You have dreamed of having a doctorate, of furthering your practice and being able to better serve your community? But how can you take the time away from your job and family to head back to the university to make that dream a reality? Many busy pharmacologists are finding a convenient alternative to the traditional graduate school route: an online degree. The University of Florida has developed a program for professionals to further their education and career goals without having to sacrifice their current practice. With the Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy



Distance Learning Degree Program, students can work on their degree online while still maintaining their current work schedule.

The Working Professional Doctor of Pharmacy Distance Learning Degree Program consists of a total of fifty-four credit hours to be completed over three years. In addition to the course work, each year of the program also includes twelve Clinical Practice Assessments which must be carried out under the supervision of a preceptor . A preceptor is a qualified pharmacologist who has agreed to serve as a sort of mentor during your program and to sign off on your work for the Clinical Practice Assessment requirements. These hands on assessments are intended to address the gap that would have been filled by traditional on campus programs requirement of clinical rotations.

The course material itself is presented in a variety of formats including standard text books, DVD's, and CD's that allow you to review lectures and information when and where you want, and as many times as you need. The virtual classroom format will make sure that you stay in contact with your fellow classmates, instructors and other faculty so that you will have all of the support and interaction that you need to complete the educational process.

The exact admissions process will vary some, depending on which type of enrollment you are seeking. The University of Florida offers two options for entering into the Pharmacy doctoral program. If you have completed the application and have already been approved for admittance by the College of Pharmacy Admissions Committee then you can enter the program as a "degree seeking student". However, for those who have not yet finished the formal application process, the University of Florida allows you to complete one semester as a "non-degree seeking student" Among your transcripts of undergraduate work, proof of a pharmacist licensure, and two letters of reference (both must be sealed and dated), you will also need to submit proof of current certification in both child and adult CPR, a letter of support from your employer, a complete resume and a statement detailing your professional and educational goals and a statement that explains access to patient and medical records. If you obtained your Bachelor's degree from an international university there may be additional qualifications for you to meet.

The online doctoral program is also comparable priced at $500 per credit hour for Florida residents and $550 per credit hour for non-residents for the regional model. (A proof of residency should be admitted during the application process). For the remote model tuition is $600 for both residents and non-residents. You may qualify for financial aid to help you finance the cost of the degree.

With the convenience and quality educational experience offered by the University of Florida a doctorate degree is within your reach.