P1 Year

P1 year is all about settling in and exploring the profession. From day one, you will be assigned a faculty mentor dedicated to helping you identify career goals and opportunities to get involved. The year is designed to be immersive but manageable. You will have classes that range from pharmacognosy (the study of medicinal drugs derived from natural sources) to pharmacokinetics (the study of how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted by the body) and practice-based experiences out in the community.

In spring of their P1 year, our students encounter our modular curriculum, where learning content is divided into distinct units or modules, each focusing on a specific topic or subject area. Instead of traditional semester-long courses, shorter, more focused modules allow for flexibility, active learning and a more integrated understanding of complex subjects by connecting different areas of study in a cohesive manner.

P2 Year

During P2 year, our modular curriculum continues, with the addition of electives. Instead of studying medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics and therapeutics separately, we organize these subjects by body system, starting with cardiology and ending with respiratory/immunology. Our classes are designed to mimic real practice, with a focus on analyzing patient cases, creating treatment plans and using simulation mannequins. Collaboration with students from other health professions and the use of technology in the classroom are key components of our program.

P3 Year

In P3 year, students have the chance to take electives, complete service-learning hours, and pursue dual-degree programs. This year allows you to tailor your education to your interests and further develop your skills. If you choose to pursue a dual degree like Pharm.D./Ph.D. or Pharm.D./MBA, our curriculum is designed to help you do so efficiently, saving both time and money.

P4 Year

During the P4 year, students complete up to nine rotations working in real-world pharmacy settings under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist, known as a preceptor. We have a broad network of preceptor and rotation sites throughout Virginia and the Washington, D.C., area, and we have many students participating in elective options further afield in Alaska, Arizona and New Mexico as well as the UAE, U.K. and Germany. Whether you are interested in a residency, fellowship or community position, the P4 year is designed to strengthen your areas of interest, provide extensive practical experience and prepare you to be an outstanding candidate upon graduation.