College of Pharmacy

Pharmacy (PharmD)

Program Description

The College of Pharmacy, located in the Henry and Grace Farrar Center for Health Sciences, offers a four-year program of professional study leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. The four-year professional program consists of 144 semester hour credits. The first three years are comprised of a combination of didactic instruction and introductory pharmacy practice experiences, followed by a fourth year comprised entirely of advanced pharmacy practice experiences.

There is an emphasis on the integration of faith, learning and living; the development of Christian scholarship; the promotion of Christian ethics; and the promotion of citizenship within a global perspective through participation in mission efforts.

The College of Pharmacy Student Handbook contains a comprehensive description of all policies and procedures that apply to pharmacy students.

Faculty

Dean:
   Julie A. Hixson-Wallace, Pharm.D., BCPS
   Assistant Provost for the Center for Health Sciences

Professors:

Julie A. Hixson-Wallace, Pharm.D., BCPS
     Dean
     Assistant Provost for the Center for Health Sciences
Julie Cold Kissack, Pharm.D., BCPP
     Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Forrest Smith, Ph.D.
     Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Kenneth (Bill) Yates, D.V.M.
     Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Associate Professors:

Daniel Atchley, Ph.D., MT-ASCP
     Director of Curriculum Assessment
Jim Norris, Ph.D.
Rodney Richmond, B.S.Pharm., M.S.
Scott Weston, Ph.D., R.Ph.
     Director of Curriculum Development 

Assistant Professors:

Kaci Bohn, Ph.D.
Todd Brackins, Pharm.D., BCPP
Josh Brown, Ph.D.
Crystal Deas, Pharm.D., BCPS
Ashley Earley, Pharm.D.
Lana Gettman, Pharm.D.
Sarah Griffin, Pharm D.
Tim Howard,  Pharm.D.
Landry Kamdem, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
Melissa Max, Pharm. D., CDE
Jeffrey Mercer, Pharm.D.
     Assistant Dean for Experiential Education
Jean Anne Mire, B.S.Pharm., M.B.A.
James M. Nesbit, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Jeanie Monzingo Smith, Pharm.D.
Richard Ward, Pharm.D.
Rayanne Story, Pharm.D.
G. Kwame Yeboah, M.P.H., Ph.D.

Instructors:

Susan Grace, M.A.E.
     Director of Student Affairs
Carol Jones, M.B.A.
     Director of Admissions

Residents:

Gabriella Douglass, Pharm.D.
Lindsay Elliott, Pharm.D.

Assisting from Other Departments:

Gary Hill, M.P.A.S., PA-C
Dennis Matlock, Ph.D.
Michael A. Murphy, M.D.
Bryan Phillips, Ph.D.
Marty Spears, Ph.D.
Phil Tobin, M.P.A.S., PA-C

Mission

Harding University’s College of Pharmacy seeks to graduate pharmacists who accept the responsibility of improving the spiritual and physical wellness of the world by providing patient-centered care that ensures optimal medication therapy outcomes delivered through the highest standards of Christian service.

Accreditation

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredits Doctor of Pharmacy programs offered by Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy in the United States and selected non-US sites. For a Doctor of Pharmacy program offered by a new College or School of Pharmacy, ACPE accreditation generally involves three steps: Precandidate accreditation status, Candidate accreditation status, and Full accreditation status. Precandidate accreditation status denotes a developmental program that is expected to mature in accord with stated plans and within a defined time period. Precandidate accreditation status is awarded to a new program of a College or School of Pharmacy that has not yet enrolled students in the professional program and authorizes the College to admit its first class. Candidate accreditation status is awarded to a Doctor of Pharmacy program that has students enrolled but has not yet had a graduating class. Full accreditation status is awarded to a program that has met all ACPE standards for accreditation and has graduated its first class. Graduates of a class designated as having Candidate accreditation status have the same rights and privileges of those graduates from a fully accredited program. ACPE conveys its decisions to the various boards of pharmacy and makes recommendations in accord with its decisions. It should be noted, however, that decisions concerning eligibility for licensure by examination or reciprocity reside with the respective state boards of pharmacy in accordance with their state statutes and administrative rules.

The Doctor of Pharmacy program of the Harding University College of Pharmacy was awarded continued Candidate accreditation status during the June 22-26, 2011, meeting of the ACPE Board of Directors based upon an on-site evaluation conducted March 10-11, 2011, and discussion with University and College officials. If the program continues to develop as planned, full accreditation of the Doctor of Pharmacy program will be considered by the Board following the graduation of students from the program.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and standards are designed to ensure scholastic success in the professional Pharm.D. program. 

1. Applicants must possess a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.75 on a 4.0 scale on all previous college work; grades for all undergraduate coursework attempted are included in the calculation of the overall undergraduate GPA which is the primary GPA used in the admissions process.
2. Grades below “C” cannot be accepted for any math or science course.
3. No more than 6 hours of CLEP or credit by examination will be accepted to meet the pre-pharmacy requirements; such credit must be listed on the official transcript.
4. Advanced Placement (AP) credit may be used to satisfy prerequisite coursework provided that the AP credit is accepted by the applicant’s institution and is posted on the applicant’s official academic transcript.
5. All science courses must be majors courses; non-majors courses will not fulfill the requirements.
6. The speech requirement should be fulfilled with a public speaking course.
7. The economics requirement must be fulfilled with either a microeconomics or macroeconomics course; however, a macroeconomics course is recommended.
8. Humanities electives may be chosen from one or more of these areas: art, foreign language, history, literature, music, philosophy, religion or theatre.
9. Social/behavioral science electives may be chosen from one or more of these areas: accounting (highly recommended), anthropology, business, computer science, economics, geography, health, history, management or political science.
10. It is highly recommended that one of the other electives be fulfilled with genetics.
11. No credit toward the 90 semester hour requirement will be accepted for military science or physical education courses.
12. The calculus requirement may NOT be fulfilled with a business calculus course.

Prospective pharmacy students are strongly encouraged to obtain work experience in a pharmacy setting. An example of appropriate experience is as a pharmacy technician in either a hospital or community pharmacy.

Prerequisite Coursework

Admission to the four-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree program requires completion of a minimum of 90 semester hours of preprofessional education at a U.S.-accredited college or university. This typically takes three years of pre-professional study. Application can be made after the completion of 60 semester hours of college coursework. Prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to matriculation.

The minimum specific prepharmacy course requirements are as follows:  

*lab required
**no lab required

#The Harding courses that fulfill each requirement are listed for comparison to courses at other universities; to view the science department course descriptions, visit: www.harding.edu/catalog. Please note that course equivalencies will be determined by Harding University. Upon application, a formal audit will be conducted on your undergraduate coursework to make this determination.

Other Program Requirements 

1. Technical Standards: In addition to the academic requirements for admission, candidates for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree must be able to exhibit mastery of technical standards for this field by performing the essential functions in each of the following categories: observation, communication, sensory/motor, intellectual, behavioral/social and ethical. The college is committed to enabling students with disabilities by reasonable means of accommodations to complete the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program. Some accommodations cannot be made because they are not reasonable.
   
   When a student is admitted to the College of Pharmacy, a list of the technical standards is sent with each acceptance letter. Students must respond in writing whether they can meet the standards with or without accommodations. If accommodation is requested, the student must submit documentation of disability with proposed accommodation from a certified specialist to the Office of Student Affairs and Admissions.
   
   The College of Pharmacy at Harding University has an ethical responsibility for the safety of patients with whom the students come into contact. It is the patient’s safety that is the driving force in establishing technical requirements.
   
   These functions include, but are not limited to:
   
   Observation: A candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and experiments in the basic sciences, including but not limited to physiological and pharmacological demonstrations in animals, evaluation of microbiological cultures, and microscopic studies of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathological states. A candidate must be able to visually observe and interpret presented information. A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately at a distance and close at hand. This standard necessitates the functional use of vision, hearing and somatic senses.
   
   Communication: A candidate must be able to communicate effectively and sensitively with patients, caregivers, and all members of the health care team. The purpose of this communication is to elicit information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communication. Communication includes speech, reading, writing and computer literacy. These skills include the appropriate use of oral and written English, hearing, reading and computer literacy.
   
   Sensory/Motor: A candidate must have sufficient motor function and skills required in the compounding of medications including using techniques for preparing sterile solutions, e.g. parenteral or ophthalmic solutions. A candidate must have sufficient motor function to gain information from patients by physically touching patients. Examples of such tasks may include assessing range of motion of a joint, blood pressure reading, and taking a pulse reading. Such actions require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional use of the senses of touch and vision.
   
   Intellectual (Conceptual, Integrative, and Quantitative Abilities): A candidate must demonstrate a fundamental and continuing ability to use critical thinking and analytical skills to independently and in collaboration with a health care team synthesize knowledge, solve problems and explain health care situations. A candidate must be fully alert and attentive at all times in clinical settings.
   
   Behavioral/Social: A candidate must demonstrate professional demeanor appropriate to his/her educational level. A candidate must possess the emotional health required for full utilization of his or her intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, and the prompt completion of all patient care responsibilities. A candidate must possess the ability to develop mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. A candidate must be able to tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. A candidate must be able to function within regulatory limits and modify behavior based on criticism. A candidate must be able to adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients. A candidate must possess compassion, integrity, interpersonal skills, and motivation to excel in pharmacy practice.
    
2. Ethical Standards: A candidate must demonstrate the highest level of professional demeanor and behavior, and must perform in an ethical manner in all dealings with peers, faculty, staff preceptors, and patients.
    
3. Health requirements: Applicants selected for admission to the program must provide evidence of good health, no communicable diseases, and required immunizations and screenings prior to matriculation. Forms will be available to those accepted into the program.
   
   All students are required to maintain health insurance.
   
   Immunizations and screening tests required are as follows:
   
   1. Hepatitis B series and titer (this can take up to 6 months to complete)
   2. Two MMRs or positive rubella titer
   3. Tetanus/diphtheria (DPT, DTaP, or Td) primary series and Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap or Td) booster.
   4. Evidence of varicella immunity is required by written documentation of one of the following: two doses of varicella vaccine given at least 28 days apart or history of varicella or herpes zoster based on physician diagnosis or laboratory evidence of immunity or laboratory confirmation of disease (titer)
   5. A Mantoux 5TU PPD tuberculin skin test performed within four months prior to matriculation
       
4. Computer Requirements: Proficiency in basic computer skills (word-processing, databases, Internet searches, e-mail) is expected of all entering students, as the curriculum incorporates the use of computer technology. Additionally, all students in the program are expected to have access to the Internet. Students are required to have their own laptop computer upon entry into the program.
    
5. Equipment Requirements: All students will be expected to purchase or have the required medical equipment needed to meet program requirements. This will include acquiring an approved lab coat with a school-issued patch, a stethoscope, and a sphygmomanometer.
    
6. Liability Requirements: Each student must carry professional liability insurance coverage, which is included in student tuition.
    
7. Travel Requirements: Portions of the curriculum require travel to various locations. Clinical experiences entail travel to clinical sites. Students must provide their own transportation to experiential sites and classroom activities. It is therefore required that all pharmacy students have a means of transportation. This includes a valid driver’s license and current auto liability insurance if transportation is to be provided through a personal vehicle. Doctor of Pharmacy students are responsible for all costs associated with travel and off campus clinical experiences. Transportation and food are the most common out-of-pocket expenses. Some sites will require additional living arrangements to be made, which will be the student’s responsibility.
    
8. Background Check Requirements: The College of Pharmacy does not require a background check or drug screening for admission. Once a student is admitted and the admission decision is transmitted to the Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS), PharmCAS will initiate a criminal background check through Certiphi Screening, Inc. Potentially adverse background information will be discussed with the student and a decision will be made regarding how the information will impact the student’s ability to progress in the program. To obtain an Arkansas pharmacy intern license, students are required to authorize and submit to a criminal background check with fingerprinting, including sex offenses and crimes against minors. An Arkansas pharmacy intern license is required for participation in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Inability to obtain an Arkansas pharmacy intern license would be cause for dismissal from the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Some students may also be expected to submit to random drug testing required by clinical practice sites. These additional costs are the students’ responsibility. Non-compliance with the criminal background checks and/or drug testing policies may be cause for dismissal from the program. Criminal background checks and drug screens are common pre-employment procedures.

Application Procedure

Selecting a candidate for the future practice of pharmacy involves many important factors, including academic background, PCAT scores, letters of reference, and pharmacy experience.

Because admission information is updated regularly, applicants should verify current requirements on the College of Pharmacy Web site. The most current admission information and forms will always be posted at this site.

All applicants are required to submit a Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS) application via the PharmCAS Web site: www.pharmcas.org. Students will need to go to this Web site and complete the Web application and submit PharmCAS application fees, send official transcripts from each university attended, and official Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) scores (code 104) to PharmCAS. In addition to PCAT scores, applicants must submit three letters of reference that focus on the applicant’s academic and professional abilities. Having at least one reference from a pharmacist is highly recommended.

All applicants are required to submit a supplemental application with a nonrefundable $50 application fee made payable to Harding University. This fee may be paid by credit card by calling (501) 279-5528. All applicants must also complete a course record form listing all prerequisite coursework and any additional relevant coursework taken in the subject areas. All application materials must be completed and postmarked by the application deadline to be considered for interviews.

Application Review and Selection for Interview

Personal interviews are a required portion of the application process. Qualified students will be notified if they are selected for a personal interview. Throughout the duration of the interview process, applicants are accepted to the Doctor of Pharmacy program on a continual basis until the class has been filled; an alternate list will then be established. Based on the overall strength of the applicant pool, acceptance is selective.

Transfer, International and Non-degree Seeking Students

Transfer students.   Harding University College of Pharmacy accepts transfer students with advanced standing; however, space is limited and because curricula in pharmacy schools vary greatly students may not transfer at the same level achieved at the previous college. To be considered for transfer admission applicants must meet the following criteria:

   1. Be in good standing in a Pharm.D. program at another college of pharmacy that is ACPE-accredited with a minimum of Candidate status
   2. Satisfy core prerequisites for Harding University College of Pharmacy
   3. Have a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Application materials include:

   1. Transfer Student Application
   2. Transcripts from the current program and all undergraduate coursework
   3. Course syllabi for every pharmacy course completed and every pharmacy course that will be completed prior to transfer to Harding University College of Pharmacy
   4. Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) scores
   5. Four letters of recommendation:
         a. One from a supervising pharmacist (work or volunteer)
         b. Two from faculty members from the current pharmacy school
         c. One courtesy letter from the Dean of the current pharmacy school
   6. Letter of explanation that addresses the reason transfer is being sought
   7. Updated curriculum vitae which includes education, employment history, and any extracurricular activities or volunteer work
   8. Personal interview is required
 
Application materials must be submitted to: Harding University College of Pharmacy, Office of Student Affairs and Admissions, Box 12230, Searcy, AR 72148-2230.

A minimum of 3 years in enrollment residence is required to receive the Pharm.D. degree from Harding University College of Pharmacy. No consideration will be given to students who wish to transfer solely to complete their Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences. In determining advanced standing, the Director of Admissions will consult with the appropriate Department Chair(s) to determine course equivalence. Based upon this evaluation, the Director of Admissions will make a recommendation regarding transfer credit for advanced standing to the Dean’s office for final action.

International students. An applicant who is not a citizen of the United States must follow the normal admissions procedure. This includes completing all pre-pharmacy course requirements in an American college or university. The College of Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs and Admissions does not evaluate transcripts from outside the United States. If course work has been earned in a foreign country, several steps are required.

In order for the College of Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs and Admissions to determine whether the courses taken in a foreign country can be transferred for credit, foreign transcripts must be reviewed or evaluated by an undergraduate American institution. All of the credit earned for transfer must appear on the transcript of an American college or university. Transfer credit must be identified as courses equivalent to those in the American college or university. In order to receive a transcript including the evaluation of transfer credits, the international student must be enrolled at the undergraduate American institution. Until this procedure has been accomplished, an application for admission cannot be accepted.

Financial resources of the College of Pharmacy are limited; therefore financial assistance is not available for international students on F-1 Visas. Federally-funded financial aid is restricted to students who are citizens or permanent residents of the United States. It is important that the student have pre-determined financial support sufficient to meet educational and living expenses.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

The Honors, Awards, and Scholarship Committee reviews all candidates for honors, awards, and scholarships. To be considered, students must complete a curriculum vitae (CV) form. The CV should be submitted to the Director of Admissions and should be updated annually. Two exceptions to this requirement are those scholarships that require application directly to the donor and merit scholarships that are based upon academic grade point average and/or rank in class. In addition to the requirements listed for each scholarship, the committee considers additional criteria in selecting recipients, such as involvement in student organizations and activities, as well as professional and public service.

The available scholarships include:

CVS/pharmacy Scholarship. The CVS/pharmacy scholarship provides annual scholarship funds for selected students. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, and their level of interest in community pharmacy practice.

Walgreens Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student engaged in efforts to raise awareness in diversity and community outreach.

Wal-Mart Pharmacy Scholarship. The recipient of this scholarship is a student who has strong academic credentials and who has demonstrated leadership qualities.

Richard Farmer Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of academic performance and financial need.

Pharmacists Mutual Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded on the basis of desire to be a community practitioner who practices in a state in which the company operates. Selection of the recipient is based on both academic achievement and on need.

Dean’s Merit Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to the top ten percent of the second, third and fourth professional year classes.

National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) Foundation Scholarship. The recipients of these scholarships are students with a strong desire to pursue a career in community pharmacy.

St. Bernard’s Medical Center Scholarship. The recipient of this scholarship is a student who is in good academic standing who has demonstrated an interest in health-system pharmacy practice.

Richie’s Specialty Pharmacy Scholarship.  The recipient of this scholarship is a student who is in good academic standing and who has financial need.