In the highly competitive pharmacy profession, where most graduates compete for their jobs immediately after earning their degree, any advantage can significantly impact their ability to secure a position.
Most California pharmacy students beginning their education now will earn their Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree in May 2027. The incoming Western University of Health Sciences College of Pharmacy class will finish in December 2026 as the first 3.5-year PharmD program in California.
A 3.5-year PharmD program is designed to help Western University of Health Sciences graduates enjoy a distinct advantage over their 4-year degree counterparts. Dean Sunil Prabhu, BPharm, PhD, notes that over 1,000 students typically graduate from pharmacy schools in California in May each year, so graduating in December will provide distinct advantages, he said.
“There will be no competition from other schools in the state in December,” Prabhu said. “Our students will take the board exams early and thereby get into the workforce earlier than others. Our students will secure prime jobs as predicted by our employers. Employers have expressed their excitement as the hardest time to fill pharmacist positions is during the first four to five months of the year.”
Our students interested in residencies will have an advantage during residency interviews in January 2027 as they present research data from their capstone scholarly projects, Prabhu said. Most importantly, they will assure their residency program directors of guaranteed licensure by the start date of July of that year, something that other students from other schools cannot promise, he said.
“We will always be known as No. 1 in this state for this innovation,” Prabhu said. “As I said to our students on the first day of orientation, ‘You are the trailblazers and the pioneers of this innovative program. Today, as you start your journey as student pharmacists, remember that the faculty and staff will be with you every step of the way. That is ingrained in our culture. We want you to be successful in the program and beyond. However, you will need to do your part. Work hard, stay disciplined, and above all, make your parents and family proud of your achievements.’”
The College of Pharmacy at WesternU is consistently ranked nationally in first-time board passing rates and is ranked #6 in National Institutes of Health-funded research among all private schools of pharmacy in the nation, Prabhu said.
To discuss the innovative 3.5 years PharmD program at Western University of Health Sciences and why 3.5-year programs are likely to continue to grow in prominence in California with COP Dean, Dr. Sunil Prabhu, contact Andrew Schetter at ASchetter@webimax.com or call (856) 840-8356.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
