The Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has proposed to implement a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
Shaped by a vision of excellence and innovation in pharmacy education and research through learning, discovery and citizenship, the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has proposed to implement the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program in 2017.
After extensive consultations with stakeholders, the comprehensive plan to introduce the new curriculum is currently pending Government of Alberta approval.
"The PharmD is the new standard for pharmacy education in North America," says James Kehrer, dean of the faculty. "In Canada, the educational outcomes and accreditation requirements for the PharmD were established by the Association of Faculties of Pharmacy in Canada and the Canadian Council for the Accreditation of Pharmacy programs, respectively."
Half of the pharmacy schools in Canada have implemented the degree at present, with the remaining schools aiming for 2017-19.
"The goal of our PharmD program is to encourage our graduates to be future leaders and lifelong learners," says Kehrer. "Our curriculum development team has worked very hard to ensure we are continuing to prepare our graduates to provide quality and safe patient-centred care in Alberta's dynamic health-care environment, and in diverse settings across Canada's health-care system."
This change, if approved, will affect prospective students applying for admission in 2017. The new program will require two years of pre-professional studies and the experiential education component will be increased from 22 to 40 weeks.
Students in the BSc in Pharmacy program will have the option to enter the PharmD program once it's implemented, or continue with their BSc. Both options permit graduation at the same time.
And, beginning in January 2016, the faculty will offer the part-time PharmD for Practicing Pharmacists. This program is designed to upgrade the skills of practicing pharmacists and offers scheduling flexibility and online learning.
"Alberta is an exciting place, both to study and practice pharmacy," says Kehrer. "We look forward to providing new and currents students-as well as our alumni and the broader pharmacist community-with opportunities to experience a wide range of practice settings to foster their patient care skills, develop critical thinking and evidence-based decision making, and stay current on new practices and innovative learning that will enhance their ability to serve patients."