4.1.1 Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.), Full-Time Program

The full-time, entry-to-practice Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program prepares students to graduate as medication therapy experts, prepared to embrace the full scope of pharmacy practice. Students are required to complete 30 credit hours of specific prerequisite courses prior to entry into the program, followed by five years of study in the pharmacy program. The program is student-focused, comprehensive, and experience-based. The curriculum provides students with the scientific knowledge and clinical skills necessary to enter professional practice. Instructional methods emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, professionalism, and ethical behaviours. During the program, students will develop an understanding of the professional and societal responsibilities of a pharmacist, and will recognize the need for lifelong learning. The extensive Pharmacy Practice Experience component prepares students for a variety of professional settings. The aim is to graduate students who are scientific inquisitors, interprofessional collaborators, independent decision makers, and leaders who have the ability to adapt their practice to fulfil their evolving professional roles. Pharm.D. graduates will be prepared to practice independently in a variety of pharmacy settings including community pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry, pharmacy organizations, research, government, and academia.

All courses in the School of Pharmacy are designated by the abbreviation PHAR.


4.1.1.1 Registration as a Pharmacy Student

A student must register annually with the Newfoundland and Labrador licensing body as a “Pharmacy Student” by October 15th. As part of the registration process, students must provide a current certificate of conduct (criminal record check) and proof of professional liability insurance. Further information may be obtained at www.nlpb.ca. Additionally, prior to the commencement of a Pharmacy Practice Experience in another Canadian jurisdiction, a student must register with the respective provincial or territorial licensing body. Further requirements may exist for international Pharmacy Practice Experience. A student who fails to meet the registration requirements will be required to withdraw from the program. The Newfoundland and Labrador licensing body will be notified of changes in a student’s academic status.


4.1.1.2 Pharmacy Practice Experience (PPE)

Through Pharmacy Practice Experiences, the program allows students to learn through progressive Pharmacy Practice Experiences. Students are expected to display appropriate communication, professionalism, and teamwork, and demonstrate increased independence and critical reasoning as they progress in the program. PPEs consist of early and intermediate experiences as well as advanced pharmacy practice experiences (APPE). APPE's may occur at any time during the academic year and may be offered in whole or in part outside the normal start and end dates of a semester. PPEs expose students to situations which cannot be provided in the classroom.

  1. The School of Pharmacy is responsible for providing overall direction for practice experiences and will oversee the placement of students at sites. Students may be assigned to any participating site within the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador; a request to complete a PPE outside the province may be considered.

  2. Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation costs associated with the PPE.

  3. Students are required to provide evidence of a valid Standard First Aid Level C certificate for all PPEs. Evidence of recertification must be submitted no later than one month before the expiry date of the certification.

  4. Students must have successfully completed injection training before they start an APPE.

  5. Students must comply with the policies of the site to which they are assigned. Sites may have requirements for immunization, testing or documentation beyond those required by the School. Students are required to complete these requirements in a timely fashion and at their own expense. Students unable to meet these site requirements may be delayed in their program or prevented from completing their program of study.

  6. In order to satisfy PPE requirements, practice sites may be used 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Students may be required to attend during any of these times.

4.1.1.3 Pharmacy Practice Experience Evaluation

  1. Evaluation of the student’s performance is conducted by the preceptor responsible for supervising the student during the PPE. Preceptors determine the competency level of the student for each of the outcomes.

  2. The School determines the grade of each PPE, based upon the evaluation provided by the preceptor, and the receipt and evaluation of required course elements. Students will be graded as PAS (pass) or FAL (fail).

  3. Students who conduct themselves in such a manner as to be terminated from the PPE site will be assigned a grade of FAL (fail) for that PPE and may be required to withdraw from the program.


4.1.2 Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) for Working Professionals, Part-Time Program

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) for Working Professionals is a part-time undergraduate program designed for practicing pharmacists who wish to remain employed while pursuing the degree of Doctor of Pharmacy. The learning environment offers an effective blend of theory and practice. The program is comprised of 15 courses totalling 55 credit hours and can normally be completed within three to five years. The program supports a patient-centered course of study and will be delivered through a combination of online courses, on-campus clinical skills workshops, and experiential learning.

All courses in the School of Pharmacy are designated by the abbreviation PHAR.


4.1.2.1 Registration as a Pharmacist

A student must be licensed to practice patient care as a pharmacist in Canada through the student’s pharmacy licensing body. Applicants will be asked to submit proof of licensure with the application for admission to the School and must normally maintain licensure throughout the program. Additionally, prior to the commencement of an Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience in another jurisdiction, a student must register with the respective licensing body. Further requirements may exist for international Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences. A student who fails to meet the registration requirements will be required to withdraw from the program.


4.1.2.2 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE)

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) may occur at any time during the academic year and may be offered in whole or in part outside the normal start and end dates of a semester.

  1. The Pharm.D. for Working Professionals requires the successful completion of two Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) in the final year of the program.

  2. The School of Pharmacy provides overall direction for practice experiences and will oversee the placement of students at practice sites. Students are responsible for all travel and accommodation costs associated with APPEs.

  3. For all APPEs, students are required to provide evidence of a valid Emergency First Aid Level C certificate or a Standard First Aid Level C certificate, as required by the provincial regulatory body where the placement will occur. Evidence of recertification must be submitted no later than one month before the expiry date of the certification.

  4. Students are required to provide evidence of authorization to administer drugs by injection prior to the first APPE.

  5. Students must comply with the policies of the site to which they are assigned. Sites may have requirements for immunization, testing or documentation beyond those required by the School. Students are required to complete these requirements in a timely fashion and at their own expense. Students unable to meet these site requirements may be delayed in their program or prevented from completing their program of study.


4.1.2.3 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience Evaluation

  1. Evaluation of the student’s performance is conducted by the preceptor responsible for supervising the student during the APPE. Preceptors determine the competency level of the student for each of the outcomes.

  2. The School determines the grade of each APPE, based upon the evaluation provided by the preceptor, and the receipt and evaluation of required course elements. Students will be graded as PAS (pass) or FAL (fail).

  3. Students who conduct themselves in such a manner (such as violation of the Student Code of Conduct and the Code of Professional Conduct for Pharmacy Students) as to be terminated from an APPE site will be assigned a grade of FAL (fail) for that APPE and may be required to withdraw from the program.