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This FAQ information is for our program in Indiana and Overseas.
Is there an application deadline for the Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program?
No, it is advised that you actually take a few courses before applying to the program.
How do I obtain an application form?
In the U.S., contact Kathy Reynolds at 765-494-1471 or reynoldk@purdue.edu.
NOTE: U.S. based participants must be able to participate in programs offered in various cities in Indiana.
In the Middle East, contact:
Gateway Medical Institute FZ-LLC
http://www.gatewayinst.com/
Knowledge Village Block 2B,
Suite F 31
P.O. Box 502344
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-391-0146
Fax: 971-4-391-4889
Contact Persons:
Hamid Abbaspour, R.Ph., MBA, hamid@gatewayinst.com
Sheida Mahdavi, manager@gatewayinst.com
When is it possible to begin the program?
After admission to the NTDPP, although courses may be taken through Pharmacy Continuing Education anytime depending on course offerings and is suggested.
How long does it take to complete the Doctor of Pharmacy degree with the Nontraditional Program?
The didactic course work must be completed within four years of admission into the program and the Advanced Clerkships must be completed within three years after starting the first rotation. The entire program must be completed within seven years, depending on time of admission into the program.
Do all students have to progress at the same rate?
No
How much will this cost?
Fees are subject to change without published notice and usually increase on an annual basis. The cost for required didactic coursework and required Advanced Clerkship rotations is $463 per credit hour for Indiana residents who are continuing students from 2006 and $471 per credit hour for Indiana residents who are new students. For out-of-state students, the per credit hour cost is $962 for continuing students from 2006 and $970 for new students. These prices are good through July 2009. The entire program requires 56 credit hours (28 credit hours of didactic coursework and 28 hours of Advanced Clerkship). Additional costs would include textbooks, course materials, travel to and from small group discussions, technology fees, and housing and meals if necessary to relocate for Advanced Clerkships.
Can you provide an estimate of weekly hours of involvement required?
In the didactic portion, it depends on the course or courses being taken per semester. However, when in the Advanced Clerkship portion of the program, involvement is high and may run as high as 60 hours per week.
Will it be necessary to travel to Purdue University at West Lafayette for class work or other reasons?
Yes; each spring there is a mandatory orientation meeting that U.S. participants have to attend before you can begin your clerkship rotations. It is also possible you would need to come to the West Lafayette campus for an admission interview, and possibly other rare instances (e.g., graduation, Physical Assessment workshop). Some travel will likely be required for case discussion groups in the didactic portion of the program, not necessarily to West Lafayette. Travel requirements for the overseas candidates' program will be answered by Gateway Medical Institute.
Are there any prerequisites?
Generally, graduation from an ACPE accredited B.S. pharmacy program will provide course work satisfying prerequisites for the NTDPP curriculum. Course work taken at a foreign university must be evaluated by the school to determine if prerequisites are satisfied.
Are electives available and how many are permitted?
Yes; there is no limit on the number that may be taken, however, electives are not needed. Credit hours required for the didactic and clerkship portions fulfill graduation requirements.
Can all of the course work be completed at home?
Readings and homework can be completed at home. However, for some of the courses, there are monthly sessions to discuss patient cases. These are held at published, predetermined times at a central location selected for the best convenience possible for all participants. Most discussions are held in Indianapolis.
How are classes offered?
Courses are offered on DVD and CD-Rom through the Continuing Education Office and the School of Pharmacy. Most of the courses will require small-group discussions/conferences with on-site instructors.
What materials would be required for course work, i.e., computer, texts, other materials?
Textbooks, computer, access to the Internet, an active email account, course materials, and other informational materials.
Will any credit be given to those individuals who have completed specific certificate programs?
No, however, certificate program completion may be used in assessing admission readiness for the program. Certificate program completion may also be used toward fulfilling some requirements for a specific Clerkship Credit for Life Experience request.
How does a student work around his/her work schedule, family responsibilities, etc.?
During the didactic portion of the curriculum, students are able to take only one or two courses per semester. Some hardships may be encountered, so appropriate time management is necessary on the part of the student. When in the Advanced Clerkship portion, the student will likely not be able to work during the rotation month but will be able to work full-time in the months not on rotation. Family and social responsibilities are likely to suffer during the Advanced Clerkship rotations.
How is a student's progress measured, i.e., exams, case presentations?
A student's progress through the NTDPP is monitored by the Coordinator for the NTDPP. Progress in individual courses is measured by the course instructors and involves written examinations and homework in most didactic courses and assessed participation plus quizzes in the Integrated Laboratories. Overall progress through the Advanced Clerkships toward achievement of Pharm.D. program performance objectives is monitored by the course instructors for the Advanced Clerkship. Progress within each clerkship rotation is assessed by the instructor in relation to the rotations stated objectives and is based on performance in rotation activities, oral presentations, and an end-of-block oral examination. An additional requirement to be completed during the Advanced Clerkship rotations is the Pharm.D. student project.
Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there is a one-time $55 application fee due when you sign up for your first NTDPP course, malpractice insurance, immunization, name badges, graduation cap and gown rental, and a technology fee of $5.00 per credit hour.
Do you have additional materials outlining the NTDPP?
Yes, contact Kathy Reynolds at 765-494-1471 or reynoldk@purdue.edu.
Do I have to live in Indiana to participate in this program?
The answer is essentially - yes. Our faculty travel to some of the small group discussions. Participating in the program is possible if you live in a city near to the borders of Indiana and, of course, out-of-state tuition would be assessed.
If you are registering overseas with Gateway, you will need access to sites operated in their Territory. You should contact Gateway for more information concerning your ability to participate in the coursework. Overseas participants may be required to live in Indiana for up to 7 months in order to complete the Advanced Clerkship rotations that follow the didactic courses.
Will I have to have an "on-campus" interview as a part of the admission process?
It is possible; this is decided on an individual basis for all candidates. Overseas candidates may be interviewed by videoconference.
What courses do I have to take to be permitted to go into the Advanced Clerkship?
Pleas see the Curriculum.
Whom do I contact for a list of available courses?
U.S. bound candidates: Kathy Reynolds at 765-494-1471 or reynoldk@purdue.edu.
Overseas candidates:
Gateway Medical Institute FZ-LLC
http://www.gatewayinst.com/
Knowledge Village Block 2B,
Suite F 31
P.O. Box 502344
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-391-0146
Fax: 971-4-391-4889
Contact Persons:
Hamid Abbaspour, R.Ph., MBA, hamid@gatewayinst.com
Sheida Mahdavi, manager@gatewayinst.com
Can I receive CE credit for the didactic courses?
Yes, each academic credit hour is worth 15 CE contact hours. Purdue is an ACPE-approved provider.
Can I remain employed full-time?
Yes, except when taking Advanced Clerkships. These rotations are full-time.
Are there required clerkships? Can the program be tailored to an individual's career development or clinical interest?
Required Advanced Clerkships include Adult Inpatient Medicine and Ambulatory Medicine. Elective rotations may be selected based on availability, interest and location.
How will clinical rotations be handled? Will it be necessary for a student to take a leave from work?
Seven four-week rotations are required. Yes, it will be necessary for a student to take a leave from work.
When and how do I register for the Advanced Clerkships?
You cannot begin your clerkships until all of your didactic requirements have been met, but you must register at least one (1) year before you wish to begin clerkships. If you don't, you will not be able to start your clerkships when you want. In order to register, you need to contact the Advanced Clerkship Coordinator, Brian Shepler.
NOTE: When you start your advanced clerkships, you no longer pay for your registration through Continuing Education. You will receive a fee statement from the Bursar's Office, this is your bill. You must send in your fee statement along with your payment by the due date on the fee statement, even if your clerkship doesn't start until later in the semester. If you don't, your registration will be canceled, you will be assessed late fees, and you will have to re-register for your clerkship.
Are there any requirements that must be met before I can start my Advanced Clerkship rotations?
Yes, in addition to completing all of the didactic coursework, you must also provide proof of being current on immunizations for measles, rubella, and hepatitis B, and have a PPD test for tuberculosis. You must also purchase Malpractice Insurance through Purdue University, even if you are covered under another policy.
Can I obtain clerkship credit for what I have accomplished in my pharmacy career?
No.
Do I need to know how to use a computer?
Yes, a working knowledge of email, Internet access, and word processing (WordPerfect® or Microsoft® Word) is required. Having knowledge of a spreadsheet and database program, such as Excel® or Access®, as well as a presentation program such as PowerPoint®, is also helpful.
Will I have an advisor from Purdue University assigned to me?
Indiana Participants - Yes
Middle East participants - Gateway serves as advisor
Do I need my high school and college transcripts sent to Purdue?
You do not need to have your high school transcripts sent to Purdue. However, when you apply for admission into the program, you must have an official transcript (one copy) from each collegiate institution, excluding Purdue University campuses, that you have attended, sent to Kathy Reynolds.
How can I find out if my college credits will transfer to Purdue University?
Have the college(s) send an official transcript to Credit Evaluation, 1080 Schleman Hall, Room 108, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-1080. After your transcript is reviewed by the Credit Evaluation department, they will send you a letter explaining which credits were transferred.
Who is my contact at West Lafayette?
Kathy Reynolds
Pharmacy Continuing Education
School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceuticall Sciences
Purdue University
Room 337, PUSH
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1335
Telephone: (765) 494-1471
Fax: (765) 494-0802
Email: reynoldk@purdue.edu
Who is my UAE contact?
Hamid Abbaspour, R.Ph., MBA
Affiliate Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Purdue University
hamid@gatewayinst.com
Sheida Mahdavi, Manager
Gateway Medical Institute FZ-LLC
Knowledge Village Block 2B,
Suite F 31
P.O. Box 502344
Dubai, UAE
Tel: 971-4-391-0146
Fax: 971-4-391-4889
manager@gatewayinst.com
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