Online Pharm.D. Degree at St. John Fisher University

Earn your Doctor of Pharmacy degree through a rigorous, ACPE-accredited program that combines flexible online learning with hands-on skills training and immersive clinical experiences to prepare you for modern pharmacy practice.

  • Up to $40,000 scholarship — Applicants admitted and enrolled in the September 2026 cohort are eligible for scholarships of up to $40,000.
  • Six on-campus immersions — Gain hands-on experience in labs, compounding, CPR, immunization training, and more.
  • New York’s first online Pharm.D. — Study through New York’s first clinically oriented hybrid online Doctor of Pharmacy pathway.

ACPE-Accredited Online Pharmacy School Overview

90.9% NAPLEX pass rate for 2024 graduates of the online pathway (as of August 1, 2025), contributing to a 93% overall cohort pass rate.1

ACPE Accreditation Logo

The St. John Fisher University Wegmans School of Pharmacy’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 190 South LaSalle Street, Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60603, 312/664-3575; FAX 866/228-2631, www.acpe-accredit.org.

Recognized as a leader in the field of pharmacy, the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher University offers the ACPE-accredited Fisher Pharm.D. Online program.

Grounded in the sciences, the pathway combines online coursework, hands-on campus immersions, and extensive clinical experiences to prepare future pharmacists for lives of intellectual, professional, and civic integrity.

Students develop the scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and professional judgment needed to deliver high-quality patient care and become providers of distinction.

151-Credit Online Pharm.D. Curriculum

The 151-credit Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway offers a first-class pharmacy education with a strong foundation in the sciences and practice-oriented instruction.

During four years of professional study, students will take courses in the pharmaceutical sciences, develop their clinical skills through didactic and group-based coursework, and learn the administrative aspects of pharmacy and healthcare. Experiential learning accounts for more than 30% of the curriculum.

The integrated curriculum — taught by faculty members who are experts in the field — spans biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacotherapy management, patient care, healthcare systems and professional practice.

151

Total Credits

95

Didactic and Laboratory Course Credits

6

Elective Course Credits

50

Experiential Course Credits

6

On-Campus Immersions

11

Clinical Practice Rotations

Curriculum Overview

Didactic CourseworkElectivesExperiential Learning
95 credits
6 credits
50 credits
Build foundational and advanced knowledge across pharmaceutical sciences, patient care, and professional pharmacy practice.
Broaden your knowledge and explore areas of professional interest through specialty coursework.
Apply classroom knowledge through hands-on clinical experiences in diverse pharmacy settings.
Sample areas: Pharmaceutics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, pharmacotherapy, pharmacy law, and healthcare ethics
Focus: Specialty electives aligned with individual interests and career goals
Includes: IPPEs, APPEs, clinical rotations, and on-campus clinical immersions

Didactic Coursework (95 Credits)

The curriculum builds from foundational pharmaceutical sciences to advanced clinical application. Through online coursework, students develop the critical thinking skills needed to evaluate medication therapies, promote patient safety, and deliver evidence-based care.

Core areas of study include:

  • Pharmaceutics
  • Biosystems
  • Systems pharmacology
  • Pathophysiology and therapeutics
  • Healthcare delivery
  • Pharmacotherapy and clinical applications
  • Pharmacy law
  • Healthcare ethics
  • Patient care and clinical decision-making

Electives (6 Credits)

Students complete six elective credits, allowing them to broaden their knowledge, explore areas of professional interest, and tailor their education to support their career goals.

For more information about course sequencing, explore the Fisher Pharm.D. Online curriculum page.

Experiential Learning: 2,000 Clinical Rotation Hours and Campus Immersions

Students complete more than 2,000 hours of experiential education, applying classroom knowledge in real healthcare settings under the guidance of licensed pharmacy professionals.

Introductory and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences

Fisher Pharm.D. Online students complete 11 clinical rotations totaling 2,000 hours, progressing from introductory experiences in Years 2 and 3 to advanced pharmacy practice experiences in Year 4.

Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPEs)Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs)
4 rotations | 320 hours
7 rotations | 1,680 hours
Completed during Years 2 and 3, IPPEs help students develop foundational pharmacy practice skills through experiences in community, institutional and long-term care settings, followed by preparation for advanced practice.
Completed during Year 4, APPEs consist of four required and three elective six-week rotations. Required experiences include advanced acute care, ambulatory care, community and health-system pharmacy, with electives available across specialty clinical and professional areas.

Clinical Placements Close to Home

Students work with our dedicated placement specialists to identify faculty-approved locations for IPPE and APPE clinical rotations. We strive to secure placements that meet program requirements, and that are located in or near students’ communities whenever possible.

On-Campus Clinical Immersions

Students must complete six on-campus immersions at St. John Fisher University in Rochester, New York. These immersive experiences strengthen clinical skills through hands-on laboratory activities and simulations — including labs, compounding, CPR training, and immunization training — while providing opportunities to collaborate with faculty and classmates.

Meet the Wegmans School of Pharmacy Faculty

At the Wegmans School of Pharmacy at St. John Fisher University, we make teaching a priority and promote excellence in the classroom. Our online classes are kept small, so all students receive the personalized attention they deserve.

Learn from experienced pharmacists, researchers, and educators who combine academic excellence with real-world clinical and industry expertise. Through small class sizes and regular access to faculty, students receive personalized attention as they develop the scientific knowledge, clinical skills, and professional judgment needed for modern pharmacy practice.

Faculty Spotlights

Professor David McCaffrey headshot

David McCaffrey III, Ph.D., M.S., B.S.Pharm.

Professor, Pharmacy Practice and Administration

A registered pharmacist and professor of pharmacy practice and administration, Dr. McCaffrey brings extensive experience in pharmaceutical marketing, pharmacy management, and student success. His teaching and research focus on medication adherence and pharmacy practice management.

Professor Vivek S. Dave headshot

Vivek S. Dave, Ph.D., MBA

Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dr. Dave is an expert in pharmaceutical sciences whose teaching and research focus on pharmaceutical formulation, compounding and drug delivery systems, pharmaceutical formulation and compounding. His expertise helps students build the strong scientific foundation that underpins safe and effective patient care.

Associate Professor Anne Schweighardt headshot

Anne Schweighardt, Pharm.D., BCPS

Associate Professor and Chair, Pharmacy Practice and Administration

A board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist, Dr. Schweighardt combines extensive experience in internal medicine, experiential education, and clinical pharmacy practice. She mentors students through experiential learning and advanced clinical practice.

Explore Our Faculty

Explore the full faculty directory to learn more about the educators, researchers, and clinicians who teach in the Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway and their areas of expertise.

Pharmacist Career Outlook and Salary

Pharmacists play an essential role across the healthcare system, improving patient outcomes through medication management, clinical expertise, and collaborative care.

Median Annual Salary2

$137,480

Projected Employment Growth (2024–2034)3

5%

With a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, pharmacists can pursue a range of career paths across community, hospital, ambulatory care, managed care, government, research, and the pharmaceutical industry. Career opportunities may include roles such as clinical pharmacist, community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, managed care pharmacist, medical science liaison, pharmaceutical researcher, and regulatory affairs specialist.

The Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway combines pharmaceutical science, clinical training, and experiential learning to prepare students to enter the pharmacy profession and pursue a range of professional opportunities.

Whether pursuing clinical practice, research, industry or healthcare leadership, pharmacists can apply their knowledge and skills to support patient care, and contribute to the broader healthcare system.

Tuition and Scholarships

Invest in your future with an online Pharm.D. program that combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training. Explore tuition, scholarship, and financial aid options designed to help make your education more affordable.

Tuition (2026–2027 Academic Year)

$1,398 per credit hour

Scholarship Opportunity

Up to $40,000

Financial Aid

Federal loans available for eligible students via the FAFSA

Eligible students admitted to and enrolled in the Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway may receive a scholarship of up to $40,000, which can help reduce the overall cost of earning a Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

Eligible students may also apply for federal financial aid, including Direct Unsubsidized Loans. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using St. John Fisher University’s federal school code (002821).

Financial aid advisors are available to answer your questions and help you explore your funding options. See Tuition and Financial Aid for more details.

Online Pharm.D. Admissions

Service is central to the Wegmans School of Pharmacy mission, which is focused on preparing pharmacists for lives of intellectual, professional, and civic integrity. The school seeks motivated, compassionate applicants who are committed to improving patient care and contributing to the pharmacy profession.

Fisher Pharm.D. Online uses the PharmCAS common application. Our admissions committee reviews applications on a rolling basis and selects the most qualified candidates for an interview.

Admissions Requirements

Admission ParameterRequirement Details
Pre-Professional Credits
62 semester hours (or two years of undergraduate study) at an accredited college or university
Degree Requirement
No bachelor’s degree required prior to entry
Entrance Exam
PCAT Waived (No exam required) for upcoming cohort
Application Portal
PharmCAS Common Application
Supporting Materials
Official transcripts + 2 letters of recommendation

View all admissions and application requirements or, if you’re ready, begin your online application.

The Fisher Pharm.D. Online program welcomes one new cohort each year, beginning in September.

Because applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Upcoming Application Deadline: June 1, 2027
Start Date: September 2027
Program Format: Online with campus immersions and 2,000 hours of clinical rotations
Length: Four years
Professional Curriculum: 151 credits

Virtual Information Sessions

Learn more about the Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway by attending a live virtual information session. Meet with admissions representatives, explore the curriculum, learn about the application process, and have your questions answered.

View upcoming sessions and register here. New dates are added regularly.

Ready To Take the Next Step?

Request more information to learn how the Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway can prepare you for a rewarding career as a pharmacist.

Request information

Licensure Preparation

The online Doctor of Pharmacy program at St. John Fisher University is designed to meet the eligibility requirements for graduates to sit for the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE). Other states may have additional requirements, and students are encouraged to research the requirements specific to their resident state if seeking licensure outside of New York.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fisher Online Pharm.D.

  • St. John Fisher University’s Pharm.D. Online pathway uses a hybrid model that combines online coursework with six on-campus immersions and 2,000 hours of clinical rotations completed near your home. Students complete their didactic coursework online while gaining hands-on experience through clinical training and on-campus skills labs in Rochester, NY.

  • Yes. The Doctor of Pharmacy pathway at St. John Fisher University is fully accredited. The online pathway offered by the Wegmans School of Pharmacy holds full accreditation through the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), ensuring the degree meets high professional and academic standards.

  • The Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway from St. John Fisher University is designed to be completed in four years across 11 terms. Students progress through a structured curriculum that balances online coursework, campus immersions, and local clinical rotations to prepare graduates to pursue professional pharmacy licensure.

  • No, the PCAT is not required, and candidates without a bachelor’s degree are eligible to apply. Applicants must complete necessary prerequisite coursework to be eligible for admission to the Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway at St. John Fisher University. To learn about prerequisite and application details, review the Fisher Pharm.D. Online admissions requirements page.

  • Tuition for the Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway is $1,398 per credit hour, totaling approximately $211,098 for the complete 151-credit curriculum. Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available to help manage costs, including a scholarship of up to $40,000 for eligible students in the incoming cohort. For the most up-to-date and complete cost breakdowns, visit the Fisher Pharm.D. Online tuition page.

  • Students attend a total of six in-person immersion experiences on the St. John Fisher University campus in Rochester, New York. These hands-on immersions average about one session per semester throughout the online Pharm.D. pathway, allowing students to refine clinical skills and collaborate directly with faculty.

  • No. St. John Fisher University’s placement team assists students in securing faculty-approved IPPE and APPE sites, whenever possible near their communities. Students also play an active role in the placement process, working with the team to identify sites that meet program requirements.

  • Working full time while enrolled in the Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway is strongly discouraged due to the rigorous academic and clinical workload. The pathway requires approximately three hours of study per credit hour each week, intensive coursework during summer terms (30–35 hours per week), and full-time clinical rotations in the final year. Prospective students can review expected course loads on the Fisher Pharm.D. Online curriculum page.

  • Employers and pharmacy residency programs may consider factors such as ACPE accreditation, licensure eligibility, academic preparation, and clinical experience when evaluating Pharm.D. candidates. An online Pharm.D. program can provide students with the education and clinical training needed to prepare for professional pharmacy practice, subject to applicable licensure and residency requirements.

  • A Pharm.D. can lead to career opportunities beyond traditional community pharmacy. Fisher Pharm.D. Online prepares students for work in a variety of pharmacy settings, including public health, government agencies, the pharmaceutical industry, community health, vaccination programs, and higher education.

Take the first step toward becoming a pharmacist. Request more information or begin your application to the Fisher Pharm.D. Online pathway.

Request information
Apply now

St. John Fisher University partners with 2U to support the delivery of this online program. St. John Fisher University has full control over the program, including all core academic functions. Click here to learn more about 2U’s roles and responsibilities.

  1. Wegmans School of Pharmacy Outcomes. (2026). St. John Fisher University. Retrieved July 2026. ↩︎
  2. Pharmacists. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved July 2026. ↩︎
  3. Pharmacists. (2026). U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved July 2026. ↩︎