Doctor of Pharmacy FAQ

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Why is ACPE accreditation important?

A distance learning program that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education is assurance that the program is comparable to the campus-based pharmacy program. It is the best indicator of quality and academic integrity in an education program. University of Florida and the College of Pharmacy maintain these high standards.

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What should I look for in a distance learning program?

We recommend you search for a program that has extensive experience delivering distance learning, professional accreditation (ACPE), low student attrition, dedicated full-time faculty, high student satisfaction, and minimal 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.

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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 Manager, the University provides technical support via e-mail as well as by telephone.

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Do 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.

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How long will it take to earn my Pharm.D.?

The Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum is nine semesters (54 credits) that is paced to complete in three years. Students have up to seven years to complete the program without losing any earned credits.

The unique blended model of learning 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 have met all requirements of the program in nine semesters.

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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 this 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."

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How much does the program cost?

University of Florida offers the same quality education at a distance as in state campus-based students receive. 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 page for details.

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I've previously taken graduate courses. Can those courses be transferred in?

Due to the unique blended model of the curriculum, University of Florida usually does not accept any transfer credits. See the Transfer Credits page for more details.

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I have a busy work and family life and cannot attend classes each week. Is this program for me?

Yes, it is one of the most flexible and convenient doctoral programs you will find. The 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. You do not have to put your career on hold or relocate your family to attend classes. All program content is either accessed online or is 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 as an observer. Beginning with the second semester, you will participate in three regional site meetings which are held on Saturdays at a site in your geographical vicinity.

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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 within nine semesters. Students are required to complete twelve CPAs during each year of enrollment. CPAs are accomplished in your workplace or local community using preceptors.

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Why should I earn my Pharm.D.?

Graduates of the WPPD program are able to thrive in the continuously evolving pharmaceutical environments. 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
• More attractive for career opportunities and advancements

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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 Computer Requirements for more details.

Click here for special pricing that University of Florida has negotiated on Dell computers for personal purchases as well as institutional prices.

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Distance learning degrees vs. campus-based degrees: does the diploma say "distance learning?"

Students who graduate from the University of Florida WPPD program receive the same prestigious degree as students attending on campus. Your Doctor of Pharmacy diploma will be no different from that of an on-campus graduate. Prospective students should have full confidence in the reputation of the University of Florida and its extraordinary Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Many of our students attend the graduation ceremony on campus to celebrate achieving this amazing 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 University of Florida.

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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 also is one of the most highly ranked non-traditional Pharm.D. programs in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

The WPPD program is unique in that most of its students, who complete the first term, complete the program. In fact, we can boast that we carry one of the highest student retention rates for a distance learning program at more than 98%.

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 future plans with an Enrollment Advisor at 1-800-431-6687 and get answers to your questions before beginning the application process.

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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.