Coursework during the first two years of the Pharm.D. program focuses on developing students' understanding of the pharmaceutical sciences - the relationship between medicine and the human body. Since scientists discover new drugs every year, understanding the science behind how medicine works help Oregon State students become future-ready pharmacists. First and second-year students also learn about communication and teamwork with other pharmacists and other health care providers. They develop their skills in counseling patients, giving immunizations, performing physical assessments, and making ethical healthcare decisions.
Students in Corvallis have all the resources of a major land-grant research university at their disposal, including the OSU Libraries and College of Pharmacy research facilities. While in Corvallis, students can improve their professional readiness by taking take elective courses in public health, toxicology, business, gerontology, and other fields. Many students participate in research with the College of Pharmacy faculty members. While Oregon State is a large university, the limited size of the Pharm.D. program enables pharmacy students to build strong connections to their professors and to each other.
Oregon State offers a friendly, welcoming community in a classic college town. Pharmacy students can participate in the more than 300 student organizations at Oregon State and attend campus lectures, concerts, festivals, and cultural programs. The campus houses several cultural centers, the Women's Center, and the Pride Center. Oregon State is consistently rated as one of the top LGBT-friendly campuses in the United States. Pharm.D. students enjoy full access to Recreational Sports facilities, including Dixon Recreation Center. The Memorial Union offers arts, dining, and entertainment, as does downtown Corvallis. The Oregon State Beavers offer exciting Pac-12 athletics.
Corvallis sits at the heart of the Willamette Valley, among wonderful farmer's markets, vineyards, and craft breweries. The Oregon Coast is only forty miles to the west and the Cascade Mountains (and ski slopes) are to the east. Oregon State has its own forests which are ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
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During the second year of the Pharm.D. program, students begin traveling to Portland to participate in interprofessional education events with Oregon Health & Science University's medical, dental, and nursing students. They attend spring and summer orientation programs and connect with third-year students to learn more about living, learning, and working in Portland. Most students move to Portland during the summer before the third year begins. Students who have significant family or personal commitments that require them to remain in Corvallis may request to attend some of their third-year classes via video conferencing.