The emerging impact of the elderly on the health care system has created a need for health care providers who understand the unique needs of the elderly. As drug therapy remains the primary therapeutic option for chronic disease, the demand for prescription drugs will continue to rise. There is a demand for pharmacists who are equipped to meet the pharmaceutical care needs of this population. Geriatric pharmacy is recognized as a specialty, with board certification through the Commission for Certification in Geriatric Pharmacy. The PharmD/MS, Gerontology program will provide extensive education and training in the unique health care needs of older adults. It will allow student pharmacists with a career interest in geriatrics or gerontology to work with health care planning or delivery organizations to develop and implement progressive pharmaceutical care programs for the elderly.
Application and Admission Requirements
Students who intend to pursue the dual PharmD/MSG degree must be accepted by both programs. This includes having completed a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and a minimum equivalent GRE score of 1000. Students will not be given special consideration for admission to either program because they are applying for the dual degree. Students may apply to the dual PharmD/MS degree program in two ways. First, they may apply at the time they submit their PharmD application by concurrently submitting applications to both programs. Students who elect this approach must identify themselves on both applications as potential dual degree students. Students who are admitted to both programs will be offered admission to the PharmD and will be offered admission to the dual degree program. Second, students can apply to the dual degree by submitting an application to the MS program during their first year of enrollment in the PharmD prior to the MS published application deadline. Students who elect this approach must apply through the School of Pharmacy. Students admitted to the MS program using this approach will be offered admission to the dual degree contingent on passing all courses in their first year of the PharmD with a minimum 3.0 GPA. Students accepted to the dual degree program must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA in their Gerontology and PharmD courses.
Recommended Program
First year: Required Year I PharmD course work
Second year: Required Gerontology course work
Third year: Required Year II PharmD course work
Fourth year: Required Year III PharmD course work
Fifth year: Required Year IV PharmD course work
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete all requirements for the PharmD (see the Professional Degrees page) and MS, Gerontology degrees as listed in the current catalogue with a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA. The specific MS course requirements for the dual PharmD/MS degree are listed on the School of Gerontology Dual Degree Programs page.
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