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 Admissions 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 G.P.A. of 3.0 and a minimum equivalent GRE score of 297. 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 in Gerontology program during their first year of enrollment in the PharmD prior to the MS, Gerontology published application deadline. Students, who elect this approach, must apply through the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. 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 G.P.A. Students accepted to the dual degree program must maintain a minimum 3.0 G.P.A. in their gerontology and PharmD courses.
Recommended Program
Dual degree students may begin taking GERO courses, as available and as their schedule permits, starting in the 2nd year of the PharmD program. Students may consult with the academic adviser for GERO course recommendations.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete all requirements for the PharmD and MS degrees as listed in the catalogue with a minimum cumulative 3.0 G.P.A. Students must complete 32 Gerontology units as indicated. The PharmD degree course requirements are listed in the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences section.
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