Nova Southeastern University

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree is awarded after successful completion of the professional curriculum in the College of Pharmacy. The curriculum uses state-of-the-art interactive teaching, delivery, and assessment methods and is designed so courses integrate information and build on one another, providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful pharmacists in a dynamic and ever-changing environment. Students may enter either the four-year, entry-level program or the three-year advanced standing program for international pharmacy graduates.
Please visit our website pharmacy.nova.edu for further information regarding admissions requirements and procedures.
The didactic component of the curriculum develops students into lifelong learners, building a foundation in the medical and pharmaceutical sciences, principles of drug therapy, pharmacodynamics, and the social and administrative aspects of pharmacy. Students are actively involved in advocacy for the profession, are patient centered, and develop team-based relationships with other health care professionals. On-going opportunities are provided for students to experience pharmacy practice first hand. First-year students gain knowledge of the profession from pharmacy leaders through lectures, town halls, alumni forums, laboratories, student organizations, and much more. The Pharmaceutics Compounding lab provides hands-on training for first year students in basic pharmaceutical formulations that can be prepared and dispensed in a pharmacy setting. Second- and third-year students participate in the Patient Care Management labs, which focus on using subjective and objective patient data to problem solve and create an appropriate, patient-centered plan. In addition, second year students spend four hours each week in a community pharmacy setting and third-year students devote eight hours each week in hospital and pharmacy service preclinical settings. These opportunities allow students to apply knowledge gained from all courses in the curriculum through simulated and real-life practice settings.
Fourth-year students complete nine 160-hour Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) courses, six in direct patient care areas and three selective experiences in specialty health care areas. APPEs continue the student’s education by providing opportunities for the clinical application of patient care in diverse health care environments and systems. During the fourth year, the Curricular Review series provides online reviews and updates of didactic coursework, including calculations and case-based drug therapy evaluations. During the fourth professional year, all students are required to return to their respective campuses for up to one week of live instruction and board exam preparation.