RN to PharmD Bridge Certificate Program Curriculum

RN to PharmD Bridge Certificate Program Curriculum

Fall Semester Credit Hours

Courses

Pharmaceutical Sciences I and II (6 credit hours)

This course is designed primarily to prepare the pharmacy student for the application of mathematical concepts required in the practice of pharmacy. Concepts covered in this course include fractions, proportions, exponential notation, percent, dimensional analysis, conversion factors, and solving linear equations. Problem-solving skills will also be developed. Students will be required to perform dosage calculations based on individual patient needs and characteristics as well as computations required for accurate preparation of solid and liquid dosage forms and injectable medications. Chemical and physical principles will be presented with the appropriate mathematical principles to prepare students for the study of pharmaceutical calculations, pharmaceutics, and pharmacokinetics in the Pharm.D. program.

Organic Chemistry for Pharmacy (3 credit hours)

Chemistry is the cornerstone science in pharmacy and as such we will review the basic and organic chemistry principles relevant to the understanding of drug action, drug-drug interactions, toxic metabolites, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetic phenomena. The course will also touch on some basic principles of medicinal chemistry.

Biological Organic Chemistry (3 credit hours)

The Organic Chemical structures and chemical properties of Sugars, Fats, Proteins, DNA, Vitamins and some of the major chemical reactions associated with them.

Introduction to Pharmacology (3 credit hours)

Core Pharmacology is an introductory series of lectures designed to orient pharmacy students to the effects of drugs on humans in both normal and pathologic states. The first portion of the course deals with general principles in pharmacology, including drug absorption, distribution, elimination, and pharmacodynamics. The second portion of the course focuses on drugs of the autonomic nervous system, central nervous system, chemotherapeutic agents for infections and cancer, and various other pharmaceutical agents for specific therapeutic applications.

Introduction to Medicinal Chemistry (3 credit hours)

Concepts and principles, which are important for the rational evaluation and utilization of drugs, are introduced for application in future clinical scenarios. This course runs parallel with the Pharmacology course in terms of drugs classes and therapeutic application. Medicinal Chemistry will focus on the chemistry and structure of drugs and the relationship of chemical structure to actions of medications.

Pharmacy Practice (1 credit hours)

This course will present topics of utility in understanding the nature of the pharmacy profession. The history of pharmacy practice, pharmaceutical care as well as the Pharmacist Patient Care Process will be covered. Students will study the various types of pharmacy practice and clinical settings.

Critical Thinking (1 credit hour)

This course will provide students with the resources and background necessary to develop critical thinking skills necessary for a high functioning pharmacy professional to complete tasks such as prescription review, error management, and patient counselling. Students will analytically read and review biomedical literature that is highly relevant to the practice of pharmacy. In addition, students will be introduced to pharmacologic and medical terminology which will aid in the comprehension of lecture materials and scientific literature alike.

We will begin the course with a discussion of the critical thinking process. Then, we will discuss key topics in pharmacy practice. This will be followed by several students presentations/ group discussions on various assigned drug topics. Finally, students will interact with licensed pharmacists and engage in career exploration activities within pharmacy practice topics.

Pharmacy Calculations (3 credit hours)

This course will serve as an introduction to the mathematics involved in pharmaceutical calculations for various dosage forms. Students will be introduced to and practice dosage calculations based on individual patient needs and characteristics as well as computations required for accurate preparation of solid and liquid dosage forms, injectable medications, isotonic solutions, and extemporaneously compounded prescription products.

Pharmacoeconomics (1 credit hour)

This course introduced students to the main concepts of pharmacoeconomic principles and terminology used in pharmacy practice and managed care settings. Students will use cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, cost-minimization, cost-of-illness, and cost-utility analyses to compare pharmaceutical products and treatment strategies.

Optional but Highly Recommended Courses

BIO 1501 – Biological Sciences – 3.0 Credit Hours
BIO 1502 – Biological Sciences – 3.0 Credit Hours

These courses explores the basics and molecular basis for important physiological processes supporting a healthy state, including Cell Biology, Immunology, Microbiology and Physiology. Disease states will also be examined with an emphasis on specific biological molecules that are specific targets of drug action.