Pharmacy Program Allows Pharmacists to Pursue Degree - From Anywhere in Texas

Imagine pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree while you continue to work as a pharmacist anywhere in Texas.

This scenario is a reality for about 85 pharmacists who enrolled in the statewide non-traditional doctor of pharmacy program (TxPHARM) in spring 1999.

Kezia Chellam is one of those pharmacists who is pursuing her Pharm.D. through the TxPHARM program at the University of Houston College of Pharmacy.

"I felt I needed to pursue the TxPHARM program because our profession of pharmacy is becoming more clinical in focus and because the colleges are going to the doctoral level," Chellam explained.

It1s the convenience of the program that has Chellam singing its praises. "We take our exams via the Internet and get our lessons on tape in the mail," she said.

And while some students are wary of the program1s clinical experience requirements because of working full time, Chellam said that they can be tailored to a student1s schedule and are necessary to the degree program.

"Clinical experiential rotations are an advantage with this program, not a disadvantage," Chellam said. "I want that exposure. Our program is well rounded; it has everything."

The program offers pharmacists who received their baccalaureate degree the opportunity to "catch up" with today1s UH College of Pharmacy students who are currently enrolled in the doctor of pharmacy program and is the only degree offered for future pharmacists in Texas.

"There are about 17,000 pharmacists in Texas, with 16,000 or more having solely the baccalaureate degree," says Dr. Mark Stratton, chair of the UH College of Pharmacy1s department of clinical sciences and administration. "We feel it is important to offer Texas pharmacists a mechanism to increase their ability and competency to improve patient care through their drug therapy knowledge and skills."

And pharmacists are heeding the call.

Enrolled students are divided among the state1s four colleges/schools of pharmacy: Texas Tech University, The University of Texas, Texas Southern University and the University of Houston. UH enrolled 23 students the first year.

"Our students are scattered all over Texas - from Dallas to Laredo and San Antonio," said Hazel Hixon, TxPHARM program manager at UH.

While the TxPHARM program is self-paced, students have a maximum of five years to complete the program, which includes didactic work and experiential rotations.

Altruism, expanded knowledge and promotability are the driving forces for most practicing pharmacists who are pursuing this degree.

"To be promoted to a clinical position they almost want a Pharm.D. because they have more experience," Chellam said. "With the Pharm.D. you see and touch the patient and practically manage their drug therapy."

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©2006 Texas Medical Center

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