Overview
The Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) program in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (CPHS) aims to impart you with the knowledge, skills, abilities, and behaviors needed to practice as a holistic and compassionate pharmacist. To complement, augment, and advance the curricular requirements of our Pharm.D. program, a structured cocurriculum has been developed and implemented.
Students enrolled in the Pharm.D. program participate in cocurricular activities during their P1, P2, and P3 years of study to foster professional and personal growth. Guided reflections and self-assessments are used to deepen your understanding of the pharmacy profession and assist you in forming individual professional identities to better think, feel, and act like a pharmacist. In the final year of study (P4), students engage in experiential learning and complete a culminating self-assessment as they prepare to enter practice. Faculty mentorship is also embedded within the co-curriculum to support and empower you to become an autonomous, lifelong learner.
The Pharm.D. cocurriculum consists of required and elective activities aligned with the most recent Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) Standards and Center for the Advancement of Pharmacy Education (CAPE) Outcomes. The CPHS Director of Cocurricular Activities and faculty members of the CPHS Cocurricular Committee regularly review all submitted activities. Approved activities are added to the Pharm.D. cocurriculum schedule, which is available on the class Canvas page.
At the beginning of each academic year, the CPHS leadership presents the Pharm.D. cocurricular requirements to all students enrolled within the program. Students who do not complete all cocurricular requirements for a given professional year are reported to the CPHS Progression Committee and may be disenrolled from the subsequent semester’s coursework. Additional information is available to current students below.
Current Students
Pharm.D. cocurricular requirements, procedures, schedules, resources, and announcements/updates are posted on your class Canvas page.
Student Testimonials
Peter J. Chung
Pharm.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
"The cocurriculum at St. John’s provides students with a faculty mentor who understands the stressors of being a student. As a mentee, this experience has given me new perspectives about our profession and has fueled my goal of becoming an exceptional pharmacist.”
Sharon S. Joseph
Pharm.D. Candidate, Class of 2024
“Cocurricular activities play a huge role in defining a student’s perspective as they work toward becoming a professional. I am grateful that our Pharm.D. program requires involvement in these activities and provides students with the opportunity to expand their knowledge and experiences outside of the classroom.”
Giovanna Manzione
Pharm.D. Candidate, Class of 2025
“Participating in cocurricular activities has strengthened my understanding of the different paths available to me as an aspiring pharmacist. I also connected with pharmacists who shared their professional experiences and provided guidance.”
Bernilton M. Mercier
Pharm.D. Candidate, Class of 2026
“The cocurricular activities have opened my eyes to nontraditional career paths for pharmacists. I feel less limited in the professional options I have and look forward to exploring more roles for pharmacists.”
Cocurriculum Contact
For additional information or questions, contact Olga Hilas, Pharm.D., M.P.H., Professor/Industry Professional, Department of Clinical Health Professions, and Director, Cocurricular Activities, at [email protected].
DISCLAIMER: Please note that the information above is subject to change.