UC pharmacy college offers certificate in pediatrics

The University of Cincinnati (UC) James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy has partnered with Cincinnati Children’s to offer doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) students the opportunity to earn a certificate in pediatrics.

“In our research, we found colleges that offer a pediatric track, however we did not come across any other schools/colleges of pharmacy that offer the certificate during doctoral training,” says Brad Hein, PharmD, the pharmacy college’s associate dean for professional education and assessment.

The curriculum for the PharmD program provides a strong foundation in biological, chemical, pharmaceutical, administrative and clinical sciences that prepares graduates to practice pharmacy. The certificate, Hein says, combines didactic, experiential and research components to give students pursuing a PharmD a comprehensive experience in pediatrics.

PharmD candidates, he says, will be able to earn this certificate while continuing their normal plan of study at no additional cost or delay in completion of the program. Students apply for acceptance into the program in spring semester of PY1 year. The certificate starts in fall semester PY2. They will complete the certificate at the end of their PY4 year.

The certificate adds to the pediatrics training that all students receive in the PharmD curriculum.

Since the college does not have a full time faculty member in pediatrics, this is an opportunity for students to network with pediatric clinicians at Cincinnati Children’s who can provide career guidance, says Hein.

The certificate is also an opportunity for students to make a more informed decision about post-graduate training as well as making them potentially more competitive for such training, adds Hein.

With this addition, PharmD students may choose from two certificate options offered by the college: pediatrics, and drug development. The college is also pursuing certificate opportunities in working with underserved populations, leadership and health care law.

Photo credit: Colleen Kelley