and apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process in solving patient-care cases. This course focuses on the treatment of infectious diseases. (80-0-5).

This is the fourth of a five-course sequence that prepares the student to develop the knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to become a practice-ready professional who can apply concepts to manage the quality and safety of the Medication-Use Process and deliver patient-centered care. The course addresses the quality instantiates and the management of hospital and community pharmacies and explores different pharmacy practice models. (32-0-2)

This is the fourth of a five course sequence that prepares the student to retrieve, evaluate, and use the medical and scientific literature and other drug information resources. This course exposes students to data analytics and an “abbreviated” scientific process by planning, developing, and presenting a simple research project using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database as a data source. The application of data analytics in health informatics will also be discussed. (32-0-2).

This is the fourth in a series of five courses that center on the development of self-awareness, professionalism, leadership skills and an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset. This course focuses on the development of leadership skills and collaboration among members of intra- and interprofessional teams. Teamwork is reinforced through team-based learning. Curriculum and cocurricular activities stimulating student professional growth are documented and tracked through the electronic portfolio. (16-0-1)

This is the fourth in a series of five courses offered at the end of each semester designed to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from previous courses. The Bring Back and Look Forward sections of the course reinforce previously taught concepts and introduce material to prepare students for future courses. This course brings back pharmaceutical and pharmacokinetics calculations, frequently used drugs, pharmacy management applications, and pharmacotherapy cases. It introduces concepts to prepare students to continue the Integrated Disease Management, Essentials of Professional Practice and Evidence-Based Practice course series. It reviews expectations for experiential courses in preparation for the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience: Health Systems course. (32-0-2)

This is the fourth of a five-course pharmacy skills development series that integrates principles of pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice, and social, behavioral and administrative pharmacy. In this course students apply knowledge and practice skills complementary to content in the fourth semester of the curriculum. Skills practiced include written and verbal communication; pharmacy calculations; application of commonly used medications knowledge; identification of errors; verification of orders; drug information retrieval, evaluation and provision; patient assessment; and selection and monitoring of pharmacotherapy patient-care plans. Team building activities are incorporated throughout the course to enhance professionalism and communication skills. (0-48-1)

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform comprehensive patient assessments utilizing the skills of history taking, inspection, palpation, percussion, auscultation and specimen extraction to conduct point of care testing. Charting, interpretation of findings, and evaluation of common clinical conditions, especially as related to medications, are integrated into these activities. The course emphasizes the first two steps of the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process: Collect and Assess and is taught using a combination of self-study and laboratory sections that allow students to practice and demonstrate acquired skills. (16-48-2)

This 160-hour, out-of-classroom, supervised, inpatient experience highlights the operations and practice management aspects of health systems pharmacy practice. The experience is designed to introduce students to medication-use processes, patient and health care provider communication, inpatient health care delivery and the role of the pharmacist in this setting. Emphasis is placed on medication dispensing; drug procurement/inventory control; application of institutional pharmacy policy/procedure; and local, state and federal regulations. Students participate in all applicable pharmacy operations and patient-care activities, reply to drug information questions, complete projects, and participate in topic discussions. (0-160-4)

This is the sixth in a series of eight courses that integrate the principles of pathophysiology, pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of diseases. Students learn how to appropriately select and monitor pharmacotherapy regimens based on drug, disease, and patient characteristics and apply the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process in solving patient care cases. This course focuses on the treatment of neurologic and psychiatric disorders. (64-0-4)

This is the seventh in a series of eight courses that integrate the principles of pathophysiology, pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of diseases. Students learn how to appropriately select, and monitor pharmacotherapy regimens based on drug, disease, and patient characteristics and apply the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process in solving patient-care cases. This course focuses on pain management, critical care, clinical toxicology, and opioid abuse disorder. (48-0-3)

This is the eighth in a series of eight courses that integrate the principles of pathophysiology, pharmaceutics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of diseases. Students learn how to appropriately select, and monitor pharmacotherapy regimens based on drug, disease, and patient characteristics and apply the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process in solving patient-care cases. This course focuses on special populations, nutrition, dermatology, the treatment of ophthalmologic diseases and bone disorders/osteoporosis. (48-0-3)

This is the conclusion of a five-course sequence that prepares the student to develop the knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to become a practice-ready professional who can apply concepts to manage the quality and safety of the medication use process and deliver patient-centered care. This course addresses pharmacy law and advanced communication concepts as it relates to professional practice. (48-0-3)

This is the fifth of a five course sequence that prepares the student to retrieve, evaluate, and use the medical and scientific literature and other drug information resources. The course focuses on theories and methodologies of pharmacoeconomics and outcomes research. Applications to clinical practice, the pharmaceutical industry, and formulary decision making are explored.

This is the fifth in a series of five courses that focus on personal and professional development. This course emphasizes the maturation of the student into the ideal professional candidate. Students reflect on their experiences, strengths, and career goals to map a pathway to their chosen professional path. Students update their curricula vitae and bios, create a professional website, and develop job interviewing skills as they prepare to enter the pharmacy workforce. Teamwork is reinforced through team-based learning. Curriculum and cocurricular activities stimulating student growth are tracked through the electronic portfolio. (16-0-1)

This is the fifth in a series of five courses offered at the end of each semester designed to integrate and apply knowledge and skills from previous courses. Students in each course become certified in a specific area of pharmacy and receive software training. The Bring Back and Look Forward sections of the course reinforce concepts and introduce material to prepare students for future courses. This course utilizes patient cases to apply pharmacotherapy concepts. It offers certification in medication therapy management and outlines expectations for the following semester. (32-0-2)

This laboratory course is designed to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to prepare sterile products safely and effectively. Students will learn the history and evolution of aseptic processing and the current regulations and standards of practice that guide sterile preparation. The course is taught using a combination of self-study and a laboratory component that allows students to apply the fundamental concepts and skills required for the safe and compliant compounding of sterile products in a cleanroom. (0-48-1)

This is the fifth of a five-course pharmacy skills development series which integrates principles of pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacy practice and social, behavioral and administrative pharmacy. In this course students apply knowledge and practice skills complementary to content in the fifth semester of the curriculum. Skills practiced include written and verbal communication; pharmacy calculations; application of commonly used medications knowledge; identification of errors, verification of orders; drug information retrieval, evaluation and provision; patient assessment; and selection and monitoring of pharmacotherapy patient care plans. Team building activities are incorporated throughout the course to enhance professionalism and communication skills. (0-48-1)

This course applies the knowledge and skills gained through the Essentials of Professional Practice and Evidence Based Practice course sequences. Student teams develop a platform presentation and professional poster to showcase innovative solutions to a pharmacy practice problem identified and researched in previous courses. Presentations are made to peers and health care professionals, providing valuable experience in presentation skills and in medical information resource utilization. (16-0-1)

This is the final course in the core didactic curriculum. It is designed to advance students’ critical thinking skills and application of pharmaceutical knowledge to patient care in a variety of health care settings. The course enhances students’ patient-care competencies and ensures students’ readiness to commence Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). This is achieved using a variety of learning activities and assessment methods that include complex patient cases, pharmacy calculations, drug information questions, application of communication skills, knowledge of commonly used drugs, and pharmacotherapy during interprofessional experiences. The course contains several assessments that must be successfully completed prior to commencing APPEs. (64-0-4)

The Internal Medicine Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) core rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in an inpatient institutional clinical practice setting. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in patient care, patient education, medication safety, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based medication management. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum through interactions with diverse adult patient populations and members of the health care team. They use disease-state knowledge, drug therapy guidelines and site-specific procedures to identify and prevent drug therapy problems and apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) to ensure safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes. Verbal and written communication skills are practiced through interaction with patients, their caregivers, members of the health care team and by documenting interventions in the medical record. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first to third year coursework. (0-240-6)

The Ambulatory Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) core rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in an outpatient pharmacy setting that emphasizes individualized direct patient care for ambulatory patients. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, professional judgment, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in patient care, patient education, medication safety, interprofessional collaboration and evidence-based medication management. Students apply drug and disease-state guidelines to identify and prevent therapeutic problems, and create, implement, and monitor patient care plans. Students use verbal and written communication skills to interact and build relationships with patients, their caregivers, members of the health care team and to document interventions in the medical record. Motivational interviewing, patient education, medication management and counseling skills are practiced. Students apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) to ensure safe medication delivery and optimal patient outcomes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first to third year coursework. (0-240-6)

The Advanced Hospital Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) core rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in an institutional pharmacy setting. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in their pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in managing pharmacy operations, clinical services and health care delivery while emphasizing the interprofessional dynamics of the institutional setting. Students dispense (compound) sterile and non-sterile products, manage pharmacy operations, and evaluate clinical services and medication safety programs. Students become familiar with pharmacy metrics, drug shortages, formulary management and the application of management principles for oversight of pharmacy personnel and clinical services. All components of the medication use process are emphasized to ensure safe medication delivery and optimal patient outcomes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first to third year coursework. (0-240-6)

The Community Pharmacy Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) core rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in a community pharmacy setting. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in patient care, outpatient healthcare delivery and community pharmacy operations. Students dispense and bill for medications, provide education and counseling for prescription and non-prescription drugs, triage patients to appropriate care, provide medication therapy management, and administer vaccinations. Effective communication with patients, their caregivers, and members of the health care team is emphasized. Students evaluate pharmacy metrics, continuous quality improvement processes, and inventory management. They apply the medication use process and Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) to ensure safe medication delivery and optimal patient outcomes. Prerequisite: Successful completion of all first to third year coursework. (0-240-6)

The Direct Patient Care – Patient Centered Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) elective rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in an inpatient or outpatient clinical practice setting. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in patient care, patient education, medication safety, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based medication management. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum through interactions with diverse patient populations and members of the health care team. They use disease-state knowledge, drug therapy guidelines and site-specific procedures to identify and prevent drug therapy problems and apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) to ensure safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes. Verbal and written communication skills are practiced through interaction with patients, their caregivers, members of the health care team and by documenting interventions in the medical record. (0-240-6)

In this course students may select to participate in one of the following experiences:

1. The Direct Patient Care – Patient Centered Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) elective rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in an inpatient or outpatient clinical practice setting. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in patient care, patient education, medication safety, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based medication management. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum through interactions with diverse patient populations and members of the health care team. They use disease-state knowledge, drug therapy guidelines and site-specific procedures to identify and prevent drug therapy problems and apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) to ensure safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes. Verbal and written communication skills are practiced through interaction with patients, their caregivers, members of the health care team and by documenting interventions in the medical record.

2. The Direct Patient Care – Medication Use System Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) elective rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in a pharmacy practice setting. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in patient care and healthcare delivery in various pharmacy settings. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum through interactions with diverse patient populations and members of the health care team. They apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) and use disease-state and medication-related knowledge and site-specific procedures to a ensure safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes. Verbal and written communication skills are practiced through interaction with patients, their caregivers, members of the health care team and by documenting professional activities. (0-240-6)

In this course students may select to participate in one of the following experiences:

1. The Direct Patient Care – Patient Centered Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) elective rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in an inpatient or outpatient clinical practice setting. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in patient care, patient education, medication safety, interprofessional collaboration, and evidence-based medication management. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum through interactions with diverse patient populations and members of the health care team. They use disease-state knowledge, drug therapy guidelines and site-specific procedures to identify and prevent drug therapy problems and apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) to ensure safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes. Verbal and written communication skills are practiced through interaction with patients, their caregivers, members of the health care team and by documenting interventions in the medical record.

2. The Direct Patient Care – Medication Use System Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) elective rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) in a pharmacy practice setting. This experience is designed to optimize students’ competency in patient care and healthcare delivery in various pharmacy settings. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum through interactions with diverse patient populations and members of the health care team. They apply the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP) and use disease-state and medication-related knowledge and site-specific procedures to a ensure safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes. Verbal and written communication skills are practiced through interaction with patients, their caregivers, members of the health care team and by documenting professional activities.

3. The Non-Patient Care Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) is a six-week, full time (minimum of 40 hours per week) elective rotation supervised by a licensed pharmacist(s) or other preceptor in varied settings. This experience is designed to optimize students’ professional maturity and explore various sectors of practice to support achievement of educational outcomes. Students apply and advance their knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors developed in the pre-APPE curriculum and co-curriculum through interactions with diverse individuals in pharmacy-related fields. Verbal and written communication skills are emphasized through interaction with preceptors, staff, colleagues, and internal and external stakeholders. (0-240-6)

This is the first in a series of three courses that assesses and strengthens students’ knowledge and skills developed during the pharmacy curriculum and prepares students for the North American Pharmacists Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and Multistate Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). In this course, students continue preparation and study through board examination materials and evaluate professional growth. The professional development plan is updated, and career planning guidance is offered including preparing applications and interviews for residencies or pharmacists’ positions. Curriculum cocurricular experiences stimulating student growth are tracked through the electronic portfolio. (16-0-1)

This is the second in a series of three courses that assesses and strengthens students’ knowledge and skills developed during the pharmacy curriculum and prepares students for the North American Pharmacists Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and Multistate Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). In this course, students continue preparation and study through board examination materials and evaluate professional growth. The professional development plan is updated, and career planning guidance is offered including preparing applications and interviews for residencies or pharmacists’ positions. Curriculum cocurricular experiences stimulating student growth are tracked through the electronic portfolio. (16-0-1)

This is the third in a series of three courses that assesses and strengthens students’ knowledge and skills developed during the pharmacy curriculum and prepares students for the North American Pharmacists Licensure Exam (NAPLEX) and Multistate Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). In this course students continue preparation and study board examination materials through self-study and a live interactive board review session offered at the end of the course. Curriculum and cocurricular experiences stimulating student growth are tracked through the electronic portfolio. (32-0-2)