Pharm.D. FAQs
You’ve Got Questions and We’ve Got Answers
All of the information on this website is intended to answer your questions about the University of Florida’s Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy distance-learning degree program. On this page you’ll find quick answers to frequently asked questions and suggestions on how to get more detailed information.
- I have read the website. What if I have more questions?
- Why is ACPE accreditation important?
- What should I look for in a distance-learning program?
- How long will it take to earn my Pharm.D.?
- What if I can’t keep up?
- I’ve previously taken graduate courses. Can those courses be transferred?
- I have a busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Is this program for me?
- Why should I earn my Pharm.D.?
- What are the computer requirements for participation in the Pharm.D. program?
- Distance-learning degrees vs. campus-based degrees: will my diploma say “distance-learning?”
- How can I be sure this distance-learning Pharm.D. program is right for me?
- Do students earn continuing education units (CEUs)?
- I am not computer savvy; can I do this?
- Will I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn?
- How much does the program cost?
- Will I have to miss work to participate in a clinical clerkship?
- What is the purpose of a Clinical Practice Assessment (CPA)?
- Can a Physician or BS Pharmacist be a preceptor?
I have read the website. What if I have more questions?
An Enrollment Advisor is available to answer your questions. To have your Enrollment Advisor contact you, click on Request Information above and complete the Contact Information form, or call 1-800-431-6687.Why is ACPE accreditation important?
Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) provides assurance that our distance-learning program is comparable to campus-based pharmacy programs. It is the best indicator of quality and academic integrity in an education program, and it signifies that the University of Florida and the College of Pharmacy maintain the high standards required for ACPE accreditation.What should I look for in a distance-learning program?
We recommend you search for a program with a successful history of delivering high quality distance-learning instruction, professional accreditation (ACPE), low student attrition, dedicated full-time faculty, high student satisfaction, and minimal required travel. Unlike correspondence courses, UF's distance-learning programs are not self-paced or independent study. The WPPD program combines traditional education (instructor-led, structured curriculum) with the convenience and interactivity of online technologies.How long will it take to earn my Pharm.D.?
The Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum is nine semesters (54 credits), paced for completion in three years. Students have up to seven years to complete the program without losing any earned credits. The unique blended-learning model offered by the University of Florida Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy program allows you to complete all required courses as well as the clinical requirements in three years if you choose to follow the recommended plan. If you attend all terms consecutively and successfully complete all courses, Clinical Practice Assessments (CPAs) as required during each year in the program, and the required Patient Care Writing Paper, you will meet all requirements of the program in nine semesters.What if I can’t keep up?
One of the benefits of studying in a small learning community is the special support you will receive from your peers and faculty. Students typically find that this support greatly helps them to stay on track. Your instructor recognizes your challenges and wants to help you succeed. Also, see "How long will it take to earn my Pharm.D.?"I’ve previously taken graduate courses. Can those courses be transferred?
Due to the unique blended-model of the curriculum, the University of Florida does not accept any transfer credits.I have a busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Is this program for me?
Yes, our program is one of the most flexible and convenient Pharm.D. programs available. The convenient and flexible Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy degree program is designed to bring the courses to you. You can complete most of your studies at your convenience in the comfort of your own home or workplace, and do not have to put your career on hold or relocate your family to attend classes. All program content is either accessed online or sent directly to your home. During your first semester, you will participate in several conference calls with your facilitator and classmates and attend one regional site meeting. Beginning with the second semester, you will participate in regional or remote site meetings. See Distance-Learning Models for more information.Why should I earn my Pharm.D.?
Graduates of the WPPD program are able to thrive in continuously evolving pharmaceutical environments. The University of Florida's Doctors of Pharmacy are:- Knowledgeable consultants regarding disease state management, clinical interventions and medication therapy
- Innovative leaders in pharmacy who can influence costs and protocols of treatment guidelines and participate in patient care management
- Well-versed professionals in the latest developments of the pharmaceutical industry
- Attractive candidates for career opportunities and advancements
What are the computer requirements for participation in the Pharm.D. program?
To participate in the distance-learning Pharm.D. program you will need a computer system with current specifications that your Enrollment Advisor can relay to you. Please call 1-800-431-6687, or see the Computer Requirements page for more details.Distance-learning degrees vs. campus-based degrees: will my diploma say “distance-learning?”
Students who graduate from the University of Florida’s WPPD program receive the same prestigious degree as students attending on campus. Your Doctor of Pharmacy diploma will be identical to that of an on-campus graduate. Prospective students should have full confidence in the reputation of the University of Florida and its extraordinary distance-learning Doctor of Pharmacy program. Many of our students attend the graduation ceremony on campus to celebrate achieving their tremendous education goal. We hope you will plan to attend graduation to celebrate this milestone with your classmates and the faculty and staff of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Florida.How can I be sure this distance-learning Pharm.D. program is right for me?
Our students recognize and appreciate being part of the prestigious Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Florida, a program that is not only accredited by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy Education (ACPE), but highly regarded as one of the best non-traditional Pharm.D. programs. In addition to our reputation for excellence, we provide working pharmacists with the convenience and flexibility of a distance-education program. Take time to discuss your career goals and educational aspirations with an Enrollment Advisor at 1-800-431-6687 and get answers to your questions before beginning the application process.Do students earn continuing education units (CEUs)?
In addition to earning traditional academic credit during the WPPD program, students earn two continuing education units (CEU’s) upon successful completion of each WPPD course. The University of Florida College of Pharmacy is an ACPE-accredited provider of continuing pharmacy education.I am not computer savvy; can I do this?
Yes. We realize that some students are computer novices; therefore, the University of Florida provides technical support for its students. In addition to assistance from the WPPD program staff and your Program Coordinator, the University provides technical support telephone as well as by e-mail.Will I earn the same degree that on-campus students earn?
Yes. The University of Florida awards the same accredited degree regardless of the delivery method: the traditional campus-based program or the distance-learning program for working professionals. Your diploma will be the same diploma that is conferred to on-campus students.How much does the program cost?
The University of Florida offers the same quality education as in-state campus-based students receive, but at a distance. Our goal is to ensure that all students with the drive and determination to complete our professional program have the opportunity to do so. See the Tuition and Financial Aid pages for details.Will I have to miss work to participate in a clinical clerkship?
With the University of Florida's unique format, there is no traditional clinical clerkship to complete after your coursework is finalized. By following the recommended plan and completing your Clinical Practice Assessments (CPAs) as required throughout the program, you can complete all requirements in nine semesters – with no extended time off from work required. Students are required to complete twelve CPAs during each year of enrollment. CPAs are accomplished in your workplace or local community using preceptors.What is the purpose of a Clinical Practice Assessment (CPA)?
Each CPA is a task that an advanced practitioner needs to be competent in. The goal as you complete each CPA is to demonstrate competency under the supervision of a preceptor.Can a Physician or BS Pharmacist be a preceptor?
The competency assessment form has a section that lists the criteria needed to be a preceptor for each CPA. There are some CPAs where a Physician meets the criteria needed to be a preceptor. Most BS Pharmacists do not have the background training and expertise necessary to help a WPPD student learn at the highest level. There are some exceptions and those individuals are looked at on a case-by-case basis.
hello,
i have taken a bachelor degree in biology and i want to continue and take adoctor degree in pharmacy?what shall i do?and what i need to do this and how much does it costs,are there any financial help??
thank you
Hello Linda and thank you for your interest in our program. The WPPD program is for current pharmacist who have a BS in Pharmacy and wish to earn their PharmD. You must be a licensed & practicing pharmacist in the US or Canada in order to apply for the program.
I have a special (unusual) admmissions request. I own several pharmacies in VIctoria, British Columbia. Can you advise on how to talk to the admissions commitee.
Hello,
If you share your request with your Enrollment Advisor, they can relay the request to the Admissions Committee if it is something they cannot answer. If you require further details or have any additional questions, please contact an Enrollment Advisor at (800) 431-6687. Thank you!
I have a B.S degree in pharmacy from India. and PhD degree from india. I am not a licenced pharmacist in US. Can I enroll for online PharmD program?
Thank you for your question. To be eligible for our Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy program you must be a licensed pharmacist. If you have further questions, please contact an Enrollment Advisor at 1-800-431-6687.
I am a UK practicing pharmacist.I’ve got MPharm from UK. Can I apply for Pharma D?
Hello Shabeel,
Unfortunately, in order to apply for the WPPD program you must be a licensed & practicing pharmacist in the US or Canada. Please contact an Enrollment Advisor at 1-800-431-6687 if you have any further questions.