CSUF Linkage with Western University Pharmacy (PharmD) Program

For 37 years, Western University of Health Sciences has had a special mission: Educating tomorrow’s health-care professionals with a combination of scientific excellence and a humanistic, compassionate approach to patient care.

WesternU is one of the largest graduate schools for the health professions in California. Alumni rank among the top leaders in health care and medicine throughout the country and the world. The University is home to more than 3,600 students in nine health sciences colleges and 21 degree programs. All of the health care programs have professional accreditations, and the University is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

WesternU is a graduate university for the health professions that is committed to preparing graduates, in a learner-centered academic and professional environment, who will serve the health care needs of society for today and for the future. WesternU accomplishes this through the delivery of an innovative curriculum by a team of dedicated faculty and professional staff who promote independent and group learning, problem-solving, and continuous self assessment. With these tools our graduates are prepared as lifelong learners who will always be able to provide the best in contemporary care

The College of Pharmacy at WesternU is an exciting place to learn. WesternU's PharmD professional program is a four-year fully accredited program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. Graduates have the unique opportunity to promote safe and effective drug therapy and improve health care outcomes for the communities and populations they serve through an innovative block-system curriculum that allows students to master one subject before moving on to the next. The curriculum is taught by nationally and internationally acclaimed faculty with advanced training in a wide range of specialties. Outstanding clinical opportunities in the second half of the student's training prepare graduates to be practice-ready. WesternU graduates find rewarding careers practicing pharmacy in communities, institutional, or corporate settings.

Eligibility

Since eligibility criteria for linkage programs tend to be more extensive than for traditional applicants, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements in order to apply for a CSUF linkage program with WesternU OD Program:

1. Undergraduate students must have completed Bio 172, 273, Chem 120A, 120B and typically Math 115, 130 or 150A, before applying to the CSUF Linkage Program with WesternU OD Program.
   1. In some cases equivalent classes from other institutions may be accepted.
2. CSUF Pre-Health Professions Certificate applicants are eligible for consideration once they have completed a full semester of classes in the PHPC program.
3. Applicants must have at least one academic year remaining as matriculated students following acceptance into the program.
4. Applicants must contribute to the mission of the linkage program for the specific college.

Requirements

For consideration into a linkage program, students must complete BOTH the WesternU OD Program Requirements and CSUF Linkage Program Requirements.

CSUF Linkage Program Requirements

When a student accepts admission to the CSUF/WesternU PharmD EAP, she/he will authorize CSUF to provide the information WesternU requires, as permitted by FERPA, to determine student eligibility. The criteria for final acceptance to WesternU/Pharmacy shall be as follows:

1. Submit completed CSUF Linkage Program Application by the deadline.
2. Completion of their undergraduate course work with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.10, and a GPA of 3.0 or above in science coursework. Students in the Health Professions certificate program must, in addition, have completed the certificate with at least 47 units and a GPA of 3.6 or above.
3. Supportive letters of reference from the faculty Director of Health Professions Program at CSUF, and one additional science faculty member and/or a pharmacist.
4. Submission of completed Pharm.D. primary application (Pharm.CAS) no later than November 1 of the year prior to that of intended matriculation at WesternU/Pharmacy. Submission of secondary application materials as requested by WU.
5. Evidence of suitability for the health care professions, as indicated by
   1. A disciplinary record entirely free of felony convictions or a proven violation of a standard of student conduct as defined by section 41301 of Title V
   2. Shadowing with health care professional, as arranged in cooperation with WesternU/Pharmacy
   3. A successful interview at WesternU/Pharmacy.

Requirements to apply to the PharmD Program at Western University

1. Completed the sequence of general biology (Bio 172/273)
2. CSUF will supply the WesternU/Pharmacy EAP Committee with copies of the nominee’s resume, a letter of recommendation from the CSUF Pre-Health Professions EAP Committee, two additional recommendation letters from science or math faculty, and official CSUF and high school transcripts. Students will also submit a personal statement discussing their motivation toward health care in general and pharmacy in particular. Students who will contribute to diversity in the profession and/or are from disadvantaged backgrounds will be given preference.
3. In addition to the standard minimum required course work to meet the academic prerequisites for Western University of Health Sciences, College of Pharmacy, students must be qualified to receive their baccalaureate degree from CSUF or complete the PHPC Program prior to matriculation in WesternU/Pharmacy. Students are expected to demonstrate motivation and personal qualities that give evidence of their suitability for a career in pharmacy.

Applying to the CSUF Linkage Program

CSUF Linkage Program Application

Download application

Deadline to Submit Application: February 6, 2015 by 5 p.m.

Supplementary Materials

1. Letters of Evaluation
2. Transcript or TDA showing course grades through Fall 2014

Deadline to Submit Supplementary Materials: March 6, 2015 by 5 p.m.

All application materials should be mailed to

CSUF Linkage Programs
University Hall 223
800 N. State College Blvd.
Fullerton, CA 92834-6848

Or emailed to

hpadvising@fullerton.edu

Acceptance into the CSUF Linkage Program is provisional upon completion of all requirements which include but are not limited to

1. Applicants must submit a centralized application (AACOMAS, AACPMAS, PHARMCAS, OPTOMCAS) on or before the schools’ closing date.
2. For the DO linkages, MCAT must be completed by January of the year you wish to matriculate.
3. All courses on the study plan must be completed by the end of Spring 2017 with no grades below B and an overall GPA of 3.6 PHPC students
4. A grade or B or below, a grade of Incomplete or Fail or a semester GPA below 3.6 will be grounds for review and potentially revoking of the acceptance into the Linkage Program.
5. Appropriate and required involvement in community and clinical activities.
6. All additional requirements as indicated in contract letter.

For More Information about WesternU, Visit

• http://www.westernu.edu/
• http://www.westernu.edu/optometry/
• http://prospective.westernu.edu/optometry/welcome-13/

For More Information About Applying for the Linkage Program

Visit the FAQs
Contact the Health Professions Advising Office

• Email hpadvising@fullerton.edu
• Call 657-278-3980
• Visit University Hall 223 (UH-223)