Proficiency in basic computer skills (word-processing, databases, Internet searches, email) is expected of all entering students, as the curriculum will incorporate the use of computer technology. Additionally, all students in the program will be expected to have access to the Internet. Students are required to have their own laptop computer upon entry into the program. All students will be expected to purchase or have the required medical equipment needed to meet program requirements. An approved lab coat with a school-issued patch is provided.
Each student must carry professional liability insurance coverage, which is included in tuition.
Portions of the curriculum require travel to various locations. Clinical experiences entail travel to clinical sites. Students must provide their own transportation to experiential sites and classroom activities. It is therefore required that all pharmacy students have a means of transportation. This includes a valid driver's license and current auto liability insurance if transportation is to be provided through a personal vehicle. Doctor of Pharmacy students are responsible for all costs associated with travel and off-campus clinical experiences. Transportation and food are the most common out-of pocket expenses. Some sites will require additional living arrangements to be made, which will be the student's responsibility.
To obtain an Arkansas pharmacy intern license, students are required to authorize and submit to a criminal background check with fingerprinting, including sex offenses and crimes against minors. An Arkansas pharmacy intern license is required for participation in the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Inability to obtain an Arkansas pharmacy intern license would be cause for dismissal from the Doctor of Pharmacy program. Some students may also be expected to submit to random drug testing required by clinical practice sites. These additional costs are the students' responsibility. Non-compliance with the criminal background checks and/or drug testing policies may be cause for dismissal from the program. Criminal background checks and drug screens are common pre-employment procedures.
Health Policies
Applicants selected for admission to the program must provide evidence of good health, no communicable diseases, and required immunizations and screenings prior to matriculation. Forms are available to those accepted into the program.
Immunizations and screening tests required are as follows:
- Hepatitis B series and titer (this can take up to 7 months to complete).
- Two MMRs or positive measles, mumps, and rubella titer.
- Tetanus/diphtheria (DPT, DTaP, or Td) primary series and Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis (Tdap) booster; booster must be kept up-to-date through completion of the fourth professional year.
- Evidence of varicella immunity is required by written documentation of one of the following: two doses of varicella vaccine given at least 28 days apart, or laboratory confirmation of immunity (titer).
- Results of a PPD tuberculin skin test (measurements must be in millimeters), a QuantiFERON Gold test, or a chest X-ray performed within three months prior to matriculation and must be repeated annually while enrolled.
- Influenza vaccine is required but will be administered by the College during the fall semester.
- Two doses of any vaccine against COVID-19 are required. No booster is currently required but is subject to change based on Experiential Education sites.
Additionally, all pharmacy students are required to maintain health insurance and CPR certification. A copy of the front and back of the health insurance card should be submitted to myRecordTracker prior to admission and annually while in the program.
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