Doctor of Pharmacy
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[edit] USA
In the United States the Pharm. D. (Doctor of Pharmacy) degree is a first-professional degree or professional doctorate that prepares the graduate for pharmacy practice. The multidisciplinary curriculum may focus on pharmacy-biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences, social and administrative sciences, clinical sciences and experiential training. Entrance into a Pharm. D. program generally does not require prior completion of a college degree, although the majority of accepted applicants hold one. Typically, it takes a minimum of six academic years after high school graduation to complete the Pharm. D. program. Traditionally in the United States, the bachelor's degree in pharmacy was the first-professional degree for pharmacy practice. However, in 1990, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) mandated that a doctorate in pharmacy would be the new first-professional degree. As of the year 2000, all pharmacy schools in the U.S. have discontinued the B.S. Pharm. (Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy) degree program.
[edit] France
In France, Pharmacy studies can only be accessed through a competitive examination ("concours", with numerus clausus) happening at the end of the first year, similarly to Medicine studies. Most candidates hold a Scientific Baccalaureate from the equivalent to high schools (lycée). In case of failure, it is possible to retry once (twice in extremely rare cases). Yearly success rate depends on the university's current numerus clausus and the number or registered students, ranging from 10 to 40% bearing in mind that second-time participants are three to four times more likely to succeed than students trying for the first time. The studies last a minimum of 6 years, or 9 years for students chosing hospital internship (accessible through another competitive exam, even more selective). Students must specialise when entering the 5th year, and choose between dispensing pharmacy, pharmaceutical industry or hospital internship. In any case, a 12-month part-time hospital externship is mandatory during the 5th year, although some flexibility is possible for students choosing industry. 6th year for industry is generally dedicated to further specialisation with a DESS/Professional Master's degree or a DEA/Research Master's degree. State diploma for the Doctorate of Pharmacy, Pharm D., is granted to pharmacists after they have completed a bibliographic thesis.
[edit] Netherlands
In the Netherlands the Pharm. D. is a graduate degree that requires a prior Masters of Science (M.Sc.) degree in Pharmacy. A pharmacist in the Netherlands holding a M.Sc. degree in Pharmacy may not legally dispense, formulate, handle, or trade pharmaceuticals unless they attain their Pharm. D. degree. The Pharm. D. degree requires a minimum of 2 years of full-time graduate courses in pharmacotherapy, pharmaceutical chemistry and analysis, small and large scale sterile pharmaceutical production, and management.
[edit] Italy
In Italy, the course of study leading to the laurea known as Dottore in farmacia lasts 5 years and includes a guided professional apprenticeship in a pharmacy.
[edit] UK
In the United Kingdom the DPharm is a relatively new postgraduate doctorate degree open to qualified pharmacists. It is offered by the University of Bradford, taking place over 3 years of clinical practice followed by 2 years of research. It is also offered by the University of Portsmouth and the University of Derby.
[edit] Canada
In contrast to the American professional Pharm. D. program a Canadian Pharm. D. degree is a post-graduate degree. This program has been available from the University of British Columbia since 1991 and the University of Toronto. Montreal's McGill University is planning to offer the program beginning in September 2006.
