Skaggs School of Pharmacy

Pharmacy is the study of the biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of medicinal substances and the utilization of these substances in the prevention, treatment, and control of illness and disease. It also encompasses a study of the systems of delivering health care and the function of the professional pharmacist within these systems.

The Skaggs School of Pharmacy was established in 1907 at Montana State College and was transferred to the University in 1913. The pharmacy program consists of two departments, Pharmacy Practice and Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The Skaggs School of Pharmacy is a member of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. The entry-level doctor of pharmacy program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago IL 60603-4810, telephone (312) 664-3575, (800) 533-3606; FAX (312) 664-4652; http://www.acpe-accredit.org/

The curriculum offered by the Skaggs School of Pharmacy consists of a six year program leading to the entry-level Pharm.D. degree. The first two years, or pre-professional portion of the curriculum, are spent in studies of the basic biological and physical sciences, and in course work necessary to satisfy the University general education requirements. During the first three years of the professional program, students devote their time to the study of the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences and pharmacy practice. Areas of study include biochemistry, microbiology, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutics, pharmacology, social and administrative pharmacy, and therapeutics. The final professional year is entirely experiential.

A program of selected electives allows the student to obtain further educational experience in specialized areas of pharmaceutical knowledge. Students in the professional program may choose elective courses in specific areas of interest which include community pharmacy practice, management, research and teaching, hospital and institutional pharmacy practice, and a variety of therapeutic-based topics. All students must confer with assigned advisors prior to each registration period and receive approval of proposed courses.

In addition to their formal educational program, to become registered pharmacists, students must complete practical experience under the direction of a registered pharmacist and pass the NAPLEX and MPJE exams administered by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

Career opportunities exist in the fields of community pharmacy, institutional pharmacy, federal or state government service, public health agencies, and with the pharmaceutical industry in sales positions or in manufacturing. Those with advanced degrees or residencies are in demand for research positions and in pharmaceutical education.

High School Preparation: In addition to the general University admission requirements, algebra, trigonometry, biology, chemistry, physics and a course in computers are recommended.

Admission

The general requirements for admission to the University are listed separately in this catalog.

Pre-Pharmacy Program

The pre-pharmacy curriculum, which requires a minimum of two years of full-time study, may be taken at any accredited college or university.

Students at the University of Montana-Missoula may enter the pre-pharmacy program during any semester. It is recommended that students considering pharmacy as a major declare a pre-pharmacy major as early as possible in order to receive appropriate advising. Upon designating pre-pharmacy as a major, students will be assigned an advisor within the pharmacy program.

Professional Pharmacy Program

Students must apply for admission to the professional program. Class size in the professional pharmacy program is restricted and admission to the program is competitive. The admission process is designed to admit the best overall class into professional study. Completed applications are evaluated by the Skaggs School of Pharmacy Admissions Committee. Acceptances are made by the pharmacy faculty and the dean based on the recommendations of the committee.

Since very few elective credits are available in the professional pharmacy curriculum, students will be expected to have completed all General Education requirements except for the upper-division writing and ethics requirements prior to entering the professional curriculum. Students must complete all General Education requirements before entering pharmacy practice experience rotations during the final year of the program. Applicants will be screened based on academic record (both overall and in the required pre-pharmacy course work) and Pharmacy College Admission Test scores (refer to www.pcatweb.info for test dates). To be eligible for admission, students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4 point scale, both overall and in required pre-professional courses. Students must earn grades of at least a C (not C-) in all required pre-pharmacy courses. For the past several years there have been more than two applicants for each opening, and the grade point average of the entering class has been about 3.5. In addition, applicants must present proof of having completed at least 20 hours of volunteer or paid service in a pharmacy, other health care, or social field, a writing assignment about the experience, and one evaluation form filled out by someone involved with the applicant in such an experience. A personal interview is also required.

As a state supported institution, the Skaggs School of Pharmacy gives all applicants from the Montana University System equal consideration for admission into the professional pharmacy program. There is no restriction on admission of out-of-state students; however, Montana residents are given priority among students with equal qualifications. Students will be notified of their admission status in writing. In the past, students with only international coursework have not been admitted to the professional pharmacy program.

The curriculum of the professional pharmacy program is sequential. Therefore, students may enter the program in the autumn semester only. Application forms for admission to the professional curriculum may be obtained from the website of the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences (www.health.umt.edu). Applications must be post marked by February 15th preceding the autumn semester of the year for which admission is requested.

An application fee must be submitted with the application. Admission for one academic year cannot be deferred to another academic year. Official transcripts of all academic courses taken must be forwarded directly to the Skaggs School of Pharmacy.

The professional pharmacy curriculum must be taken in residence at the University. Students transferring from other accredited schools of pharmacy may be admitted with advanced standing, determined on the basis of credits accepted, provided they are in good academic standing. Transfer credit for required professional courses taken at other institutions is accepted only for those courses which are deemed equivalent and in which a letter grade of C (2.00) or better is obtained.

Academic Progression

The general University academic standing requirements are listed separately in this catalog.

Students in the professional pharmacy curriculum must maintain cumulative, professional, and pharmacy grade point averages of 2.0 or higher. The professional grade point average consists of all required course work in the professional curriculum. The pharmacy grade point average consists of all courses with a pharmacy (PHAR) prefix.

Students enrolled in the professional pharmacy program must maintain satisfactory academic progress. Students must earn grades of at least C- in all required courses in the professional pharmacy curriculum. Students in the professional program who have a pharmacy or professional grade point average of less than 2.0 or who receive a grade of D or F in any required course in the professional curriculum will be placed on academic probation. A student must petition to continue in the professional pharmacy program if he or she is on probation. A student will be dismissed from the professional pharmacy program if he or she is on probation for a total of three terms, not necessarily consecutive, subject to review by the dean. A student will be removed from probation when a grade point average of 2.0 has been achieved and all grades in required professional pharmacy courses are C- or better.

Students who have failed ten or more credits of required professional course work or who fail to progress in the expected manner for two consecutive years may be dismissed from the professional pharmacy program, subject to review by the Academic Standards Committee and the dean.

Students dismissed from the program for substandard performance will not be readmitted, except in cases where substantiation is made to the faculty, by written petition, that the substandard performance was the result of circumstances that no longer exist, or that the student has demonstrated the capability and desire to perform satisfactory work since his or her dismissal from the program.

Students leaving the program on their own volition are guaranteed readmission if they are in good academic standing and exit by interview with the assistant dean for student affairs. Those students leaving the program on their own volition and not in good standing must reapply for admission.

The professional pharmacy curriculum consists of an integrated sequence of required courses which is designed to be completed in four consecutive years. With appropriate justification, part-time study in the professional pharmacy program may be allowed. Students desiring to be enrolled in part-time study must make their request by petition to the Academic Standards Committee. Because the curriculum is revised periodically, students who take longer than the normal number of years to complete the professional program will be required to complete curricular changes applicable to the class in which they graduate. Because the pharmacy program is academically intense, employment beyond the minimal, part-time work is not recommended.

Special Degree Requirements

Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog.

Degree candidates must:

1. Meet the general University requirements for graduation.
2. Earn a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in each of the following areas:
   1. all courses attempted at The University of Montana-Missoula (cumulative GPA).
   2. all courses which carry a pharmacy (PHAR) prefix (pharmacy GPA).
   3. all required courses in the professional pharmacy curriculum (professional GPA).
3. Required pharmacy course work must be completed with a grade of C- or better.
4. Complete at least six full academic years, including pre-pharmacy instruction, and a minimum of eight semesters of professional instruction as a full-time student registered for a minimum of twelve credits per semester.
5. Complete not less than 200 credits of course work.

Licensure in Montana

An applicant for licensure as a registered pharmacist in Montana must pass national examinations as required by the Montana State Board of Pharmacy. To qualify for the examinations, the applicant must be of good moral character and a graduate of an accredited school of pharmacy; however, an applicant will not receive a license until all requirements have been met.

Internship Regulations

1. The internship requirement for licensure as a registered pharmacist in Montana is regulated by the Montana State Board of Pharmacy. Students must be registered with the Board of Pharmacy as a pharmacy intern in order to accrue internship hours.
2. Only those students who have completed 30 days of the professional pharmacy curriculum may begin their internship.
3. The internship requirement consists of 1,500 hours of experience in an approved pharmacy setting. The student also may acquire hours concurrently with school attendance in courses, clinical pharmacy programs, or demonstration projects which have been approved by the Board of Pharmacy.
4. Most courses and programs currently offered by the School of Pharmacy are approved and applicable toward fulfilling the internship requirement.
5. Students will receive credit for internship time and/or courses taken if such experience is certified by the preceptor and/or instructor and approved by the Board of Pharmacy.

Pre-Pharmacy Curriculum

The courses shown here must be completed before entering the professional pharmacy program. The sequence of courses is illustrative and, if proper prerequisites are satisfied, the student may alter the order in which the courses are taken.

In addition, applicants to the professional pharmacy program must present proof of having completed at least 20 hours of volunteer or paid service in a pharmacy, other health care, or social field, a writing assignment about the experience, and one evaluation form from someone involved with the applicant in such an experience. The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) must be taken within two years of application.

* *Students must complete the University's General Education requirements. Due to the limitation of elective credits in the professional pharmacy curriculum, students are advised to complete the lower-division General Education requirement during the pre-pharmacy curriculum.

Professional Pharmacy Curriculum

Students must apply for admission to the professional program. For requirements see the section on Admission. Students enrolled in the professional pharmacy curriculum are assessed a supplemental fee. This fee does not apply to pre-pharmacy students. Refer to the fees section of this catalog for details. Students must demonstrate proficiency in pharmaceutical calculation by successfully completing a competency assessment prior to entering the second professional year.

The Upper-Division Writing Requirement must be met by successfully completing PHAR 550 or an upper-division writing course from the approved list in the Academic Policies and Procedures section of this catalog. See index.

Required credits: 200

Department of Pharmacy Practice

Michael P. Rivey, Chair

The Department of Pharmacy Practice provides academic course work for the Doctor of Pharmacy and Masters degrees, conducts research in the broad area of health care, and provides service to the profession of pharmacy and other health care disciplines.

Professors

Douglas R. Allington, Pharm.D., University of South Carolina, 1988

Donna G. Beall, Pharm.D., University of Florida, 1984

Jean T. Carter, Ph.D., University of Arizona, 1997

Gayle A. Hudgins, Pharm.D., Duquesne University, 1976

David S. Forbes, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin, 1973 (Dean)

Sarah Johnston Miller, Pharm.D., Mercer University, 1985

Lori J. Morin, Pharm D., M.B.A., The University of Montana, 1981 (Assistant Dean for Student Affairs)

Michael P. Rivey, M.S., University of Iowa, 1982 (Chair)

Vincent J. Colucci, Pharm.D., Idaho State University, 1995

Associate Professors

Sherrill Brown, Pharm.D., University of Missouri, Kansas City, 2003

Kendra Procacci, Pharm.D., University of Wyoming, 2004

Assistant Professors

Annjeanette E. Belcourt-Dittloff, Ph.D., University of Montana, 2006

Katy Hale, Pharm.D., University of Washington, 2004

Kerry J. Haney, Pharm.D., The University of Montana, 2011

Instructor

Lisa Venuti, Pharm.D., The University of Montana, 2003

Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Elizabeth A. Putnam, Chair

The Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences offers a curriculum in support of the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and graduate programs in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Degree programs include the M.S. in Neuroscience, Pharmaceutical Sciences,Toxicology and Medical Chemistry; and the Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Biomedical Sciences,Toxicology, and Medical Chemistry. These programs provide education and training in pharmacology, toxicology, neurobiology, neurochemistry, medicinal chemistry, and molecular genetics. Program graduates are well prepared for careers in academia, government and industry.

Faculty

Professors

Howard D. Beall, Ph.D., University of Florida, 1991

Richard J. Bridges, Ph.D., Cornell University Medical College, 1987 (Chair)

Fernando Cardozo-Pelaez, Ph.D., University of Southern Florida, 1996

J. Douglas Coffin, Ph.D., State University of New York Health Sciences Center at Syracuse, 1989

Andrij Holian, Ph.D., Montana State University, 1975 (Director, Center for Environmental Health Sciences)

Michael Kavanaugh, Ph.D., Oregon Health Sciences University-Portland, 1987(Director, Center for Structural and Functional Neuroscience)

Diana I. Lurie, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania, 1989

Nicholas Natale, Ph.D., Drexel University, 1978

Charles M. Thompson, Ph.D., University of California, Riverside, 1982

Associate Professors

Lilian Calderon-Garciduenas, M.D., Ph.D., University of North Carolina, 2001

Darrell Jackson, Ph.D., Washington State University, 1990

Curtis W. Noonan, Ph.D., Colorado State University, 2000

Keith K. Parker, Ph.D., University of California, San Francisco, 1977

Mark A. Pershouse, Ph.D., University of Texas-Houston, 1993

Elizabeth A. Putnam, Ph.D., University of Texas-Houston, 1989

Kevan Roberts, Ph.D., Christie Hospital in Manchester, U.K., 1984

David M. Shepherd, Ph.D., Oregon State University, 1999

Jerry R. Smith, Ph.D., University of Mississippi, 1977

Anthony Ward, Ph.D., The University of Montana, 2001

Erica L. Woodahl, Ph.D., University of Washington, 2004

Assistant Professors

J. Josh Lawrence, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1999

Yoon Hee Cho, Ph.D., Seoul National University, 2006

Kasper Hansen, Ph.D., University of Copenhagen, 2006

Lecturer

David S. Freeman, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1974

Research Professor

Andrea Stierle, Ph.D., Montana State University, 1988

Donald Stierle, Ph.D., University of California-Riverside, 1978

David J. Poulsen, Ph.D., University of Delaware, 1995

Research Associate Professors

Dianne L. DeCamp, Ph.D., University of Delaware, 1988

Philippe Diaz, Ph.D., University Paul Cezanne, 1997

Research Assistant Professors

Celine Beamer, Ph.D., University of Montana, 2002

Michael Braden, Ph.D., Purdue University, 2007

Zeina Jaffar, Ph.D., University of College London, 1991

Christopher T. Migliaccio, Ph.D., University of California-Davis, 2000

Sarjubhai A. Patel, Ph.D., University of Montana, 2000

Thomas Rau, Ph.D., University of Montana, 2007

Emeritus Professors

Todd G. Cochran, Ph.D., University of Washington, 1970

Charles L. Eyer, Ph.D., Washington State University, 1976

Rustem S. Medora, Ph.D., University of Rhode Island, 1965

Vernon R. Grund, Ph.D., University of Minnesota, 1974