A Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D) program offers a comprehensive education in the field of pharmacy, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Students study the science of drugs and their effects on the body, including how they are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and excreted. They explore how medications interact with biological systems, focusing on mechanisms of action, therapeutic effects, and potential side effects, as well as the harmful impacts drugs can have.
The curriculum includes the formulation and delivery of medications, addressing the physical and chemical properties of drugs to design effective dosage forms such as tablets and injectables. Students learn about drug delivery systems that ensure medications reach the intended site in the body effectively. Pharmaceutical technology plays a role in understanding the methods used in drug production and formulation.
Pharmacy practice emphasizes the practical aspects of being a pharmacist. This involves patient interaction, medication dispensing, and understanding pharmacy law and regulations. Students gain skills in medication therapy management, patient counseling, and navigating the legal framework that governs pharmacy practice.