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  • Applications accepted August 1, 2018 - March 1, 2019 for classes beginning fall of 2019
  • Applicants may receive an extension by emailing Cynthia Tillotson at tillcynt@isu.edu
  • Early assurance application deadline September 5, 2018
  • Program offered in its entirety in Anchorage – no travel required outside of Alaska
  • Idaho State University faculty on site in Anchorage
  • All classes taught via synchronous distance learning technology among Pocatello, Meridian, and Anchorage.

Contact Us

University of Alaska Anchorage
Professional Studies Building
2533 Providence Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508

Tom Wadsworth
Assistant Dean for Alaska Programs
Office: (907) 786-6211
wadsthom@isu.edu

Angharad Ratliff, PharmD, BCCCP, BCPS
Assistant Clinical Professor
Office: (907) 786-0733
ratlangh@isu.edu

Lynda Hernandez
UAA Pre-Pharmacy Advisor
Office: (907) 786-4894
lrhernandez@alaska.edu

Christina Jackson
Program Coordinator
Office: (907) 786-6553
jackchr6@isu.edu

FAQ


What is the objective of this program?

The objective of this collaboration with University of Alaska Anchorage is the recruitment of students who wish to practice in the state of Alaska after graduation.  Alaska has long had a shortage of pharmacists.  Our goal is to ease that shortage and advance pharmacy practice in the state.

To explore current Alaska job market and wage information for pharmacists, visit the University of Alaska career exploration site at alaska.emsicc.com/careers/pharmacist.


Would I have to leave Alaska at any time during the program?

No, all four years of the program are available in Alaska. You have the option to indicate an alternative preference for Idaho or Nevada for your final clerkship year, but that is not a requirement.


What is the cost of this program?

The cost for students attending at the Alaska site is $14,600 per semester for PharmD fees and an additional $5 for malpractice insurance for the 2017-2018 academic year.


How many students will you accept?

We accept 15 students at the Alaska site each year.


How is this program different from pharmacy distance education programs?

Idaho State University College of Pharmacy commits to having faculty and student support on site in Alaska. The program follows the traditional model of on-site scheduled classes, using state-of-the-art technology to deliver live synchronous communication between sites. Idaho State University has a long history of providing quality pharmacy education in both Pocatello and Meridian, Idaho. Anchorage has become our third site where all students receive an equivalent pharmacy education.


What is your educational philosophy?

Socialization within the construct of our pharmacy profession is critical to the development of student pharmacists.  We provide students with the requisite interpersonal skills to effectively advocate for their patients with other healthcare providers. This socialization process occurs during traditional classroom learning, the delivery of community outreach projects, experiential learning and in small group case studies.


What major should I declare?

There is no specific major that is required for Pharmacy school and the University of Alaska system does not have a defined Pre-Pharmacy track for this program.  However, like any student planning on pursing a professional school education, you can get your start at UAA by completing the prerequisite courses.  UAA has two options for degrees that many students gravitate toward. The first is the BS Natural Sciences Pre-Health Professions Track and the second is the BS Health Sciences with a Pre-Pharmacy emphasis. 

Further guidance on completing your prerequisites at University of Alaska can be provided by our UAA Pre-Pharmacy advisor, Lynda Hernandez, who can be reached at (907) 786-4894 or lrhernandez@alaska.edu.

Note:  Completion of a degree is not required to apply to the program.  You may apply as soon as you've completed the pre-pharmacy requirements.


Can I be a non-degree seeking student at the University of Alaska for the purpose of completing prerequisites?

Yes. If you plan to only take the prerequisite classes at the University of Alaska and then transfer those credits to Idaho State University College of Pharmacy, you do not need to establish yourself as a degree seeking student. However, degree seeking students receive priority registration based on the number of credits they currently carry. Being a degree seeking student makes it easier to get into the classes you need for your pre-pharmacy requirements for Idaho State University.


How long will it take for me to complete my prerequisites?

Most students take 3 years to complete their prerequisite requirements.  This timeframe is highly dependent on what math level a student tests at (since math is a prerequisite for chemistry) and the semester course load a student is carrying. Students attending less than full-time will take longer to complete prerequisite credits than a student with a 15 credit course load.  Some students are able to complete them in as little as 2 years, and some take longer. Completion of your prerequisite coursework will depend on several factors:

  • How much preparation in math and science did you receive in high school?
  • Do you have a past degree or have you already completed some college credits that fulfill some of the prerequisites?
  • How many credits are you able to carry each semester?
  • Do you plan on taking courses during the summer?

Does UAA offer the prerequisite science courses over the internet, such as biology, chemistry and organic chemistry? 

Although UAA does offer many classes online, Idaho State University's College of Pharmacy can not accept online labs which are required for the Biology and Chemistry prerequisites. Those courses will need to be completed on campus.


How do I apply? 

To apply, visit our Application page.

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