Coursework

Description

Credits

Phar 6237/

Phar 6238 – Leading Change in Pharmacy

This course sequence will allow students to recognize the need for leadership in pharmacy and the ability of practitioners to influence change regardless of whether they have a title or position of authority.  The course will provide an overview of and develop many skills required by individuals who will seek to influence change.

4

(pre-requisite for Leadership Emphasis declaration)

Management Course Elective

Students will work with the Emphasis Directors to identify an appropriate management-focused elective that supplements required Leadership Emphasis material.  Elective courses could include Phar 6231 or Phar 6232 (Community Pharmacy/Institutional Pharmacy Management) or could also include courses delivered by Public Health or each campuses’ business school.  Prior credit for management courses completed during a student’s pre-pharmacy coursework may be accepted and can be submitted for consideration by the Emphasis Directors.

Approved course must be at least 2 credits

Phar 6227 – “Leading Change Project” Course

In collaboration with a faculty mentor, students will outline and implement a “Leadership Project” through which the student will identify an issue where they feel change is required, define a vision for improvement, outline a plan for creating this vision, implement this plan and evaluate the actual outcomes of this work.

2

Phar 6228 – “Leadership Portfolio” Course

This course will facilitate professional engagement, critical thinking and self-reflection and document multiple learning experiences that will occur outside of the COP.  Examples of learning activities required within this course include:

•         Attending at least one meeting of the Minnesota State Board of Pharmacy and the Board of Directors Meeting of either MPhA or MSHP.

•         Participating in a legislative “hill visit,” to discuss an issue of concern for pharmacy.

•         Attending at least one state or national pharmacy association meeting and observe (or participate in) the policy making process of the organization.

•         Participate in shadowing experiences with a physician, nurse and at least one other allied health professional to gain appreciation of health care delivery from the perspective of non-pharmacy health care practitioners.

2

Directed Studies – Leadership Best Sellers Readings

The “Best Sellers” program is managed by the College’s Office of Educational Development.  It is a self-directed learning opportunity for pharmacists which will also be available to students.  Participants will read popular leadership books and engage in reflection and other learning activities focused on the content of these books.  Topics will range in areas emphasizing self-exploration of personal leadership traits to issues related to organizational leadership.  Participants will complete study guides that will scrutinize the books meaning and apply the fundamental principals to pharmacy practice.

2

6183 – Pharm.D. Paper

OR

Directed Research

Students must complete a research project focusing on a question related to the development or application of leadership or leadership skills.  Alternatively, students must complete a research project where the question of study is important to answer to support a change initiative.  This requirement can be met either through the student’s PharmD paper requirement or by conducting a project through a directed research elective.

2

APPE Requirement

Students will participate in a management- or leadership-focused elective APPE, working with the Emphasis Directors to select an educational experience that will build upon concepts addressed within cores courses of the emphasis track. 

4

Total Credits

18