Professional Applicants to the Pharmacy Program

Nesbitt School of Pharmacy graduates are recognized for their skills in all areas of pharmacy, and as a result, are in high demand. With a nearly 90 percent placement rate at the time of graduation, a doctor of pharmacy degree from Wilkes University will prepare you for exciting, careers paths in a wide variety of settings:

• Academia
• Ambulatory Care
• Community Pharmacy
• Critical Care
• Geriatrics
• Hospital Pharmacy
• Industry
• Managed Care
• Nuclear
• Nutrition Support
• Oncology
• Pediatrics
• Psychiatry
• Public Health and Federal Agencies

And many more!

"I received my bachelor’s in accounting from UIC in 2015 and accepted an auditor job right away. However, sitting behind a desk all day was not my niche, and I wanted to do more to help people in the community. That’s when I thought about pharmacy school and looked up universities. The Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy caught my attention right away because it was among the top universities in NAPLEX passing rates with a decent class size to have one-on-one interactions with professors. Moving to Pennsylvania from Chicago was a big decision; however, when I came here for the interview, I felt a home-like environment, and everyone was very supportive. The pharmacy program at Wilkes focuses not on the quantity but rather on the quality of pharmacists they bring to the community. Being a transfer student is never easy, especially when you’re in a different state. The faculty at Wilkes is very encouraging, and they provide an open-door and friendly environment for everyone. The Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy truly demonstrates the meaning of pharmily through their values and high educational standards. I am genuinely honored to be a part of the pharmacy culture at Wilkes."

"I graduated with my bachelor’s in science in 2016. I took a year off to figure out which pharmacy program was right for me, and I had no doubt that the Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy was the one. As I was previously at a smaller private university, I was looking for the same level of face-to-face interaction with fellow classmates, professors and advisors. When I came for the interview, I felt how welcoming and supportive the staff and students were. I knew instantly that the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy met all my requirements. The school gave me an abundant feeling of support as soon as I stepped on campus. It felt like I was at home and a part of a big family, rather than just a face in the crowd. The pharmacy program at Wilkes not only focuses on the grades, but gives equal importance to our behavioral and professional growth. Being in college is tough. It can be even tougher if you’re a transfer student, which is why I chose Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. Here we are not just students and professors. We are a family."

"After graduating with a completely unrelated degree in 2014, I made the decision to return to school and pursue a Pharm.D. I chose Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy because I was looking for a tight-knit community where I could feel welcomed and supported. I found exactly what I was looking for at Wilkes. The small class size allows students to interact more with instructors and to develop close relationships. The number of opportunities for club involvement are astronomical. From the time that I started at Wilkes, I have forgotten that I was a transfer student and I truly feel like I am a part of a family."

"I graduated with a bachelor's in 2015 without any thoughts of going into pharmacy, but after a few months out of school, I decided to look into pharmacy programs. Compared to other schools I had applied to, Wilkes was the most welcoming environment I had been in. The Nesbitt School of Pharmacy does not just focus on making its students good pharmacists, but also good people. The focus on community service and outreach programs was enlightening and stood out as a big connection with my undergraduate school too. The main selling point for my decision to come to Wilkes was really right in the school's mission statement –- providing high quality health care. Furthermore, they made my interview feel family-oriented, and the "pharmily" environment was more than welcoming and helped seal my decision to attend Wilkes."

"I’m really happy I chose to transfer to Wilkes University’s Nesbitt School of Pharmacy. The small-sized classes gave me the opportunity to build great relationships with my professors. I had many leadership opportunities, one of which included a once-in-a-lifetime medical mission trip to Guatemala. These wonderful opportunities would not have been possible at any other school."

"I chose the pharmacy program at Wilkes University because of its smaller class size and the ability for students to have one-on-one attention with professors both in and out of the classroom. Wilkes also has a strong background in preparing students for postgraduate residencies, which was really helpful."

" At my previous college, most of my classes were large and I left there not making any real connections. As an international transfer student, the reason I chose the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy at Wilkes was because of its track record of excellence and welcoming faculty. Being away from my family, it was important for me to feel included and safe. The faculty is very supportive and their team-based approach helped to build and nurture my academic, social and professional growth. Wilkes is special because it provided all of those opportunities and has made a great impact on my life. I am proud to be a Colonel! "

Courses not completed at Wilkes must be equivalent to the following Wilkes courses.

Pharmacy Prerequisites

• Two semesters (8 credits) of General Chemistry with labs
• Two semesters (8 credits) of Organic Chemistry I/II with Organic Chemistry I/II labs OR 4 credits of CHM-235 Essentials of Organic Chemistry, and CHM-237 Essentials of Organic Chemistry lab at Wilkes University
• Two semesters (8 credits) of General Biology with labs
• One semester (3-4 credits) of General Physics with lab
• One semester (4 credits) of Calculus
• One semester (3 credits) of Statistics
• One semester (3 credits) of Microeconomics
• One semester (3 credits) of Oral Communications

General Education Requirements

Students who have earned a baccalaureate degree do not need to complete General Education requirements.  If you do not have a baccalaureate degree, the General Education requirements must be met since you will also earn a Bachelor of Science in Science while you are earning your PharmD. 

Courses may transfer in and fulfill the requirements. Check to see if your school and courses can transfer.

Area I: The Humanities

• ENG 120 – Introduction to Literature
• HST 101 – Historical Foundations of the Modern World
• PHL 101, 110, 115 – Introduction to Philosophy, Introduction to Ethical Problems; OR Foreign Language

Area II: The Scientific World

Area III: The Social Sciences

• ANT 101 – Introduction to Anthropology
• EC 102 - Principles of Economics II (required)
• PS 111 – Introduction to American Politics
• PSY 101 – General Psychology
• SOC 101 – Introduction to Sociology

Area IV: The Visual and Performing Arts

• ART 101 – Experiencing Art
• ART 140 – History of Art I
• ART 141 – History of Art II
• DAN 100 – Dance Appreciation: Comprehensive Dance Forms
• MUS 101 – Introduction to Music I
• THE 100 – Approach to Theatre

Skill Requirement

• COM 101 – Communication
• MTH 111 – Math Competency (Calc-4)
• CS 115 – Computer Sciences

 

Process for Advanced Standing Students to Transfer Directly into the Pharmacy Program

It is the policy of the Nesbitt School of Pharmacy (NSoP), in recognition of the common educational foundation assured by ACPE accreditation, to accept students from other ACPE-accredited professional pharmacy programs if the applicant is qualified and in good standing at the previous school of pharmacy and seats are available in the class.

The procedure below defines the process for students to transfer directly into the School of Pharmacy.

School of Pharmacy Transfer Requirements

• You must have attended an ACPE accredited School of Pharmacy.
• As a professional applicant, you may apply for admission for the fall or spring semester. You must present a current, official academic transcript from the current or previous school of pharmacy (and other institutions if relevant coursework is not reflected on the pharmacy transcript) and a letter from the dean or assistant/associate dean indicating you are in good standing.
• The assistant dean will present the transfer application to the Admissions Subcommittee of the Student Affairs Committee for a decision on admission.
• If you were dismissed from your previous school for academic or non-academic reasons, you will not be considered for admission. In certain cases, students may present evidence of extenuating circumstances or recommendations from academic administrators for consideration by the Student Affairs Committee.
• If the Admissions Subcommittee does not offer acceptance, the assistant dean of student affairs will notify you of the committee’s decision.
• If the Admissions Subcommittee is willing to consider acceptance, the assistant dean of student affairs will organize an interview and utilize the standard interview evaluation process.
• If you are offered admission, the assistant dean of student affairs will present your file to the department chairs and appropriate instructors for their decision on appropriate placement within the curriculum. You may be required to submit course descriptions or syllabi to assist in this process.
• In order to graduate from Wilkes University with the doctor of pharmacy degree, the you must complete all Nesbitt School of Pharmacy prerequisites (all applicants) and all University general education requirements (all seekers of a first degree). Applicants must be notified in writing, when notified of acceptance, of all unmet prerequisite or general education requirements. Wilkes University requires that half of the degree credits must be completed at Wilkes to earn the degree.
• If you are accepted into the program, you will be assigned to a team and a School of Pharmacy advisor who will be briefed on all your pertinent facts.

Foreign Student Transfer Admissions

The School, in recognition of the common educational foundation assured by ACPE accreditation, and Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools does accept foreign professional applicants for both entry-level admission into the Pharmacy Program and admission with advanced standing from a foreign ACPE approved university.

• The procedures listed below will detail the process of evaluating foreign students for admission into the Pharmacy Program.
• You must submit official evaluations of foreign school transcripts, such as WES or ECE, to the School of Pharmacy.
• The assistant to the dean, in consultation with the assistant dean of student affairs, will gather and assimilate the evaluations of the transcripts.
• You may be considered for admission into the pharmacy program after all prerequisite courses and other documentation is received.
• As a matter of policy, all foreign students, even if WES or ECE assigns a bachelor’s degree to their previous education, must complete the Wilkes University general education and skills core requirement. Wilkes University only accepts degrees earned at a U.S accredited institution. The assistant dean of student affairs will work with the transfer coordinator to determine if some courses will count as general education or skills core requirements.
• If all academic credentials are acceptable, you may be invited to interview through teleconference or video-conferencing services. The assistant dean of student affairs will organize an interview and utilize the standard interview evaluation process.
• If you have a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy or pharmaceutical sciences from a non-ACPE accredited foreign university, you will not be considered for advanced standing in the pharmacy program. You may be admitted as entry-level student and must complete four years in the pharmacy program.

Please visit the university course catalog for more information on the Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum.

Knowledge and skills will be learned and developed in real-world environments throughout the doctor of pharmacy curriculum.

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) Year

The sixth and final year of the Pharm.D. program is composed of clinical rotations that allow you to experience a wide variety of pharmacy practice settings. There are four required rotations:

• Inpatient General Medicine (Internal Medicine)
• Ambulatory Care
• Community Practice
• Hospital/Health System (Institutional)

The remaining three elective rotations offer a variety of experiences, including, but not limited to:

• Oncology: Care for patients with cancer, including assessing for appropriate treatment and monitoring for potential side effects and interactions
• Pediatrics: Ensure safe and effective medication therapy for children up to 18 years of age
• Poison Control Center: Help patients and providers treat overdoses and accidental exposures to medications, chemicals and other substances
• Emergency Room: Work with the healthcare team to stabilize patients who present with acute issues in the emergency department

Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE)

Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences or IPPEs allow you an opportunity to spend time in various practice settings and to familiarize yourself with the practice of pharmacy as a whole.

The Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) has written guidelines that address the various competencies students should achieve while on their IPPEs.

These competencies are in the following areas:

• Patient safety
• Basic patient assessment
• Medication information
• Identification and assessment of drug-related problems
• Mathematics (as it applies to pharmacokinetics, dose calculations or compounding)
• Ethical, professional and legal behavior
• General communication abilities
• Counseling patients
• Drug information analysis and literature research
• Public health
• Insurance and prescription drug coverage

The various assignments you will complete are used as a tool to aid in the achievement of the above competencies in order to best prepare you for both your Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs) and practice.

IPPE I: Community

At the conclusion of the first-year professional (P1) year, you will complete a two-week summer rotation in a community pharmacy setting. This gives you an opportunity to broaden your understanding of pharmacy, whether for the first time or in a different community pharmacy setting. We strive to assign you to sites that may offer a different experience from your internships. The course fosters the development of professionalism in an environment of practical application of knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

IPPE II: Clinical & Prescriber

Second-year professional pharmacy (P2) students have the IPPE II during the academic year. This IPPE allows you to be assigned to a Nesbitt School of Pharmacy faculty member or clinical adjunct preceptor for one portion of the IPPE and to a prescriber (MD, DO, PA, etc.) for the other half of the IPPE. This is a great experience in terms of inter-professional education and helps to mold your ability to work on a healthcare team. During this IPPE, you will see and participate in many aspects of practice you can bring back and apply to your didactic learning. This allows you to have a well-rounded experience to prepare for a career in pharmacy.

IPPE III: Institutional (Hospital)

At the conclusion of the P2 year, you will complete a two-week summer rotation in a health system/hospital pharmacy setting. This introduction to pharmacy practice in the institutional setting is the next progression in the IPPE sequence and contains assignments unique to this setting, as well as ones to build upon your growing knowledge and skill base. The course is designed to prepare you to understand the roles and responsibilities of the pharmacist and the related roles of pharmacy technicians and other health and support personnel in a health system pharmacy. You will be faced with a variety of tasks and issues practical to health system pharmacy.

IPPE IV: Clinical Telepharmacy

Third-year professional pharmacy (P3) students complete a rotation during the academic year at the Geisinger Telepharmacy. In a cutting-edge pharmacy setting, you will carry out practical applications of clinical, communication and decision-making skills. Incorporation of layered learning, Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process (PPCP), use of collaborative practice agreements, medication therapy management services focusing on anticoagulation and patient advocacy make this a unique IPPE. You will work closely with fourth-year professional pharmacy (P4) students.

IPPE V: Self-Directed

The Self-Directed Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience (SD-IPPE) course is designed to expose you to various service-learning opportunities throughout the P1 through P3 years. This experience consists of three components: participation in and development of service-learning and community service projects, reflection and self-directed learning. You may develop your own experiences or participate in opportunities offered by the school or professional organizations. Service-learning is an essential component to the education of future pharmacists. You will apply the continuing professional development (CPD) model to identify your own professional goals.

IPPE VI & VII: Longitudinal Care

Longitudinal Care expands upon an existing community outreach program developed between the Wilkes University Nesbitt School of Pharmacy (NSoP) and the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne County Active Adult Centers (centers for individuals 60 years and older). As a third-year professional pharmacy (P3) student, you will be paired with an older adult and meet at an Active Adult Center twice monthly over the course of one academic year. This course is designed to provide you with opportunities to deliver pharmaceutical care to an ambulatory patient population on a continuing basis and to develop an understanding of patient-specific and social issues surrounding an individual or family’s ability to be compliant with health-related instructions.

Interprofessional Education (IPE)

Through interprofessional education, you will gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of health care professionals that are essential to patient care, gain first-hand experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and develop your own individual professional identity as part of a larger team. These competencies are designed so that graduating students are trained to work as a team in optimizing patient health and outcomes. The goal of the IPE curriculum is to provide you with a set of skills and attitudes necessary to practice in an interprofessional environment.

You will be involved in interprofessional education during each professional year. In the spring semester of the first professional year, teams with pharmacy, medical and nursing students will be introduced to interprofessional values and ethics.

In the fall semester of the second professional year, these same teams will be introduced to teamwork and communication. In this experience, there is a focus on communication using the SBAR approach (Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation). The spring semester of the second professional year reinforces SBAR and focuses on patient safety issues with the use of additional tools to enhance interprofessional communication.

In the fall semester of the third professional year, senior nursing and P3 pharmacy students will participate in a simulation that reinforces communication skills in a rapid response simulation in an inpatient setting in which the nurse or pharmacist needed to give an SBAR telephonically. The prescriber “forgot” something and the learner needs to be assertive and correct the error of omission.

In the spring semester of the third professional year, you will have additional interprofessional education experiences with other health disciplines including nursing, physician assistant, physical therapy and occupational therapy. The semester culminates with a regional program including students from over 17 different health professions. You will work together in small teams on a patient case that is designed to stimulate discussion about teamwork, communication and different roles and responsibilities.

In addition, you will be involved in interprofessional education through pharmacy practice experiences in settings including a physician practice, community pharmacy, telepharmacy and the advanced pharmacy experiences during the fourth professional year.

Other Opportunities

Each year you will have the opportunity to participate in various research electives mentored by faculty members from the departments of pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences. The results of these projects are showcased during an annual Student Research Poster Day in April. Students and faculty members also regularly present posters at local and national conferences.

Community Involvement

Professional organizations enhance the pharmacy curriculum by providing opportunities to give back to the community and network with leaders in the field:

• American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP)
• Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)
• American Pharmacists Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP)
• American Society of Health System Pharmacists (ASHP)
• Christian Pharmacists Fellowship International (CPFI)
• Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO)
• Kappa Psi (KY)
• Lambda Kappa Sigma (LKS)
• National Community Pharmacist’s Association (NCPA)
• Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group (PPAG)
• Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association (PPA)
• Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society (PLS)
• Rho Chi Academic Honor Society
• Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
• Wilkes University Pharmacy Student Senate (WU PSS)

For specific tuition information, please visit our student bulletin.

For financial aid information, please visit Student Financial Services.

Pharmacy Transfer Scholarships are Available

You may be eligible for a transfer student scholarship for the pharmacy program. To find out more about your eligibility, contact:

If you are interested in transferring to Wilkes from another college or university, we have scholarship funds available to help you make that move. The transfer scholarship is issued for two years for the pharmacy program, and you are eligible whether or not you have a degree.

Transfer Scholarships Levels

As a transfer student, you may also be eligible for other financial aid. Follow the steps for the undergraduate financial aid process to see how affordable your Wilkes education can be.

Please note: In order to remain eligible for the transfer scholarship, you must be enrolled as a full-time, degree-seeking domestic student.

These technical standards describe non-academic abilities and skills that are required for admission to, continuation in, and graduation from the School of Pharmacy to obtain a Pharm.D. degree. The School of Pharmacy is committed to helping students with disabilities complete the course of study leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy degree by reasonable means or accommodations. Reasonable accommodations are services provided to individuals with disabilities that remove or lessen the effect of the disability-related barrier. Individuals without documented disabilities are not eligible for accommodations. Candidates with disabilities, in accordance with Wilkes University policy, and as defined by section 504 of 1973 Vocational Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1993, who may seek accommodations in order to meet the technical standards are encouraged to contact University College to discuss what reasonable accommodations, if any, the School of Pharmacy could make in order for the candidate to meet the standards. A student with a disability who requests accommodations will be required to submit this request in writing and provide pertinent supporting documentation in accordance with Wilkes University policies. Candidates are not required to disclose any information regarding technical standards to the Admissions Committee.

Candidates must acknowledge, upon acceptance of admission to the School of Pharmacy, that they understand the technical standards and additional requirements for experiential education.