M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development
The M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development is a 36-credit master's degree p...
Doctor of Pharmacy (Accelerated PharmD)
Manchester, Worcester
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), with its rich history dating back to 1823, offers an accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program on its Worcester, MA, and Manchester, NH, campuses. This intensive program is designed for students who have already completed a bachelor's degree or significant pre-pharmacy coursework, allowing them to earn their PharmD in a condensed timeframe of 34 months, typically completed year-round over less than three years. The program focuses on developing pharmacists who are prepared to optimize patient outcomes, lead change in healthcare, and excel in diverse practice settings, from community pharmacies to cutting-edge hospital environments.
ACPE-Accredited: Yes, the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at MCPHS University is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). ACPE is the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy. This accreditation is crucial as it ensures the program meets rigorous standards for quality pharmacy education, making graduates eligible for licensure as pharmacists in the United States. MCPHS has a long-standing history of ACPE accreditation, with its most recent comprehensive review reaffirming its accredited status through June 30, 2032.
Curriculum: The accelerated PharmD curriculum at MCPHS is rigorous and integrated, blending foundational sciences with extensive patient care experiences. The 34-month journey is divided into three years, each building upon the last. The first year focuses on foundational theories in pharmaceutical biochemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacy law, and an introduction to patient care, alongside developing service-oriented disposition. The second year delves into human physiology and pathophysiology, pharmacotherapeutics, medicinal chemistry, and advanced patient care seminars and labs. Throughout these didactic years, students engage in introductory pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs) in community and institutional settings. The third and final year is dedicated to advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPEs), consisting of multiple six-week rotations in areas like inpatient adult patient care, ambulatory care, hospital/health systems, and community pharmacy, along with elective rotations. A capstone project and preparation for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) are also integral components.
Research Focus: While the accelerated PharmD program at MCPHS is primarily focused on preparing clinical practitioners, it incorporates elements that foster an understanding of research and evidence-based practice. The curriculum includes courses such as "Drug Literature Evaluation & Informatics in Healthcare," which equips students with the skills to critically appraise scientific literature. Students also have opportunities to engage in scholarly activities under faculty mentorship. Furthermore, the program offers optional concentrations, such as "Pharmaceutical Cancer Research," where students gain hands-on experience in bench research, scientific writing, literature reviews, and often present findings at scientific conferences. The availability of dual degree options, such as PharmD/MS in Clinical Research, also signifies a commitment to integrating research acumen into professional pharmacy practice.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS University boasts exceptional industry engagement, significantly benefiting its accelerated PharmD students. Its strategic location in Boston's Longwood Medical Area and proximity to major biotech and pharmaceutical hubs provides unparalleled opportunities. The university has the second-largest biopharmaceutical industry fellowship program in the nation, partnering with leading companies like Novartis, Pfizer, Biogen, and Moderna, offering PharmD graduates specialized, in-depth training in diverse industry functions. Students gain real-world experience through extensive introductory and advanced pharmacy practice rotations at renowned clinical sites. Faculty members are often industry experts and practitioners, providing invaluable insights and networking connections. MCPHS also fosters industry connections through professional organization memberships and events, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
Global Perspective: The accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program at MCPHS inherently integrates a global perspective by preparing pharmacists for a profession that increasingly operates on an international scale. While the primary focus is on practice within the U.S. healthcare system and preparing for U.S. licensure, the broad scope of pharmaceutical sciences and patient care necessitates an understanding of diverse health needs and global drug development. MCPHS offers opportunities for students to engage in global practice experiences and international travel courses, allowing them to gain firsthand insight into healthcare systems and pharmacy practice in different countries. This exposure fosters cultural competency and prepares graduates to address health disparities and contribute to patient care in a globally interconnected world.
Location
Manchester, Worcester
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 56970
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 73 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 115.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make their education more affordable and accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership qualities, and financial need, enabling talented students from around the world to pursue their healthcare education without financial burden.
Merit-Based Scholarships: MCPHS provides merit-based scholarships that reward outstanding academic performance. International students with strong academic records, competitive test scores, and leadership potential may qualify for these scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial status and submit the required documentation during the admission process.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within MCPHS offer specialized scholarships tailored to specific health science programs such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. These scholarships often prioritize candidates pursuing high-demand healthcare fields.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: MCPHS frequently offers dedicated international student scholarships aimed at encouraging a diverse student body. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and contributions to the community.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: International students at MCPHS are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs and partnerships offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and resources to help students identify and apply for these opportunities.
A Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), particularly from its accelerated program, prepares highly competent and versatile pharmacists for a rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Community Pharmacist: This is a traditional and vital role where pharmacists dispense medications, provide patient counseling on proper drug use, manage medication therapy, administer immunizations, and offer health screenings in retail pharmacies (e.g., CVS, Walgreens) or independent pharmacies.
Hospital Pharmacist: Working within hospital systems, these pharmacists are integral members of healthcare teams. They focus on medication management for inpatients, including verifying orders, compounding sterile products, participating in rounds, monitoring drug therapy, and providing drug information to medical staff in various departments (e.g., ICU, emergency medicine, oncology).
Clinical Pharmacist: Often requiring postgraduate residency training (PGY1, PGY2), clinical pharmacists provide direct patient care in specialized areas within hospitals, clinics, or ambulatory care settings. They optimize medication therapy, manage chronic diseases, perform medication reviews, and collaborate closely with physicians and other healthcare providers to improve patient outcomes.
Ambulatory Care Pharmacist: Operating in outpatient clinics, physician offices, or specialized clinics, these pharmacists manage medication therapy for chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, anticoagulation) and provide comprehensive medication management services to patients, aiming to prevent hospital readmissions and improve long-term health.
Managed Care Pharmacist: Graduates work for health insurance companies or Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). They develop and manage prescription drug formularies, analyze drug utilization patterns, establish prior authorization criteria, and design cost-effective medication plans to ensure appropriate and affordable access to medications for large patient populations.
Pharmaceutical Industry Pharmacist: The pharmaceutical industry offers diverse roles for PharmD graduates in areas such as Medical Affairs (providing scientific information and support), Regulatory Affairs (ensuring compliance with drug regulations), Clinical Development (contributing to clinical trial design and monitoring), Drug Safety/Pharmacovigilance (monitoring adverse drug reactions), and Market Access (developing strategies for product reimbursement).
Compounding Pharmacist: These specialists prepare customized medications for individual patients when commercially available drugs do not meet their specific needs (e.g., allergies to excipients, different dosage strengths, alternative dosage forms like creams or liquids). This role often involves working in specialized compounding pharmacies.
Consultant Pharmacist: Consultant pharmacists provide medication management expertise to various healthcare settings, particularly long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. They conduct medication regimen reviews, identify and resolve drug-related problems, and help optimize pharmacotherapy for elderly and complex patients.
Academia (Pharmacy Faculty): With a PharmD, especially combined with postgraduate training (residency or fellowship) and/or a passion for education, graduates can pursue careers as pharmacy faculty. They teach didactic courses, supervise student rotations, conduct research, and mentor the next generation of pharmacists.
Government and Public Health Pharmacist: Pharmacists can work for government agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Veterans Affairs (VA), or state health departments. Roles might involve drug regulation, public health initiatives, medication safety oversight, or supporting national health programs.
