Doctor of Pharmacy

Doctor of Pharmacy Competencies

A pharmacist is the medication expert that provides person-centered care in partnership with patients, families, care givers and other healthcare providers.  Pharmacists possess specialized knowledge allowing for the safe and effective use of medications to improve health.

The program imparts knowledge, skills, abilities, behaviors, and attitudes necessary for the contemporary practice of pharmacy in a healthcare environment that demands interprofessional collaboration and professional accountability for holistic patient well-being. The educational goals or outcomes of the program include:

  • Provide whole person care as the medication specialist
  • Actively engage and contribute as a member of the healthcare team
  • Develop strategies that improve the health and wellness of a population
  • Advocate for patients and promote the best interests of the profession of pharmacy
  • Educate individuals, groups or organizations
  • Optimize healthcare outcomes using human, financial, technological, and physical resources   
  • Demonstrate self-awareness and professionalism

The educational goals are achieved through three domains: knowledge, skills and attitudes.

The Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum is designed to systematically develop a strong foundation in scientific and clinical knowledge, foster proficiency in essential skills, and cultivate professional attitudes and behaviors.  Detailed curricular content can be found on the School of Pharmacy website under the Curriculum Policies section at https://pharmacy.umkc.edu/current-students/curriculum-policies.html

Admission Requirements

The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree provides minimum and advanced level competencies necessary for the graduate to assume a pharmacist's professional responsibilities and qualify for national and state pharmacist licensure examinations. The program of study emphasizes basic and clinical sciences as well as introductory and advanced practice experiences. The training of Doctor of Pharmacy students concentrates on rational drug therapy decision-making within the inter-professional health care team. For consideration, an applicant must have a cumulative college grade point average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.  Admission to the Pharm.D. program is competitive, and applications are reviewed in detail; therefore, meeting the minimum grade point average does not guarantee admission.  Applicants must strive to earn above satisfactory grades in their college courses and prepharmacy requirements.  The School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee reviews applicants’ academic transcripts closely.  All college credits and grade points are factored into the cumulative college GPAs.  Repeated course grades are averaged together for overall cumulative, prepharmacy course requirements, and science/math GPA calculations meaning that the original grade and the repeated grade will both count toward GPA calculations.  An applicant with a cumulative college GPA below 2.5, who has extenuating circumstances, may be considered with completion and submission of the Pharmacy extenuating circumstances form.

Doctor of Pharmacy Minimum Pre-Pharmacy Course Requirements

A minimum of 55 credit hours of pre-professional, college level coursework, including the specified requirements listed below, must be successfully completed, with a grade of C- or higher, prior to the fall of the entering class year of the professional pharmacy program of study. Applicants should note that admission is competitive and that meeting the minimum requirements is not a guarantee of admission. Applicants are encouraged to contact the Pharmacy Student Affairs Office to discuss the strength of their application.

Equivalent, pre-pharmacy courses must be completed at UMKC or any regionally accredited college or university.  Applicants should contact the UMKC Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs to ensure proper course equivalents have been met. Second year college pre-pharmacy courses, listed below, must be successfully completed within five years prior to admission entry date.  Applicants with elective space during their pre-pharmacy preparation should consider courses that shape their understanding of the human condition.  Courses in psychology, sociology, ethics, health sciences, and anthropology, will assist a student in assuming their role in caring for people.  Completion of additional communication studies courses is also encouraged.

Pre-Pharmacy Courses / Minimum Semester Hours

Year ICredits
General Chemistry I & II with Labs8
Calculus3-4
General Biology I & II 16
Physics with Lab24
English Composition I & II6
Public Speaking or Communication Studies Course3
American History I or II or Introduction to Political Science course covering U.S. Constitution3
 33-34
Year IICredits
Organic Chemistry I & II with Labs38
Cell Biology or Human Physiology33
Human Anatomy3,43-4
Microbiology with Lab34
Medical Terminology31
Statistics3
Electives completed at student discretion 
 22-23
Total Credits: 55-57
1

Preparatory or introductory biology courses will not meet the minimum requirement.

2

Physics courses must be at least algebra and trigonometry based.

3

NOTE: Second year college pre-pharmacy courses must be successfully completed within five years prior to Fall admission entry date.

4

Successful completion of 5.0 credit hours or two semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology will meet the Human Anatomy requirement.  Comparative or Vertebrate Anatomy courses will not meet the Human Anatomy requirement.

General CLEP credits will not be accepted to fulfill the mathematics, biology, physics, or chemistry requirements. Advanced Placement Program scores through the College Board are accepted for some pre-pharmacy courses. Check acceptable scores and courses at http://www.umkc.edu/registrar/transfer-credit/default.asp. Contact an academic advisor in the School of Pharmacy regarding minimum score requirements and course transferability. Official scores from the College Board must be sent to the UMKC Registrar's Office for evaluation.

Pharmacy Assurance Program (PAP)

UMKC School of Pharmacy offers the Pharmacy Assurance Program for high school students with a strong interest in and aptitude for science and math and excellent communication skills.  Students who meet the PAP criteria for admission from high school have an assured seat in the Pharm.D. program if the minimum specified requirements from PAP to the Pharm.D. program are achieved during their collegiate freshmen and sophomore years.   The minimum eligibility criteria to apply for PAP include 1) a non-weighted high school GPA at the end of the junior year of 3.5 or higher; or 2) a non-weighted high school GPA at the end of the junior year of 3.0 or higher and a minimum ACT composite of 25 or higher or SAT equivalent; and meet the UMKC core requirements through high school curricular units.  Students wanting to apply for the Pharmacy Assurance Program must complete and submit the following: the on-line UMKC Application For Admission and fee; Pharmacy Assurance Application; official high school transcripts through semester six; official college transcripts of dual credit courses as applicable; official ACT/SAT scores, as applicable; and one reference letter. The priority deadline to apply for the PAP is March 1st. 

Additional information regarding degree program and admission requirements is located on the UMKC School of Pharmacy Pharm.D. Admissions webpage located at https://pharmacy.umkc.edu/admissions/index.html   Applicants with questions regarding admission should contact

UMKC School of Pharmacy
Office of Student Affairs
2464 Charlotte Street, Suite 1219 / Kansas City, MO / 64108
(816) 235-1613/ Fax (816) 235-5562
pharmacy@umkc.edu

Application Procedures

Applications for the doctor of pharmacy program are accepted between July 15 through June 1 for consideration for admission to the class entering the following fall. Admission to the Doctor of Pharmacy program is competitive and meeting minimum requirements for admission does not guarantee admission. New students are admitted to the doctor of pharmacy program only in the fall of each year.

The Early Action program is a non-binding option for applicants who would like the application process to be complete early in the school year. Early Action applicants will be considered for one of the first two interview dates.  In addition to completing the PharmCAS application, Early Action applicants must arrange for PharmCAS to receive all of their official transcripts and fees by the October 1st deadline.

The Pharmacy Future Admissions Scholars Track (FAST) is intended for college students who plan to complete a baccalaureate degree before applying to the UMKC Pharm.D. program.  Applicants must have successfully completed 45 credit hours of select prepharmacy prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher for consideration.  

As part of the process for application to the Doctor of Pharmacy program, all of the application steps and instructions must be adhered to carefully and all required documents must be submitted no later than the June 1 deadline, unless otherwise stated.  Applicants must:

  1. Complete and submit the PharmCAS application with all supporting and required documentation and fee. The PharmCAS application is located at http://www.pharmcas.org/. Official transcripts(s) from each college and/or university attended showing all coursework attempted and completed through the Fall term prior to admission entry date must be submitted to PharmCAS; 
  2. Submit an electronic PharmCAS reference from specified categories only as noted on the UMKC Doctor of Pharmacy application; references from relatives, friends, or co-workers, that are not supervisors, will not be accepted.
  3. Complete and submit a UMKC Doctor of Pharmacy Application for Admission and application fee. The UMKC Pharm.D. Application for Admission is located at Pharm.D. Application Process - Admissions - School of Pharmacy | University of Missouri-Kansas City (umkc.edu). 
  4. Meet and adhere to the UMKC School of Pharmacy Minimal Technical Standards for Admission, Matriculation and Graduation as part of the Pharm.D. Application.  Students admitted to the Pharm.D. program must continue to meet and adhere to these standards throughout their tenure in the Pharm.D. program; 

  5. International applicants must also complete the UMKC International Undergraduate Application for Admission (http://www.umkc.edu/isao/ ) in addition to the PharmCAS Application and the UMKC Doctor of Pharmacy Application. Copies of all materials submitted to the International Student Affairs Office must be sent to the Pharmacy Office of Student Affairs. The minimum TOEFL iBT score required for Pharm.D. applicants is 83.  The minimum IELTS Academic Score is 6.5. International applicants whose native language is not English or who received their education in a country where the first language is not English must:

    1. Meet the UMKC English Proficiency requirements
    2. Complete the English Evaluation Examination prior to the first semester of enrollment
    3. Follow recommendations from the UMKC Applied Language Institute.
  6. Complete and pass a formal interview, if selected, with School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee faculty as a factor for admission. Applicants are notified by e-mail before their scheduled interview. Applicants should note that meeting minimum eligibility requirements does not automatically qualify an applicant for an interview. Based on the academic and application credentials of the applicant and the applicant pool, the school will select candidates for an interview. Students who do not qualify for the interview will receive written notice.

Notification of Acceptance

Admission to the Pharm.D. program is competitive.  Applicants will receive written notification of the school's decision concerning their applications.

Official supplementary college transcripts must be submitted to UMKC upon completion of winter/spring and summer coursework. Final acceptance is contingent on submission and clearance of a criminal background check, good academic and behavioral standing, successful completion (grade of C- or higher) of the specified minimum hours of required pre-pharmacy courses and any other coursework completed during the winter/spring and/or summer terms prior to admission. Those applicants approved for admission will be required to confirm their acceptance and submit an advance deposit to guarantee their place in the entering class. This deposit is applied to the first term's educational fees and is not refundable.  Admitted students are required to complete orientation modules and attend the School of Pharmacy orientation sessions.

Curricular Requirements

The doctor of pharmacy degree program provides broad and general preparation in professional areas of practice with the intent that, on completion, graduates will be able to practice at a level sufficient to perform the established functions of a pharmacist. In addition, the Pharm.D. program prepares the student for advanced levels of professional practice. The major emphasis is on the clinical sciences and drug-related patient care.

This program is designed to provide advanced education and training in clinical pharmacy and drug information with particular emphasis on interprofessional team participation in the delivery of health care. To enable students to concentrate solely on this advanced professional coursework, those entering the doctor of pharmacy program are strongly encouraged to limit their work and/or intern hours during the academic year.

Because pharmacy is a profession undergoing rapid change, the curriculum is subject to continual review and modification. As society's needs for specific types of pharmaceutical service change, the curriculum will change as well. To assure the best pharmacy education for its students, the School of Pharmacy reserves the right of making judicious changes and improvements in course sequence, course content, or other program requirements at any time that must be completed and adhered to in order to meet graduation degree requirements.

Pharm.D. Graduation Requirements

To graduate, Pharm.D. candidates must successfully complete the 4 year curricular course requirements as listed in addition to the pre-pharmacy course requirements listed above.

To graduate, students must successfully complete all credit and non-credit requirements as listed and in effect at the time of completion. Within these hours, the following credit hour minimums must be met:

Pharm.D. Admission Pre-Pharmacy Course Requirements

Semester 1 Prerequisites
CHEM 211
& 211L		General Chemistry I
and Experimental General Chemistry I		5
MATH 210Calculus I4
BIOLOGY 108General Biology I3
ENGLISH 110Introduction to Academic Prose3
GEFSE 101First Semester Experience3
Total Credits18
Semester 2 Prerequisites
CHEM 212R
& CHEM 212LR		General Chemistry II
and Experimental General Chemistry II		5
PHYSICS 210General Physics I4
BIOLOGY 109General Biology II3
ENGLISH 225English II: Intermediate Academic Prose3
Total Credits15
Semester 3 Prerequisites
BIOLOGY 218Introductory Anatomy 13
CHEM 321
& 321L		Organic Chemistry I
and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I 1		4
BIOLOGY 202Cell Biology 13
or LS-PHYS 217 Human Physiology
COMM-ST 110Fundamentals of Effective Speaking and Listening3
or COMM-ST 140 Introduction to Communication
or COMM-ST 277 Interpersonal Communication
Total Credits13
Semester 4 Prerequisites
CHEM 322ROrganic Chemistry II 13
CHEM 322LOrganic Chemistry Laboratory II 11
LS-MCRB 121
& 121L		Human Biology III (Microbiology)
and Human Biology III (Microbiology) Lab 1		4
HLSC 125Medical Terminology1
STAT 235Elementary Statistics3
Select any one of the following courses:3
HISTORY 101
U.S. History to 1877
HISTORY 102
U.S. History Since 1877
POL-SCI 210
American Government
Total Credits15
1

 Marked Science courses must be completed within five years of Pharm.D. program start date.  This includes LS-PHYS 217.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating from this program will:

  • Develop, integrate and apply knowledge from the foundational sciences (pharmaceutical, social/administrative/behavioral, and clinical sciences) to evaluate the scientific literature, explain drug action, solve therapeutic problems and advance population health and patient-centered care.
  • Provide patient-centered care as the medication expert (collect and interpret evidence, prioritize, formulate assessments and recommendations, implement, monitor and adjust plans, and document activities).
  • Manage patient healthcare needs using human, financial, technological, and physical resources to optimize the safety and efficacy of medication use systems.
  • Design prevention, intervention, and educational strategies for individuals and communities to manage chronic disease and improve health and wellness.
  • Describe how population-based care influences patient-centered care and influences the development of practice guidelines and evidence-based best practices.
  • Identify problems; explore and prioritize potential strategies; and design, implement, and evaluate a viable solution.
  • Educate all audiences by determining the most effective and enduring ways to impart information and assess understanding.
  • Assure that patients' best interests are represented.
  • Actively participate and engage as a healthcare team member by demonstrating mutual respect, understanding, and values to meet patient care needs.
  • Recognize social determinants of health to diminish disparities and inequities in access to quality care.
  • Effectively communicate verbally and nonverbally when interacting with an individual, group, or organization.
  • Examine and reflect on personal knowledge, skills, abilities, beliefs, biases, motivation, and emotions that could enhance or limit personal and professional growth.
  • Demonstrate responsibility for creating and achieving shared goals, regardless of position.
  • Engage in innovative activities by using creative thinking to envision better ways of accomplishing professional goals.
  • Exhibit behaviors and values that are consistent with the trust given to the profession by patients, other healthcare providers, and society.

Curricular Outcomes Expected of Doctor of Pharmacy Graduates

Doctor of Pharmacy graduates must possess the basic knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values to independently practice pharmacy at the time of graduation. These Curricular Outcomes expectations are outlined in full on the UMKC School of Pharmacy website under the Curriculum Policies and Procedures section at: https://pharmacy.umkc.edu/current-students/curriculum-policies.html.

First Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PHARM 73413PHARM 73443PHARM 73783
LS-PHYS 3994LS-PHYS 4004 
LS-BIOC 3704PHARM 72023 
PHARM 71011PHARM 72333 
PHARM 71102PHARM 73612 
Professional Electives 1.0 - 8.011PHARM 74053 
PHARM 73340.5PHARM 7405L0.5 
PHARM 74142Professional Electives 1.0 - 8.011 
 17.5 19.5 3
Second Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PHARM 72033PHARM 73033PHARM 73793
PHARM 73073PHARM 73083 
PHARM 73262PHARM 74262 
PHARM 73624PHARM 7426L0.5 
PHARM 74205PHARM 73634 
Professional Electives 1.0 - 8.011PHARM 7485L1 
 PHARM 7485P5 
 Professional Electives 1.0 - 8.011 
 18 19.5 3
Third Year
FallCreditsSpringCreditsSummerCredits
PHARM 73892PHARM 71511Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE hours vary)44
PHARM 7406P22PHARM 73311 
Professional Electives 1.0 - 8.012PHARM 7331L0.5 
PHARM 74653PHARM 74341 
PHARM 74865PHARM 7434L1 
PHARM 7486L0.5PHARM 74511 
 PHARM 74663 
 PHARM 74875 
 PHARM 7487L0.5 
 Professional Electives 1.0 - 8.012 
 14.5 16 4
Fourth Year
FallCreditsSpringCredits 
Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (hours vary)416Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (hours vary)416 
 16 16
Total Credits: 147
1

A minimum of eight credit hours of professional elective course work must be successfully completed prior to enrollment in Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE). Visit https://pharmacy.umkc.edu/current-students/curriculum-policies.html under the Curriculum and Registration section and review the Guidelines for Electives and the list of potential professional elective offerings.  Students should choose electives and semester placement after consultation with a pharmacy academic advisor in the Office of Student Affairs and/or their faculty advisor.

2

 PHARM 7406P General Medicine IPPE is a continuous introductory pharmacy practice experience completed over both fall and spring semesters.

3

Students must complete 36 credit hours of Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences [APPE] over Semesters 6a-8. APPE prerequisites include satisfactory completion of all credit and non-credit degree and course requirements prior to Semester 6a of the professional curriculum.

Because pharmacy is a profession undergoing rapid change, the curriculum is subject to continual review and modification. As society's needs for specific types of pharmaceutical service change, the curriculum will change as well. To assure the best pharmacy education for its students, the School of Pharmacy reserve the right of making judicious changes and improvement in course sequence, course content, or other program requirements at any time that must be completed and adhered to in order to meet graduation requirements.

Prospective Applicants are encouraged to: