Academic Regulations

Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Program

Program Description

Mercer’s Doctor of Pharmacy Program is designed to provide the scholastic expertise and clinical acumen necessary to deliver effective patient-centered care in multidisciplinary settings to a culturally diverse population. The four-year program includes both didactic and experiential learning with a focus on patient-centered outcomes.

The program’s hybrid-block schedule combines concentrated foundational and pharmacotherapy courses with semester-long, practice-oriented and elective courses. First professional year students learn patient assessment, clinical, and counseling skills in the Pharmacy Clinical Skills and Simulation Laboratory, and further hone those skills in experiential activities throughout their second, third, and fourth professional years. Students complete introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences at leading medical and teaching hospitals and in a variety of pharmacy practice settings in Georgia and across the country. Unique to Mercer’s Pharm.D. Program are four exceptional opportunities in the fourth professional year: Advanced Clinical Track, Global Medical Missions, Indian Health Service, and International Pharmacy.

Accreditation

The Doctor of Pharmacy Program is accredited by The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 2850, Chicago, IL 60603; telephone (312) 664-3575; Fax (866) 228-2631; website http://acpe-accredit.org.

The educational outcomes of the College of Pharmacy reflect the ACPE Standards for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree which includes the Curricular Outcomes and Entrustable Professional Activities as adapted from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).

Admissions Process and Requirements

The College of Pharmacy uses a “rolling” admissions policy for the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Program. Qualified applicants are interviewed and accepted to the program on a continual basis until the class has been filled. Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Classes commence in August and January of each year.

The application process and minimum expectations for applicants to be considered for admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy degree program include the following:

• Applicants must submit their application through PharmCAS, a centralized application service. A complete PharmCAS application includes a minimum of two letters of reference, official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, and the appropriate application fee(s).
• Prior to enrollment in the PharmD program, each applicant must complete
  • 63 semester hours (or 94.5 quarter hours) of college credit from an institution(s) accredited by an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education along with the following pre-pharmacy course requirements:
    • General Chemistry (two courses with labs)
    • Organic Chemistry (two courses with labs)
    • General Biology (two courses with labs)
    • Anatomy and Physiology (two courses, labs optional)
    • Microbiology (one course lab optional)
    • Calculus (one course)
    • Statistics (one course)
    • English Composition (two courses)
    • Speech (one course)
    • Economics (one course)
    • Humanities Electives (two courses)
    • Social/Behavioral Science Electives (two courses)

Important notes about the pre-pharmacy course requirements:

• Only grades of C or better are acceptable for pre-pharmacy
• All science prerequisites must be fulfilled by courses intended for science majors or pre-health studies.
• General Biology courses can be fulfilled with courses in genetics, cellular biology, molecular biology, developmental biology, or zoology.
• English Composition requirements can be fulfilled with courses designated as Writing Intensive.
• The speech requirement should be fulfilled with a public speaking
• Humanities electives may be chosen from one or more of these areas: art, foreign language, history, literature, music, philosophy, religion, or Social / Behavioral Science electives may be chosen from one or more of the following areas: anthropology, business, economics, geography, health, history, management, political science, psychology, or sociology.
• All pre-pharmacy course requirements must be satisfied prior to enrollment in the Pharm.D. Program.
• Applicants are encouraged to take the following courses to further prepare them for the Doctor of Pharmacy Program:
  • Behavioral Psychology Ethics
  • Genetics Immunology
  • Medical Microbiology Medical Terminology
  • Business Courses (e.g., Accounting, Finance, Human Resources)

Admission requirements and standards are designed to ensure scholastic success in the professional Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. Selecting a candidate for the future practice of pharmacy involves many important factors, including academic background, letters of reference, pharmacy/work experience, and extracurricular experiences.

Grades for all undergraduate coursework attempted are included in the calculation of the cumulative undergraduate GPA. This is the primary GPA used in the admissions process. The competitive GPA needed to qualify for a required personal interview is determined by the overall strength of the applicant pool each admissions cycle.

Prospective pharmacy students are not required but are encouraged to obtain work or volunteer experience in a pharmacy. An example of appropriate experience is as a pharmacy technician.

Applicants judged to be qualified after evaluation of their complete application are invited to the College of Pharmacy 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 is then established. Due to the number of applicants and limited number of positions available, acceptance is selective.

Applicants selected for admission into the College’s Doctor of Pharmacy Program are required to make a non-refundable tuition deposit to confirm their position in the entering class. Upon enrollment in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, the deposit will be applied toward the student’s first semester’s tuition and the University’s matriculation fee.

Submission of final official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended is required prior to enrollment. Accepted students must also comply with requirements regarding health insurance and immunizations, background checks and drug screenings, and they must attest that they meet all Technical Standards as established by the Doctor of Pharmacy Program prior to their enrollment in the program. Failure to submit any items required for enrollment by the deadline will result in the offer of admission being rescinded.

Special Consideration Programs for Mercer Undergraduate Students

The College of Pharmacy partners with the University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and College of Health Professions to offer Special Consideration programs designed for Mercer undergraduate students who have expressed an interest in pursuing a career in pharmacy. Students enrolled as undergraduate students at Mercer are guaranteed an interview for the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree program at the College of Pharmacy if they meet requirements outlined in the Special Consideration Program documents available from the Academic Advising Services office in Macon.

International Students

An applicant who is not a citizen or permanent resident of the United States must follow the same application procedure as applicants who are citizens or permanent residents.

The College of Pharmacy does not evaluate transcripts from outside the United States. If coursework has been earned in a foreign country, international or domestic students with credentials from institutions outside the United States are required to have those credentials evaluated by a professional evaluation service (World Education Services is the preferred service). This evaluation must include an analysis of courses, grades and grade point average, and U.S. degree equivalency if a degree was received.

Until this procedure has been accomplished, an application for admission cannot be considered. An official copy of the evaluation report must be sent to PharmCAS to be included in the application.

Financial resources of the College of Pharmacy are limited, and therefore financial assistance for international students on an F-1 Visa is limited. Federally funded financial aid is restricted for 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.

Transfer Students

A transfer student is any person who has ever been enrolled in the professional (PharmD) level at another college or school of pharmacy. Attrition rates are low; therefore, the number of transfer students accepted is extremely limited and at times not available.

An individual who wishes to transfer into the four-year Doctor of Pharmacy degree program from an Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) accredited college or school of pharmacy must send to the Director of Admissions a letter to request consideration as a transfer student before submitting an application. If availability exists and the request is granted, the transfer applicant must submit a complete PharmCAS application including transcripts from all colleges attended and at least two letters of reference. In addition, the Director of Admissions must receive a letter from the Dean’s Office at the other College of Pharmacy granting approval of the transfer to Mercer and stating that the student is in good academic and professional standing and eligible to continue or return.

Transfer students must satisfy Mercer’s pre-pharmacy course requirements and meet current admission standards in order to be considered.

If deemed qualified upon receipt of completed application materials, the applicant will be invited to the College of Pharmacy for an interview. After the interview, the Admissions Committee will make a decision regarding the student’s admissions status. The number of transfer students accepted will depend upon space availability. All correspondence will be handled by the Director of Admissions.

Due to differences in curricula of various pharmacy schools, some or all credit may not transfer at the same professional level. Students may not be eligible for professional year advancement at Mercer equivalent to that of their current institution. Up to eighteen credit hours of equivalent professional courses may be transferred from an ACPE accredited institution.

Advanced Standing

A transfer applicant who desires advanced professional standing must comply with the appropriate policy and procedure outlined above. Ordinarily credits from an ACPE- accredited college or school of pharmacy, for which grades of C or better have been earned in equivalent courses, shall be accepted. All course requirements in the current four-year Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum must be satisfied prior to graduation. A minimum of eight semesters must be completed, and 137 credits must be earned in residence at the College of Pharmacy.

In determining advanced standing, the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs will consult with the appropriate Department Chairperson(s) to determine course equivalence. Based upon this evaluation, the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs will make a decision regarding transfer credit for advanced standing. All correspondence will be handled by the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

Tuition, Required Fees, and Other Estimated Expenses 

Background Checks and Drug Screenings

Accepted Students

All matriculating students undergo a criminal background check and drug screening after being offered admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program. Students accepted into the program are responsible for promptly reporting any future charges or the outcome of pending charges to the Director of Student Affairs. If accepted into the program, our determination related to findings on the initial or subsequent criminal background check or drug screening does not guarantee that State Boards of Pharmacy will view the findings similarly. Students accepted into the program have the right to review their criminal background check and drug screening reports for accuracy by contacting the institution/company/agency conducting the search.

In addition to completing the criminal background check and drug screening per the policy requirements, newly accepted students with an adverse criminal background check or drug screen must also report this activity in writing and include the appropriate information (e.g., court documents, arrest records, etc.) to the Director of Student Affairs with an original signature and date. The Director of Student Affairs may request additional information from the student or request an additional criminal background check and/or drug screen. Students who fail to provide this information within the time frame will be subject to their offer of acceptance being withdrawn. Adverse information may lead to withdrawal of the offer of admission to the program. Appeals to decisions made regarding results of a criminal background check and/or drug screen may be made in writing to the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

Enrolled Students

Students with adverse findings on a criminal background check or drug screening, as determined by an introductory or advanced pharmacy practice site, will be excluded from participation at that facility. In circumstances such as this, the program may require that students undergo a subsequent criminal background check or drug screening. If the Vice Chair for Experiential Education, in consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, agrees with the facility’s decision, the student will be excluded from continuing in the introductory or advanced pharmacy practice experience and subsequently will be removed from the program. Should the Vice Chair for Experiential Education, in consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, disagree with the facility’s decision, the Vice Chair for Experiential Education will make one attempt to place the student in an alternate facility. If that attempt is unsuccessful due to the adverse findings on the criminal background check or drug screening, the student is excluded from continuing in the introductory or advanced pharmacy practice experience and subsequently will be removed from the program.

Students arrested or charged for criminal activity at any time during their enrollment in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program must notify, in writing, the Director of Student Affairs within 72 hours of the arrest or issue of a citation. The Director of Student Affairs will assume responsibility for the notification of additional College of Pharmacy offices as necessary. Students who fail to provide this information within the stated time frame will be subject to suspension/dismissal from the program.

Incorrect Records

Occasionally, a criminal background check may contain incorrect information. If a student finds that his/her record is incomplete, incorrect, contains errors and omissions, or misidentifies a student for someone else, the student should contact the criminal background check vendor with appropriate documentation to correct the errant information. The student should also notify the Director of Student Affairs, the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and the Vice Chair for Experiential Education, who will make a request to the vendor to verify this information and supply a copy to the student and College of Pharmacy. Depending on the circumstances, the student may or may not be suspended/dismissed from the program pending the outcome of the request.

Confidentiality and Recordkeeping

Results of background checks and drug screenings are confidential and will be kept in a secure file separate from other academic records. This information contained in the criminal background check and drug screening section of the student’s file may only be reviewed by university officials, the designated background check or drug screening provider, and affiliated clinical facilities in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Immunizations and Health Requirements

All Pharmacy students are required to provide evidence of the required immunizations from their health care provider and proof of insurance. These requirements must be met in order for students to participate in introductory and advanced pharmacy practice experiences (IPPEs/APPEs). Incomplete or inaccurate immunization documentation can result in student registration and/or IPPE/APPE assignments being delayed or blocked. The current list of immunization requirements for entering students can be obtained from the College’s Office of Student Affairs. All current Pharmacy students are required to provide documentation annually of influenza vaccination and tuberculosis screening.

Health Insurance Requirement

All students are required to maintain health insurance coverage. In order to enforce this policy, all students are automatically enrolled and charged for health insurance each semester. This health insurance will be provided by the University’s sponsored student insurance plan. Students are provided the opportunity to waive the student insurance coverage and have this charge removed from their Mercer bill each semester if satisfactory evidence is submitted proving that primary health insurance coverage exists. Information on how to complete the insurance waiver process and deadlines for the process is available on the Mercer website: http://bursar.mercer.edu/studentinsurance/. Students who do not submit proof of primary health insurance through the waiver process are automatically signed up for coverage under the student insurance plan.

Academic Policies and Procedures

Attendance

Attendance at the College of Pharmacy is a privilege and not a right. Attendance is expected at all learning activities including scheduled classes, laboratory sessions, reviews, recitations, examinations, practice experiences, experiential meetings, clinical rotations, and other curricular activities. Elective courses will follow attendance policies outlined by course coordinators in the elective course syllabus. Because of the interactive and collaborative nature of professional education and the rigor of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, regular class attendance is essential for successful learning. Students must come to class prepared, having completed all assigned readings and activities. Repeated absences and tardiness will hinder learning. Habitual and/or excessive time away from class (equal to or greater than 20% of class time) is a violation of the College’s Student Code of Professional Conduct. See the College of Pharmacy Student Handbook for additional details regarding the policy governing attendance.

Make-Up Examination Policy

Excused absences include, but are not limited to, sanctioned College events, approved professional travel, illness, religious holidays or observances, family emergencies, and court/legal proceedings. Written documentation will be required for illness, family emergencies, and court/legal proceedings. For an excused absence from an examination, the student will be given a make-up examination that is comparable in content and format to be administered at a time determined by the course coordinator(s).

Advising / Professional Development Network

The Doctor of Pharmacy Professional Development Network (PDN) provides information and support for successful matriculation and professional development of students. Faculty, professional staff, and alumni are utilized as resource personnel.

Each entering Pharmacy student is assigned to faculty and staff members of the Professional Development Network (PDN). The advisors work with the student from matriculation to graduation, using electronic and face‐to‐face meetings. Students are ultimately responsible for the academic and professional choices they make; however, faculty members provide mentoring and are a resource for students regarding academic and professional issues.

Standards of Performance

Each candidate for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree must secure credit, in the approved courses of the curriculum, totaling 155 semester hours. In securing this credit, each candidate must have a grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.0. Should a course be repeated, all grades received in that course are used in the computation of the grade point average. Should a course be repeated for which a passing grade has been previously received, and the repeated grade is F, the course requirement for the curriculum has been satisfied, subject to the Probation/Dismissal policy.

• Repetition of failed courses is outlined in the Summer Remediation and Probation/Dismissal policies.
• Students readmitted by the Academic Performance and Standards Committee may be required to repeat courses for which a passing grade was previously earned.
• Certain didactic electives and advanced pharmacy practice experience courses may be taken multiple times for credit as outlined under course

Academic Progression

Doctor of Pharmacy academic progression is defined as:

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and successful completion of all first professional year courses and professional engagement program requirements are required for entry into the second professional year.

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0; successful completion of all required first and second professional year courses and professional engagement program requirements; and successful completion of a minimum of four semester hours of elective coursework are required for entry into the third professional year.

A minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0; successful completion of all required first, second, and third professional year courses and professional engagement program requirements; and successful completion of at least ten semester hours of elective coursework are required for entry into the fourth professional year.

Summer Remediation

Summer remediation is open to Doctor of Pharmacy students who have previously failed a required didactic course.

In the first professional year, August-entry students who fail a didactic required course in their first or second semester, an equivalent course outside the College’s traditional Doctor of Pharmacy program may be considered for completion during the summer, subject to review and approval by the course coordinator, the coordinator’s department chair, and the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

In the event an equivalent course is not available, the course will be offered in the summer by the College of Pharmacy. The course must fulfill the same curriculum outcomes as during the regular academic year; however, the teaching plan, including methodology and daily schedule may vary as determined and documented by the course coordinator and the coordinator’s department chair. A student may repeat only one course one time at another school or via summer remediation.

In the first professional year, January-entry students who fail a didactic required course in their first or second semester, will not have summer remediation as an option. The student will instead join the subsequent entering August Class to remediate the failed didactic required course and join that cohort.
Summer remediation is available for all second and third professional year students regardless of entry point into the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. For a student who fails a didactic required course during the fall or spring semesters, an equivalent course outside the College’s traditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program may be considered for completion during the summer, subject to review and approval by the course coordinator, the coordinator’s department chair, and the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

In the event an equivalent course is not available, the course will be offered in the summer by the College of Pharmacy. The course must fulfill the same curriculum outcomes as during the regular academic year; however, the teaching plan, including methodology and daily schedule may vary as determined and documented by the course coordinator and the coordinator’s department chair. A student may repeat only one course one time at another school or via summer remediation.

Probation/Dismissal

A Doctor of Pharmacy student who makes an F or U in a course will be placed on probation until the course is successfully remediated. Any student who makes a second F or U in a course will be placed on academic dismissal. Any Doctor of Pharmacy student who has been placed on academic dismissal may petition the Academic Performance and Standards Committee for readmission.

1. A student seeking the Academic Performance and Standards Committee’s consideration for readmission must provide his/her petition and any supporting documentation by the following applicable deadline prior to the semester for which reenrollment is requested: July 1 for the fall semester and October 1 for the spring semester.
2. The Academic Performance and Standards Committee will investigate the circumstances of dismissal.
3. If the student is readmitted by the Academic Performance and Standards Committee, there will be placed upon the readmission certain conditions and requirements designed to aid the student in attaining good standing within the College. In consultation with the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and the Curriculum Committee, as appropriate, the Academic Performance and Standards Committee will formulate an individualized plan for satisfying content areas that require This individualized plan would be based on the students’ prior academic performance and current curricular standards.
4. reach of conditions or requirements will result in permanent dismissal of the student.
5. Any student who makes an F or U in a third course will be permanently dismissed.
6. The Academic Performance and Standards Committee will inform the faculty regarding its actions.

The decisions of the Academic Performance and Standards Committee may be appealed to the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

Application for Graduation

Students who expect to qualify for graduation must file applications for graduation with the Registrar’s Office in the semester prior to completing degree requirements.

Degree Requirements

1. Completion of the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum (totaling 155 semester hours) with a passing grade in each course and with at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average and successful completion of professional engagement program
2. Eight semesters must be completed and 137credit hours must be earned in residence at the College of Pharmacy.
3. Recommendation by the faculty of the College of Pharmacy.
4. Payment of all financial obligations to the University.

Special Registration Regulations

Course Overload: A course overload is defined as registration for any additional hours of credit above the number of credit hours outlined for each semester. In order to register for course overloads, students must have grade point averages of 2.5 or better. In addition, students must have the approval of (1) the Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs or (2) the faculty advisor designated for the student. Students participating in combined degree programs must have the approval of the program director. Students may not enroll in courses with conflicting meeting times.

7. Elective Courses with GPA Requirements: In order to register for Project Development 548 or Introduction to Research 549, a student must have a grade point average of 2.5 or better and the consent of the instructor. In order to register for Introduction to Teaching 509, a student must have a grade point average of 3.5 or better and the consent of the instructor.

Professional Credit for Graduate Coursework: Doctor of Pharmacy students may receive elective credit for graduate-level courses taken within the University outside of combined degree programs. The following criteria apply:

Students should have a previous four-year (or higher) degree or an equivalent number of credit hours. Students must have minimum grade point averages of 3.0.

Course prerequisites must be met.

Students must submit a letter to the appropriate graduate program director that states the student’s interest and describes the benefits of the graduate course to their professional goals.

Enrollment in the course must have the approval of the graduate program goals.

Students will receive only professional-level credit for such courses.

Transfer/Transient Credit

Academic credit may be given for courses successfully completed with a grade of C or better at other pharmacy, medical, medically-related professional schools, and graduate schools, subject to the approval of the appropriate department chairperson and dean. In such cases, no grade will appear on the student’s transcript, but the transfer of credit hours will be awarded. Transfer credits are not utilized in determining a student’s grade point average.

Doctor of Pharmacy Curriculum

Outcomes

Domain 1- Knowledge
1.1 Scientific thinking (Learner)- Seek, analyze, integrate, and apply foundational knowledge of medications and pharmacy practice (biomedical; pharmaceutical; social, behavioral, and administrative; and clinical sciences; drug classes; and digital health).

Domain 2- Skills
2.1 Problem-solving process (Problem-solver)- Use problem solving and critical thinking skills, along with an innovative mindset, to address challenges and to promote positive changes.
2.2. Communication (Communicator)- Actively engage, listen, and communicate verbally, nonverbally, and in writing, when educating or interacting with an individual, group, or organization.
2.3 Cultural and structural humility (Ally)- Mitigate health disparities by considering, recognizing, and navigating cultural and structural factors to improve access and health outcomes.
2.4 Person-centered care (Provider)- Provide whole person care and comprehensive medication management to individuals as the medication specialist using the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process.
2.5 Advocacy (Advocate)- Promote the best interests of patients and/or the pharmacy profession within healthcare settings and at the community, state, or national level.
2.6 Medication-use process stewardship (Steward)- Optimize patient healthcare outcomes using human, financial, technological, and physical resources to improve the safety, efficacy, and environmental impact of medication use systems.
2.7 Interprofessional collaboration (Collaborator)- Actively engage and contribute as a healthcare team member by demonstrating core interprofessional competencies.
2.8 Population Health and wellness (Promoter)- Assess factors that influence the health and wellness of a population and develop strategies to address those factors.
2.9 Leadership (Leader)- Demonstrate the ability to influence and support the achievement of shared goals, regardless of one’s role.

Domain 3- Attitudes
3.1 Self-awareness (Self-aware)- Examine, reflect on, and address personal and professional attributes (e.g., knowledge, metacognition, skills, abilities, beliefs, biases, motivation, help-seeking strategies, and emotional intelligence) that could enhance or limit growth, development, and professional identity formation.
3.2 Professionalism (Professional)- Exhibit attitudes and behaviors that embody a commitment to building and maintaining trust with patients, other health care providers, and society.

Domain 4 – Personal and Professional Development

• Self-awareness (Self-aware) – Examine and reflect on personal knowledge, skills, abilities, beliefs, biases, motivation, and emotions that could enhance or limit personal and professional growth.
• Leadership (Leader) – Demonstrate responsibility for creating and achieving shared goals, regardless of position.
• Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Quality Improvement (Innovator) – Engage in innovative activities by using creative thinking and quality improvement to accomplish better ways of achieving professional goals.
• Legal, Ethical, and Professional Behaviors (Professional) – Exhibit behaviors and values that are consistent with the laws and rules that govern pharmacy and the trust given to the profession by patients, other healthcare providers, and society.

Student Portfolios

Throughout the professional curriculum, students create portfolios documenting expectations, achievement of outcomes related to both experiential and didactic education, and self-reflection.

Doctor of Pharmacy Program Curriculum

Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

For admitted, matriculating Mercer Doctor of Pharmacy students who do not already possess a baccalaureate degree, the College of Pharmacy will award the Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree provided they meet the following criteria:

• Completion of required prerequisite coursework (63 credit hours), including the Mercer University General Education requirements.
• Completion of all first and second professional year requirements (74 credit hours) of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Program.

The degree will be conferred following successful completion of the second professional year of the Pharm.D. program to all student pharmacists applying for graduation. At this point, the students will have earned a minimum of 137 credit hours (consisting of a minimum of 63 prerequisite hours and 74 hours of professional degree coursework).

General Education and Additional Pharmacy Prerequisites

Entering Doctor of Pharmacy students must have 63 semester hours of prerequisite coursework from institutions accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education prior to matriculation. Mercer University’s general education requirements are met by 32 hours of those prerequisite courses.

General Education Requirements

Communication

English Composition I                                                         3 hrs.

English Composition II                                                        3 hrs.

Public Speaking                                                                     3 hrs.

Religionª

Humanities/Fine Arts 

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective Iᵇ                                        3 hrs.

Humanities/Fine Arts Elective IIᵇ                                       3 hrs.

Behavioral/Social Science

Economics (Microeconomics or Macroeconomics)       3 hrs.

Behavioral/Social Science Elective Iᵇ          3 hrs.

Quantitative Reasoning

Calculus                                                                                 3 hrs.

Scientific Reasoning

General Chemistry I with lab                                              4 hrs.

General Chemistry II with lab                                             4 hrs.

General Education Subtotal                                                    32 hrs.

Additional Pharmacy Prerequisites

Statistics or Biostatistics                                                       3 hrs.

General Biology I with lab                                                   4 hrs.

General Biology II with lab                                                  4 hrs.

Anatomy and Physiology I                                                  3 hrs.

Anatomy and Physiology II                                                 3 hrs.

Microbiology                                                                          3 hrs.

Organic Chemistry I with lab                                               4 hrs.

Organic Chemistry II with lab                                              4 hrs.

Behavioral/Social Science Elective IIᵇᶜ                             3 hrs.

Additional Pharmacy Prerequisites Subtotal                     34 hrs.

Total Prerequisite Coursework              63 hrs.

^a In this degree-completion program, students are exempt per the following Mercer University policy: Students transferring in with a bachelor’s degree or 30 or more general education credits may be exempt from the undergraduate general education religion requirement by individual schools/colleges.

^b At least one elective course must focus on cultural diversity. Examples of courses that fulfill this prerequisite are: sociology, cultural anthropology, cultural geography, world literature, world religious, gender studies, or cultural studies in specific languages other than the student’s native language.

^c Management courses can also fulfill this prerequisite.

Notes about prerequisites:

• Only grades of C or better are acceptable towards
• General Biology prerequisites can be fulfilled with courses in genetics, cellular biology, molecular biology, developmental biology or zoology.
• All science prerequisites must be fulfilled by courses intended for science
• Humanities/Fine Arts electives may be chosen from one or more of these areas: art, history, literature, music, philosophy, religion or A foreign language course qualifies only if it focuses on the study of the foreign culture and/or its literature and is above the introductory level. Only one of these electives may be met by a foreign language course.
• Behavioral/Social Science electives may be chosen from one or more of the following areas: anthropology, economics, geography, political science, psychology and sociology.
• Individual course credits and prerequisite total hours are stated as a minimum. Students may exceed the credit hour requirements.
• No more than 64 of the 66 prerequisite hours can be from a two-year College.

Program Outcomes

1. Demonstrate knowledge in the basic and pharmaceutical sciences
2. Locate and critically evaluate qualitative and quantitative information to solve problems
3. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing
4. Demonstrate ethical and socially responsible conduct

The BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences will not make a graduate eligible to practice pharmacy or to take pharmacy licensure examinations, which require successful completion of the PharmD program.

Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Business Administration Program

Program Description

For qualified Pharmacy students Mercer University provides an opportunity to pursue the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree concurrently with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. The MBA degree is earned through the School of Business (SHSB).

The MBA degree is a professional degree for qualified students interested in the management of human, material, and/or financial resources in business, government, or non-profit institutions. The degree is designed to complement the Pharm.D. degree in a manner that will broaden the occupational and professional opportunities of the prospective graduate in community, industry, or institutional practice. The program has been carefully designed to permit concurrent pursuit of both the PharmD and MBA curriculum.

Program Outcomes/Objectives

The outcomes of the PharmD degree program also apply to the Pharm.D./MBA program. The objectives of the MBA program are published in the School of Business section of this catalog.

Admissions Requirements and Procedure

In order to apply for admission to the MBA Program, a Doctor of Pharmacy student must have earned a baccalaureate degree or 120 hours of college credit. Applicants must meet admission requirements for both the Pharm.D. and MBA programs. Applicants must submit current scores for the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or GRE and follow the admissions procedures outlined on the School of Business website (http://business.mercer.edu/programs/atlanta-mba/). A GMAT/GRE waiver may be available.

For detailed information on the program, contact the Director of the PharmD/MBA Program in the College of Pharmacy.

Program Requirements

While completing the requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, students may take courses in the School of Business toward the MBA degree provided they maintain a 2.75 minimum pharmacy school grade point average. Please refer to the School of Business Graduate Program section for program requirements.

MBA core courses offered at the School of Business can be used to satisfy professional-level elective hours required for the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. This does not preclude students taking professional-level electives in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, and students are encouraged to take advantage of elective courses offered by the College of Pharmacy that will further develop their knowledge and skills in specific areas within the field of pharmacy.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement for students participating in the PharmD/MBA Program is provided by the PharmD/MBA Program Director and the Office of Academic Affairs in the School of Business.

Financial Arrangements

Tuition for each degree in the PharmD/MBA Program will be charged at the host college rate. For example, students enrolled simultaneously in the PharmD Program and MBA Program will pay the College of Pharmacy’s tuition rate for their PharmD courses and the School of Business’ tuition rate for their MBA courses. PharmD/MBA students are required to complete and pay tuition for a minimum of 30 credit hours to satisfy degree requirements.

Students enrolling in the Pharm.D./MBA Program should connect with Student Financial Planning staff to discuss their financial aid options to cover the additional degree’s tuition.

Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Public Health Program

Program Description

For qualified students at the College of Pharmacy, Mercer University provides an opportunity to pursue a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree concurrently with the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. The MPH degree is earned through Mercer’s College of Health Professions (CHP).

The MPH degree program is designed to transform students into competent, passionate professionals ready to tackle the complex and dynamic challenges of public health in neighborhoods and populations in the U.S. and world. The MPH degree is designed to complement the PharmD degree in a manner that will broaden the occupational and professional opportunities of the prospective graduate in community, industry, or institutional practice. The program has been carefully designed to permit concurrent pursuit of both the Pharm.D. and the MPH curriculum.

Program Outcomes/Objectives

The outcomes of the PharmD degree program also apply to the PharmD/MPH Program. The MPH Program has been passionately committed to the educational development of public health professionals who are challenged to confront complex health issues, such as improving access to healthcare, controlling infectious diseases, and reducing environmental hazards, violence, substance abuse, and injury.

Admissions Requirements

In order to apply for admission to the MPH Program, a Doctor of Pharmacy student must have completed a bachelor’s degree or 120 hours of college credit. At 120 hours of college credit, the Doctor of Pharmacy student is considered to have the equivalent of a bachelor’s degree in terms of a focused record of study.

Admissions requirements for the MPH Program follow those outlined on the College of Health Professions MPH Program Admissions website. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is optional for admission. At the time of application, students submit a completed application through the Centralized Application Service for Public Health (SOPHAS Express).

Academic Advisement and Progression

Faculty in the College of Pharmacy and College of Health Professions provide academic advisement for students pursuing the PharmD/MPH Program. Students admitted into the PharmD/MPH Program are required to meet with the Director of the Public Health Program, or designee, to discuss the program requirements prior to enrollment in their first MPH course.

Pharm.D./MPH Program students must maintain a cumulative pharmacy GPA of 2.75 and maintain good academic standing in the Pharm.D. Program throughout their enrollment in the MPH Program. Students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or above in all public health courses.

While Doctor of Pharmacy students may opt to pursue the Pharm.D./MPH Program at any time during their Pharm.D. Program enrollment and can complete the MPH coursework at their own pace, they must maintain full-time status in the PharmD Program and must complete the MPH Program within five (5) years of initial enrollment in the MPH Program.

Financial Arrangements

Tuition for each degree in the Pharm.D./MPH Program will be charged at the host college rate. For example, students enrolled simultaneously in the Pharm.D. Program and MPH Program will pay the College of Pharmacy’s tuition rate for their Pharm.D. courses and the College of Health Professions’ tuition rate for their MPH courses.

Students enrolling in the Pharm.D./MPH Program should connect with Student Financial Planning staff to discuss their financial aid options to cover the additional degree’s tuition.

Program Requirements

While completing the requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, students may take courses at the College of Health Professions toward the MPH degree. The prerequisite and core courses for the MPH degree are listed below.

MPH Program courses can be used to satisfy professional-level didactic elective hours required for the PharmD Program. This does not preclude students taking professional-level electives in the PharmD Program, and students are encouraged to take advantage of elective courses offered by the College of Pharmacy that will further develop their knowledge and skills in specific areas within the field of pharmacy.

Both PharmD and MPH programs require students to complete service learning hours as part of each program’s curriculum. MPH students are required to complete 40 service-learning hours intended to improve public health and expand upon their existing public health skills and knowledge. PharmD students must complete 12 hours of service learning to improve patient care and expand upon their patient caring skills. It is feasible for these hours to be completed simultaneously. With approval of the Director of the Public Health Program, an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) may be substituted for MPH 793 Applied Practice Experience if the APPE has a public health emphasis.

Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Science in Health Informatics Program

Program Description

Health Informatics is an interdisciplinary field and is of interest to many healthcare related fields. The combined Pharm.D./M.S. in Health Informatics degree program provides an opportunity to eligible and qualified Pharmacy students to pursue a Master of Science in Health Informatics degree concurrently with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. The

M.S. in Health Informatics program is offered through College of Professional Advancement of Mercer University in an online format. Students must apply separately for both degree programs and meet admission requirements for both programs.

In the combined Pharm.D./M.S. in Health Informatics program, students will integrate knowledge and skills from both health science and technology domains which builds their capacity to address modern challenges in healthcare ecosystems. Graduates of this combined program have a large range of professional opportunities across the healthcare and IT sectors. The M.S.in Health Informatics courses are designed to enable students to pursue both degrees without compromising the academic demands of the two disciplines.

Program Outcomes/Objectives

The outcomes of the PharmD degree program and the outcomes of the MS in Health Informatics program also apply to the combined PharmD/MS in Health Informatics program.

Admissions Requirements and Procedure

Students must meet the admission requirements for the PharmD program in the College of Pharmacy and for the MS in Health Informatics program in College of Professional Advancement of Mercer University. Please refer to the College of Pharmacy for admission requirements for the Pharm.D. program. Admission requirements for the

M.S. in Health Informatics portion of the combined program are as follows:

• Students must have completed a bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 120 undergraduate credit hours from a regionally accredited institution. (International or domestic students with credentials from outside the United States are required to have those credentials evaluated by a professional evaluation service per Pharm.D. admission requirements.)
• Students must have completed one year of healthcare or information technology (IT) work experience or equivalent prior to enrollment in the

M.S. in Health Informatics program.

• Students must submit a recommendation letter from a supervisor or manager familiar with their work The letter should narrate the student’s experience, roles and responsibilities within the organization.
• Students must have earned a minimum cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 75 on all work attempted and should submit one official transcript (translated if they are not in English per University graduate education requirements and evaluated by a professional service per Pharm.D. admission requirements) from each college or university attended.
• Students must provide official scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL/IELTS), or other evidence approved by College of Professional Advancement, if English is not the applicant’s native
• Students must complete a formal interview with the Mathematics, Science and Informatics departmental faculty of College of Professional Advancement. These interviews will be conducted only after potential candidates have applied for admission to the M.S. in Health Informatics program and are judged qualified for an interview.

Program Requirements

While completing the requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, students may take courses in College of Professional Advancement toward the M.S. in Health Informatics degree provided they maintain a 2.75 minimum pharmacy school grade point average and a 3.0 health informatics grade point average. Please refer to the College of Professional Advancement M.S. in Health Informatics section for program requirements.

M.S. in Health Informatics courses offered at College of Professional Advancement can be used to satisfy professional-level elective hours required for the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. This does not preclude students taking professional-level electives in the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, and students are encouraged to take advantage of elective courses offered by the College of Pharmacy that will further develop their knowledge and skills in specific areas within the field of pharmacy.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement for students participating in the Pharm.D./M.S. in Health Informatics Program is provided by the Pharm.D./M.S. in Health Informatics Program

Director in the College of Pharmacy and the Coordinator of the M.S. in Health Informatics program in College of Professional Advancement.

Financial Arrangements

Tuition for each degree in the Pharm.D./M.S. .in Health Informatics Program will be charged at the host college rate. For example, students enrolled simultaneously in the Pharm.D Program and M.S. in Health Informatics Program will pay the College of Pharmacy’s tuition rate for their Pharm.D. courses and the College of Professional Advancement’s tuition rate for their M.S. in Health Informatics courses.

Students enrolling in the Pharm.D./M.S. in Health Informatics Program should connect with Student Financial Planning staff to discuss their financial aid options to cover the additional degree’s tuition.

Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Science in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes

Program Description

For qualified Pharmacy students, Mercer University provides the opportunity to pursue the Master of Science in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes degree concurrently with a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.

The Master of Science (MS) in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes is designed to provide unique competencies that would allow the graduate to contribute to addressing current challenges in health care delivery and policy. The program provides foundational instruction related to core aspects of health outcomes research, including biostatistics, epidemiology, research methods, health economics, pharmacoeconomic modeling, and health care delivery. Students will have the opportunity to interact with experienced academic faculty as well as leaders in health outcomes from the pharmaceutical industry and health systems.

Program Outcomes/Objectives

The outcomes of the Pharm.D. degree program and the outcomes of the M.S. in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes program also apply to the combined Pharm.D./M.S. in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes program.

Admissions Requirements and Procedure

Students must meet the admission requirements for the PharmD program in the College of Pharmacy and for the M.S. in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes. Please refer to the College of Pharmacy for admission requirements for the Pharm.D. program. Admission requirements for the M.S. in the Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes portion of the combined program are as follows:

• Applicants are required to have completed a bachelor’s degree program or higher or can be considered for conditional admission with completion of 2 years in the Pharm.D. program, completing courses with a C grade or better, from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Applicants are also asked to submit their curriculum vitae or resume and a statement of purpose, which will be used along with their PharmCAS application materials (including official transcripts) as their application to the M.S. in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes program.

Program Requirements

While completing the requirements for the Doctor of Pharmacy degree, student may take courses towards the M.S. in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes degree provided they maintain a 2.75 minimum pharmacy school grade point average and a 3.0 health outcomes grade point average.

The M.S. in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes can be used to satisfy professional-level elective hours required for the Doctor of Pharmacy program. This does not preclude students taking professional-level electives in the Doctor of Pharmacy program, and students are encouraged to take advantage of elective courses offered by the College of Pharmacy that will further develop their knowledge and skills in specific areas within the field of pharmacy.

Academic Advisement

Academic advisement for students participating in the Pharm.D./M.S. in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes program is provided by the Director of the Pharm.D./M.S. in Pharmacoeconomics and Health Outcomes program.

Doctor of Pharmacy/Doctor of Philosophy Program

Program Description

The Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)/Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Degree Program enables highly qualified students to obtain both degrees in a shortened period. This Pharm.D/PhD Degree program is designed primarily for students who are strongly motivated toward an academic/research career in the pharmaceutical sciences. Students may pursue a clinical specialization in experimental pharmacotherapeutics or medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, or toxicology. The program is flexible enough to accommodate individuals of varied educational backgrounds. The actual time required for completion of the program is variable and depends primarily on the individual’s progress in their dissertation research.

Admissions Requirements and Procedure

In order to enroll in the PharmD/PhD program, a student must separately apply for and gain admission to both the PharmD and the PhD programs. It is recommended that application to the PhD program be made at the same time of application to the PharmD program. A PharmD student may join the PharmD/PhD program by gaining admission to the PhD program. However, this should be done by spring semester of the first year to gain full potential benefits of the program. Application forms for admission to the PhD degree program may be obtained from the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences website.

All applicants to the PharmD/PhD program must have an earned Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. In addition, applicants are expected to satisfy the requirements for admission to both PharmD and PhD programs.

Program Requirements

Upon acceptance into the PharmD/PhD Degree Program, an advisor from the faculty of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences will be assigned to the student. The advisor will schedule the program of study until the student selects a major professor. The specific program selected will be determined by the student’s previous academic history as well as by the departmental requirements of the PhD program. The structure of the PharmD/PhD Degree Program differs from that of the PharmD program in several respects.

1. During the first year, the student’s research capability and commitment will be assessed through documented evaluation by the research advisor after the end of the 1st semester, 2nd semester, and again at the end of the 1st summer, with oversight of the Dissertation Committee as well as the Director of Graduate Studies and Department Chair. Additionally, PharmD/PhD students will complete a self-assessment of their first year and present their first year research results at the end of the first summer as a requirement for At the end of the first year, if progress is determined to be unsatisfactory, the student has the option of changing dissertation advisors, if one is willing to take them.
2. PharmD/PhD students will take PhD core courses in place of professional electives that simultaneously satisfy the requirements of both the PharmD electives and the PhD program.
3. PharmD/PhD students are exempt from the following PhD core courses: PHA 715, Pharmacokinetics (3 hours); PHA 742, Foundations in Pharmaceutical Sciences (5 hours).
4. PharmD/PhD students are required to complete four (4) Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) in the areas of Community Pharmacy, Institutional Pharmacy, Adult Medicine, and Ambulatory Care. In addition, students complete four (4) elective experiences, of which two (2) must have a patient-care component, and can register for PHA 696 (Research) over two (2) APPE blocks. A third elective research block may be taken as a ninth APPE. PHA 620 (Pharmacy Review I), PHA 621 (Pharmacy Review II), and PHA 622 (Pharmacy Review III) are also required.
5. The student is expected to participate in Graduate Seminar throughout their matriculation and to enroll for credit in the fall semester beginning with the fourth
   1. Following completion of the third year, the student focuses on the research component of the curriculum. With the exception of the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences, the student should have completed all prerequisite and core courses by this time.

Continuation in the PharmD/PhD Degree Program is contingent upon satisfactory performance and progress toward fulfillment of the requirements of the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree Program and the Doctor of Philosophy Degree Program. Students admitted to the PharmD/PhD degree program are expected to complete all program requirements. Should a student decide to withdraw from the combined degree program at any point, they must reapply for admission to either program separately, and if accepted, they must fulfill all requirements of either program individually.

Financial Arrangements

Students who are enrolled in the combined PharmD/PhD Degree Program will pay full tuition for the first three years. Tuition waiver will be granted for the remainder of the program, normally the fourth through seventh years. Students will be encouraged to apply for extramural funding of their educational program. Departmental stipends will be awarded on a competitive basis for years 4-7, subject to availability. Stipend support beyond this time will be based on extramural funding. Financial support through tuition waiver or stipends is provided based on contribution to the teaching program as described in departmental policies.

Pharm.D./ Masters of Science (M.S.) in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program

Program Description

The combined PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree program is offered to students who demonstrate exceptional scholarly activity through achievement in academics and original thesis research or non-thesis project in an area of the pharmaceutical sciences. The program is flexible enough to accommodate individuals of varied educational backgrounds. The time required for completion of the program is two years. The program is offered with two options: A) a thesis option and B) a non-thesis project option. Students who opt for thesis research must be in residence at all times, including at the time of completion of the thesis. Students who opt for the non-thesis project must take the listed courses synchronously on-line at the same time as the students who opt for thesis research. Additionally, students in the combined PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree program receive credit for courses such as Pharmacokinetics and Foundations in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Courses such as Foundation in Research, Scientific writing, Statistical methods and Introduction to Research will be counted as electives for the PharmD program.

Program Outcomes/Objectives

The combined PharmD/Master in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS) degree is granted to students who demonstrate exceptional scholarly activity through achievement in academics and original research in an area of the pharmaceutical sciences.
The specific goals of this graduate program include:

1. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the core areas of pharmaceutical sciences.
2. Students will conduct research in pharmaceutical sciences.
3. Students will communicate scientific findings using written communication.
4. Students will communicate scientific findings orally.

Admission Policy

Students must meet the admission requirements for the PharmD program in the College of Pharmacy and for the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Please refer to the College of Pharmacy for admission requirements for the PharmD program. Admission requirements for the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences portion of the combined program are as follows:

• A Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, Chemistry, Biology, or an equivalent degree in a related area, PharmD degree or conditional admission with completion of 2 years in the PharmD program
• Students entering the MS program in the Pharmaceutical Sciences are expected to have a background that includes the following minimum prerequisites: calculus, statistics, biochemistry, and anatomy and physiology. Students who have not completed these pre-requisites prior to entering the program may be required to remove deficiencies before they matriculate.
• A minimum GPA of 3.0 based on a 4.0 scale
• Applicants are also asked to submit their curriculum vitae or resume and a statement of purpose, which will be used along with their PharmGRAD application materials (including official transcripts) as their application to the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences program.

Program Requirements

Pharm.D./M.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences Required Courses (25 hours)

Residence Requirements

Graduate students in the PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree program must complete all degree requirements within six years of the initial date of matriculation. Two years must be completed in residence at Mercer University. For the thesis option, a student must be in residence at the time of completion of the thesis.

Abstract Presentation Requirement

All candidates for the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree must demonstrate experience in scientific writing by submitting and presenting at least one abstract at a local, regional or national meeting.

Thesis Defense (for Thesis Option)

An important requirement for obtaining the Master’s degree is completion of an original research project. This project must be conducted under the direct supervision of the student’s major professor in consultation with the Thesis Committee. Preparation of the thesis must comply with the regulations contained in the Guide to the Preparation of Theses and Dissertations. After approval of the thesis by the Thesis Committee, the candidate must orally defend the results of the research problem and submit the thesis.