PharmD students working in model pharmacy
College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)

Empowering Pharmacy Practice

The role of the pharmacist is changing, and the Western New England University Doctor of Pharmacy programs prepare you to be a part of that future. Here, you will learn the technical, social, and administrative aspects of pharmacy as you develop the skills needed to become a healthcare leader.

We offer three engaging programs designed to meet your schedule and needs: the traditional campus-based PharmD program, the four-year PharmD Distance program, and the six-year PharmD Distance Extended program. Our curriculum uses today’s best practices to enhance your learning and provide you with firsthand experience in our technologically advanced labs, in various types of pharmacy settings, and through service opportunities in the community. 

Regardless of the pharmacy pathway you choose, as a graduate of our program, you will be a highly prepared pharmacy practitioner ready to provide care to an increasingly diverse patient population in an assortment of environments. You will graduate with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to become a licensed professional equipped to deliver optimal patient care in a caring, collaborative, safe, and culturally aware manner.

81% Class of 2023 NAPLEX pass rate (national average 78.6%)
$129,410 Median pay (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022)

Outstanding Preparation for the NAPLEX Exam 

The WNE PharmD Class of 2023 earned a first-time pass rate of 81% on the NAPLEX Exam and a 75% pass rate on the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE).

The NAPLEX first-time pass rate of 81% is higher than the national average of 78.6%. Our in-state MPJE pass rate of 75% exceeds the national average of 74.4%.

Why Choose the PharmD Program?

The Doctor of Pharmacy program fosters critical thinking skills; embraces professionalism; and instills a commitment to lifelong learning, community service, and leadership. The four-year program leading to the PharmD degree enrolls a maximum of 75 students for each incoming class. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10 to 1 and small laboratory classes, your professors will know your name and take a personal interest in your academic success, a hallmark of a Western New England University education. Students may also earn dual PharmD/MBA or PharmD/MS in Organizational Leadership degrees.

What to Expect

“Communication is by far the most critical skill that we work on and develop with the students. What I love most, when having students on rotation with me out in the field and in the clinic providing patient care, is for students to see that this isn’t just drugs—this is the patient as a whole. This is health, wellness, prevention, that it is about the relationships.”–Kam Capoccia, Clinical Professor of Community Care

What Will You Learn?

The curriculum entails a competency-based framework, using integrated content and teaching, problem-based approaches when appropriate, integrated technology, and experiential exposure threaded throughout. It is designed to incrementally develop strong scientific foundations (in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, social and administrative, and clinical sciences) and professional skills. During pharmacy practice experiences, learners have many opportunities to demonstrate and apply these skills in progressively advanced methods. The Doctor of Pharmacy tablet (or mobile learning technology) program will enable learners to lease tablets and utilize them in every aspect of the learning process, both didactically and experientially.

Top Five Reasons to Choose the Doctor of Pharmacy

Pharmacy
Pharmacy student in model pharmacy

Outstanding Preparation for the NAPLEX Exam

The WNE PharmD Class of 2020 earned a high first-time pass rate (93.2%) on the NAPLEX Exam, greater than the national average (88.4%). This marks our third consecutive year of having a pass rate greater than 90%, making WNE one of only three programs in the northeast to achieve these results.

Woman standing up in meeting

Individualized Attention and Support

The four-year program leading to the PharmD degree enrolls a maximum of 75 students for each incoming class. With a student-to faculty-ratio of 10 to 1 and small laboratory classes, our faculty at Western New England University is renowned for its commitment to individualized student learning and faculty availability to support the learning process.

Man sitting in front of laptop

Dual Degree Opportunities to Double Your Impact

In addition to the PharmD degree, you can prepare for leadership roles in a wide range of practice areas by simultaneously earning a master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences or Pharmacogenomics offered by the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, or an MBA or MS in Organizational Leadership from our AACSB International-accredited College of Business.

Pharmacist working with patient

An Emphasis on Cocurriculars for Professional Development

There are a variety of cocurricular activities for our PharmD students to get involved with from honor societies and student government to professional organizations for various branches of pharmacy practice. Participation in these student organizations enriches the learning experience for our doctoral students, helps them to become invested in their community, and provides important connections to their professions.

Scientists in lab

Earn Scholarships to Advance Your Studies

Western New England University has a history of making our outstanding educational experience accessible to individuals with academic potential who also have financial need. Many motivated and talented students look to the University for scholarships to enable them to fulfill their educational and career goals.

Learn More

Pharmd Viewbook

PharmD Viewbook

Western New England University offers a personal pharmacy education for students who will go on to work in one of America’s most trusted professions in healthcare. Our professional program integrates science, communication, ethics, management, and practical learning in the four-year curriculum.

Viewbook

Students in science lab

Dual Degrees

WNE PharmD students are eligible for admission for our PharmD/MS in Pharmacogenomics or PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Applicants can apply after at least one semester in the PharmD program and will be evaluated based on their performance to date in the PharmD program and their undergraduate academic record. Pharmacy students who see their future careers in management and leadership roles may also choose to pursue one of our dual degrees offered through the AACSB International accredited College of Business: the PharmD/MBA or the PharmD/MS in Organizational Leadership. 

bear statue in front of shrubbery