College of Pharmacy

Programs of Study

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:  Jeffrey Mercer, Pharm.D.
 

Professors:

Julie A. Hixson-Wallace, Pharm.D., BCPS
     Vice Provost for Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness
Julie Cold Kissack, Pharm.D., BCPP
     Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice
Forrest Smith, Ph.D.
G. Scott Weston, Ph.D.
     Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Associate Professors:

Kaci Bohn, Ph.D.
Josh Brown, Ph.D.
Lana Gettman, Pharm.D.
Landry Kamdem, Pharm.D., Ph.D.
Jeffrey Mercer, Pharm.D.
     Dean
James Norris, Ph.D.
Rodney Richmond, B.S.Pharm., M.S., BCGP
Jeanie Monzingo Smith, Pharm.D.
     Experiential Education Director
James Tarrant, Ph.D.
Debbie Waggoner, Pharm.D., BCNP

Assistant Professors:

Daniel Bailey, Pharm.D.
Gabriella Douglass, Pharm.D., BCACP, BC-ADM, AAHIVP
Ashley Earley, Pharm.D., BCACP
Sarah Griffin, Pharm D., BCPS
     Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs
MaRanda Sanders Herring, Pharm.D., BCACP
Tim Howard,  Pharm.D.
     Experiential Education Director
James M. Nesbit, Ph.D., R.Ph.
Henry North, Ph.D.
Melissa Shipp, Pharm.D., BCPS
Rayanne Story, Pharm.D.
     Assistant Dean for Experiential Education
Mallory Turner, Pharm.D., BCPS
Shawn Turner, M.B.A., Pharm.D., BCPS
Kelly Walls, Pharm.D.
Richard Ward, Pharm.D.

Instructors:

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

Assisting from Other Departments:

Gary Hill, M.P.A.S., PA-C
Michael A. Murphy, M.D.
Bryan Phillips, Ph.D.

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. Harding University’s doctor of pharmacy is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603 312/664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631 web site www.acpe-accredit.org

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 2.5 (preferred) 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 one of the following: microeconomics, macroeconomics or financial accounting.
8. No credit toward the 64 semester hour requirement will be accepted for military science or physical education courses.
9. The calculus requirement may NOT be fulfilled with a business calculus course.
10. Although only 64 semester hours are required for admission, students must have a minimum of 72 semester hours of undergraduate course work completed prior to enrollment to be eligible for consideration for graduate and professional level federal student loan assistance.

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 64 semester hours of preprofessional education at a U.S.-accredited college or university. This typically takes two years of preprofessional study. Application can be made after the completion of 30 semester hours of college coursework. Prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to matriculation.

The minimum specific prepharmacy course requirements are as follows: 

Courses	Semester Hours			HU Course Number
Biochemistry		3**		CHEM 310  or CHEM 324
Biology - choose from Biology 1 & 2, Cell Biology, Genetics, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Immunology; other biology for majors courses may be considered		8		BIOL 249 , BIOL 253 , BIOL 259 ,BIOL 315
Calculus I		4		MATH 201
Economics		3		ECON 201  or ECON 202  or ACCT 205
English Composition		6		ENG 111 , ENG 211
General Chemistry		8*		CHEM 121 , CHEM 122
Microbiology		4*		BIOL 271
Organic Chemistry		8*		CHEM 249 , CHEM 250
Psychology or Sociology		3		PSY 201   or SOC 203
Speech		3		COMM 101
Statistics		3		MATH 200   or BIOL 254
Other electives		11
Total		64

*lab required
**no lab required

#The Harding courses that fulfill each requirement are listed for comparison to courses at other universities. 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.

Official transcripts from all colleges previously attended should be sent to PharmCAS.

Official transcripts from colleges where courses were completed after the final PharmCAS update should be sent directly to the College of Pharmacy.

All pre-pharmacy course requirements must be satisfied prior to matriculation.

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. Following admission to the College, students who fail to continue to exhibit mastery of these technical standards may be subject to dismissal from the College.
   
   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 patent’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 and CPR certification.
   
   Immunizations and screening tests required are as follows:
   1. Hepatitis B series and titer (this can take up to seven months to complete)
   2. Two MMRs or positive measles, mumps, and 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 laboratory evidence of immunity (titer).
   5. Results from a PPD tuberculin skin test (measurement in mm), QuantiFERON TB Gold test, or chest X-ray performed within three months prior to matriculation
   6. Influenza vaccine is required and administered by the college during the fall semester.
       
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. Successful completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy program does not guarantee the ability to secure licensure as a pharmacist in any given state. It is the candidate’s responsibility to satisfy all requirements of state licensure including completion of internship hours, satisfactory completion of state law examination, satisfactory criminal background checks and drug screening. Concern for the care and safety of patients is one reason why random drug screenings have become a standard practice in today’s health care workplace. Harding University College of Pharmacy seeks to provide the best possible preparation for its graduates by adhering to best practice standards. Therefore, the College conducts regular random drug screenings each semester. A percentage of students in each cohort (e.g. class of 20XX) is randomly selected for participation. Selected students receive notification and instructions for compliance with the drug screening process. Any student who does not comply with the drug screening process is considered to be in violation of the College’s Code of Professional Conduct. The College bears the cost of random drug screenings. The results of all drug screenings are handled in compliance with applicable rules of confidentiality and the duty to report to state licensing agencies. 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 website. 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 website: www.pharmcas.org. Students will need to go to this website 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.

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. The College of Pharmacy works on a rolling admission basis. Interviews will begin in September and conclude in April. Within two weeks of the interview, students will be notified of their admission status.

Interviewed candidates are ranked comparatively on the criteria established by the Pharm.D. Admissions Committee. The College of Pharmacy expects to admit 60 students for entry into the program each fall. Some students may be selected for the alternate list. Students selected for the alternate list will be considered each time the Admissions Committee meets. The alternate list will be ranked after May 1, and will remain active until the class is filled.

Offers of admission are contingent upon the successful completion of any remaining prerequisites, ability to meet the Technical Standards, eligibility to obtain an Arkansas Intern License, satisfactory review of the criminal background check, and compliance with the Harding University College of Pharmacy immunization policy.

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 syllabus 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 72149-5615.

A minimum of three 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. 1. The college generally follows the university policy regarding assessment of English language proficiency. This may include the use of the TOEFL or IELTS. However, in lieu of these exams, students may be assessed via the required college interview. 2. Students must submit documentation of financial ability to pay all expenses for the first year of study at Harding University College of Pharmacy, and demonstrate adequate coverage for health insurance in the United States. 3. International students must have a U.S. Social Security Number in order to apply for an Arkansas Pharmacy Intern License. 4. Harding University College of Pharmacy will not accept or review foreign course work. Courses completed at a college or university outside of the United States must send a foreign transcript evaluation report (FTER). Credit will be given only for the number of hours as evaluated by the FTER or that is transferred to a U.S. accredited college of university.

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.

Dean’s Merit Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to the top ten percent of the first, 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.

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

Agatha Culpepper Wallace Scholarship. The recipient of this scholarship is a student with demonstrated scholarship, leadership, diligence, capability, and financial need.

Class of 2015 Pharmacy Political Advocacy Scholarship. The recipient of this scholarship is a student who has demonstrated leadership in pharmacy political advocacy.

Chancellor’s Scholarship. The recipients of this scholarship are high achieving students identified prior to matriculation. To retain the scholarship for all four years, the students must maintain a GPA of 3.25 or higher.

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Programs

Doctor of Pharmacy

• •  Pharmacy (PharmD)