Requirements for pharmacy technicians vary by state, but most require certification, registration or licensure. Earning your certification from the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) provides a valuable, industry-recognized credential that meets most states’ requirements.

To earn educator certification in Texas or another state, candidates must complete certain steps at their institution and apply with the appropriate state agency.

To become certified in one of the Baylor educator preparation programs, a Baylor student must first be officially accepted into the program.

• In the School of Education program for undergraduates, this process typically occurs during the sophomore year, before the student may begin the Teaching Associate experience.
• For graduate students, different timelines apply to those seeking certifications, so please check with the Office of Professional Practice or the applicable graduate program director for guidance.
• Different timelines also apply to students in academic programs that are housed outside of the School of Education, so students should check with the appropriate program director.

The Office of Professional Practice in the School of Education handles the TEA educator certification process for all Baylor students.

Important Documents and Process Descriptions:

The Higher Education Opportunity Act requires all colleges and universities participating in federal student aid programs to provide access to general institutional and financial aid information. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has provided the information below in compliance with the federal law.

The contact information provided is made available to provide assistance with obtaining or understanding any required consumer information related to financial assistance, institutional information, completion, graduation, transfer-out and retention rates, and institutional security policies and crime statistics as well as any request for a disclosure in print.

Southern New Hampshire University offers innovative and affordable undergraduate and graduate programs across different platforms. Campus and hybrid online programs will help you turn your passion into your profession. SNHU offers more than 200 career-focused online college degrees and certificates. SNHU offers accredited and customized learning solutions for companies through our workforce partnerships which build upon our competency-based learning expertise and a track record of student success.

Southern New Hampshire University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

SNHU has articulation agreements which are formal agreements with other higher education institutions that document the transfer policies for a specific academic program.

The SNHU Career Services teams work with students throughout their academic experience as well as after graduation to build professional tools needed to succeed in the workplace. SNHU does not participate in any job placement services.

The College Navigator provides SNHU data in an easy accessible manner to include general information, tuition, fees and estimated student expenses, financial aid, net price, enrollment, admission, retention and graduation rates, programs/majors, service members and veterans, varsity athletic teams, accreditation, campus security, and cohort default rates.

SNHU requires all members of the University community to comply with all state and federal copyright laws.

SNHU is dedicated to providing equal access to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008.

• Education Programming Disclosure Information

Professional licensure, certification, endorsement, and salary benefit requirements for educators vary from state to state and district to district. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) cannot ensure licensure, certification, endorsement, or salary benefits. It is the students' responsibility to understand and comply with requirements in the state where they intend to work as an administrator or teacher. Students seeking licensure in states other than New Hampshire are solely responsible for determining whether they are eligible for licensure, and before beginning the program, confirming the precise requirements that must be satisfied to be licensed in that state. Students specifically seeking a New Hampshire certificate must meet all requirements, policies, and protocols included in the program approval(s) granted to Southern New Hampshire University by the State Department of Education.

SNHU professors are leaders in their fields who are committed to doing more, learning more, and caring more than they have to. Our full-time and adjunct professors possess extensive academic, career and life experience. Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education programs do not involve faculty.

The University complies with public disclosure of financial information as required by applicable regulatory bodies and will review any individual requests for audited financial statements on a case-by-case basis.

SNHU offers a high-quality, affordable education along with unparalleled support, whether you're pursuing your education at our traditional campus or working on an online degree, the entire SNHU community, from academic advisors to faculty to our network of successful alumni, will be there to help you achieve your goals, from day one to graduation and beyond.

The SNHU Net Price Calculator uses institutional data to provide estimated net price for current and prospective students and their families based on a student's individual circumstances. This calculator allows students to calculate an estimated net price of attendance (defined as cost of attendance minus grants and scholarships) based on what similar SNHU students paid in the previous year. Direct Assessment Competency-Based Education students should use the CfA Net Price Calculator.

Users of SNHU equipment, software and computer accounts are expected to follow acceptable standards of ethics and conduct in their use of computing resources. The SNHU acceptable use policy outlines our standards and the disciplinary actions taken against users who violate this policy.

• NH State Certification & Licensure

Earning Certification Online
Students who successfully complete a certification program at Southern New Hampshire University may be recommended to the State of New Hampshire Board of Education for initial or secondary NH State Licensure. Students teaching in states other than New Hampshire are responsible for checking with their state board of education to determine reciprocity or other inter-state agreements between NH and their home, teaching state.

Reciprocity, What Does It Really Mean?
In most cases, reciprocity does not allow for an automatic transfer of initial teacher licensure from one state to another state. Requirements for educators differ from state to state, thus there may be more tests, courses, fieldwork and/or workshops that you will have to complete to be fully licensed in another state. Similarly, secondary licensure may have additional requirements depending on your state. For the most part, after processing the initial paperwork states under an interstate agreement will issue you a "temporary" license for a period of one to two years, giving you this time to complete any requirements that you may be missing. It is very important to know what the licensure requirements are for the state to which you wish to transfer your license.

Students seeking secondary NH licensure at Southern New Hampshire University are responsible for identifying the licensure requirements within their state of teacher employment.

Consistent with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations and ordinances (e.g. Title III, Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act as amended), and in recognition of its responsibilities to its faculty, staff, and students as well as to the communities in which it operates, Southern New Hampshire University reaffirms its continuing commitment to afford qualified or qualifiable individuals equal access and equal opportunity within the University. To ensure equal access and equal opportunity, Southern New Hampshire University shall not discriminate against any individual or group because of race, color, creed, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability (including intellectual disability), age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, veteran/military status, genetic information, or on any other legally prohibited basis.

SNHU nursing programs are not authorized in the state of Washington or US territories and we are not accepting students residing in Washington state or US territories into Nursing programs at this time. Currently enrolled students who move into the state of Washington or a US territory will not be able to continue in nursing courses until they move out of the state of Washington or the US territory. Prospective students are encouraged to contact Admission, and current students should contact their Advisor, for more information. 

The MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track is only available to students living in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Maine, Vermont, Texas, Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, New Jersey. Students must reside in one of these states while taking FNP courses at SNHU, and all practicum experiences must be completed in one of these states. SNHU expects students to complete their practicum experiences in their state of domicile, as reported by the student during the application/admission process. Any student looking to change their state of domicile and/or complete their practicum experience in a different state (listed herein), may face interruptions or delays in their program. Students are responsible for reporting any change to their state of domicile immediately to academic advising. Please note that the family nurse practitioner track is accepting applications from a limited number of students per term. All other nursing program tracks are available to students living in every state except Washington or US territories.  

The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act includes provisions that are designed to reduce the illegal uploading and downloading of copyrighted works through peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing. This SNHU policy outlines the University's plan to effectively combat unauthorized distribution, alternatives to illegal file sharing, and our effectiveness reviews.

The SNHU FERPA Student Right to Privacy policy outlines the student rights with respect to his/her education records, defines SNHU directory information and the Solomon Amendment, and provides contact information for the registrar's office.

Our privacy policy was developed as an extension of our commitment to combine the highest-quality products and services with the highest level of integrity.

Requirements for professional licensure in disciplines such as accounting, counseling, education and nursing vary among states as do the educational requirements for certain professional certifications. SNHU provides state licensing guidance and professional certification information for students within the Licensure and Certification Disclosures page.

SNHU maintains a list of written arrangements with other higher education institutions which outlines portions of specific educational program offerings.

State Authorization is a law specified in the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 that requires higher education institutions to obtain formal permission/approval to conduct regulated activities within its borders. Because Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) has students residing across the United States, the institution is required to obtain each state’s approval (State Authorization) to operate based on the activities it conducts in a state.

In some states, SNHU is exempt from seeking approval to operate, while in other states SNHU has permission to operate via an affiliation with the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC SARA).

SNHU strives at all times to provide the highest quality of service and the best student experience possible. In the event of a serious complaint against the University that cannot be resolved, SNHU provides a comprehensive contact list of home state authorizing agencies.

SNHU campus students can choose from more than 60 clubs and organizations. SNHU online students can get involved through SNHUconnect.

The Enrollment Tab of the College Navigator provides a breakdown of the SNHU student body diversity, including the percentage of enrolled, full-time students in the following categories: gender and self-identified ethnic groups while the Financial Aid tab provides Federal Pell Grant recipient data.

SNHU must annually provide a Title II report to the state of New Hampshire and the general public for programs that prepare teachers for initial state certification or licensure. This report includes information about goals, assurances, pass rates, and program information.

SNHU must disclose within the Internet Course Schedule the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) and retail price information of required and recommended textbooks and supplemental material for each course listed. If applicable, SNHU must include on the written course schedule a notice that textbook information is available on the Internet course schedule and the Internet address for the schedule. SNHU will provide information to the college bookstore upon request.

The SNHU Transfer Credit policy outlines the transfer and external credit policies and procedures for undergraduate and graduate students. All study abroad credits and grades that are earned oversees at one of our partner universities will apply directly toward an SNHU degree. Only official transcripts sent directly from the issuing institution are considered for transfer credit. Electronic transcripts can be considered official if they are sent by an approved and secure file transfer system. Credit considered for transfer must be from the issuing institution; transfer credit posted on another institution's transcript will not be accepted.

Students who wish to transfer their credit elsewhere are responsible for verifying the transferability of credit prior to enrollment. SNHU does not ensure that courses will transfer.

Credit for Prior Learning comprises the processes and practices of determining if knowledge gained in a variety of settings, may warrant consideration of college credit. To be eligible for prior learning credit students must be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at SNHU. Official documentation that can be authenticated is required. For evaluating non-traditional learning experiences, SNHU recognizes the services of American Council on Education (ACE) and National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS).

Working toward a degree is a smart investment in your future - and at Southern New Hampshire University, it's an affordable one, too. We keep our costs low, and financial aid is available to those who qualify. Additional tuition and fee information:

An official withdrawal refers to an action taken by the student at SNHU to discontinue his/her enrollment. Students who use federal financial aid and/or military benefits and fail all courses in a term will be reviewed for participation. Students who cease participation in graded activities before completing through 60% of the term will be classified as receiving an "unearned F" which is defined as an unofficial withdrawal.

Financial Assistance Information

Every student should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal financial aid programs if financial assistance is needed, Students and their families should understand the FAFSA process, eligibility requirements to apply with the FAFSA, dependency status, and the importance and use of the Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID.

SNHU has established a Title IV Loan Code of Conduct for which all employees and agents must comply to avoid any conflict of interest with financial institutions. SNHU also adheres to the NASFAA Code of Conduct to provide accurate unbiased information and the NASFAA Statement of Ethical Principles to advocate for students, maintain the highest level of integrity, support student access and success, comply with federal and state laws, strive for transparency and clarity, and protect the privacy of financial aid applicants.

Cost of Attendance (COA) is an estimate of the student's educational expenses to maintain a reasonable/moderate standard of living for a period of enrollment and is not the amount paid directly to Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). The COA is used when calculating a student's eligibility for financial aid only. The COA includes both direct costs (tuition, fees and on campus living expenses paid directly to SNHU if applicable) and indirect costs (living, books, transportation and personal expenses).

Online entrance counseling is a requirement for all first-time Direct Loan borrowers which assists students to understand how the Direct Loan program and the obligation of repayment upon signing the Master Promissory Note (MPN) obligation, how to manage education expenses and to understand the rights and responsibilities as a borrower.

Direct Loan borrowers are required to complete exit counseling when graduating, stopping attendance or a drop below half-time enrollment. Exit counseling reviews borrowing history, servicer information, monthly payments, repayment plans, and strategies for successful repayment.

• Federal Student Aid Fraud Statement

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) actively seeks to protect students, agencies, and the educational system at large from potential fraud, identity theft, or other unlawful activities. For this purpose, SNHU reserves the right to request additional documentation and suspend financial aid eligibility pending the resolution of any conflicting information received during the admission, financial aid, or registration process. Please see the Department of Education CFR 668.16 for additional information regarding fraud prevention regulations.

• Financial Aid Programs

  There are several need-based and non-need based federal, state, local, private and institutional student financial assistance programs available to SNHU students.

  • Federal, State, Grants and Scholarships - SNHU offers several types of need and non-need based grants and scholarships to help students meet the cost of the University's education. Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid. 
  • Federal Work-Study - Federal Work-Study is a need-based program that allows undergraduate and graduate students to earn money through part-time employment to help pay education costs.
  • Student and Parent Loans - Federal Loan programs include the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, Federal Parent PLUS Loan, and Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. Alternative loans are educational loans through a private lender. All loans are borrowed funds that require repayment in accordance with signed promissory notes.

All financial aid award offers are based on enrollment pattern, and are dependent upon a determination of eligibility based on grade level, whether or not priority application deadlines have been met (if applicable), and other program specific criteria at the time of the award offer. All undergraduate and graduate degree programs are eligible by the Department of Education to use federal financial aid to assist with the cost of an SNHU education. Enrollment in a program of study abroad approved for credit by SNHU is considered enrollment for the purposes of applying for federal student financial aid as well. The following information and disclosures are aggregated in this section:

• Rights and Responsibilities - Students are obligated to know and understand their rights and responsibilities as a financial aid applicant, recipient, student loan borrower, and federal work-study employee.
• Awarding of Aid - Students should understand the (1) Financial Need calculation and (2) the Non-need Based Aid calculation used with the Cost of Attendance (COA) and the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to determine a student's financial aid award.
• Reporting Additional Financial Aid Awards - Students are required to report all outside assistance received for attending SNHU (i.e.: military benefits, employer reimbursement, outside scholarships, etc.)
• Over-awards of Aid - SNHU is required to resolve any over-award situation that may occur due to enrollment changes, notification of additional aid sources, FAFSA corrections, etc. Overawards may result in a balance due to the University which is the responsibility of the student.
• College Financing Plan - SNHU complies with the Principles of Excellence Executive Order and participates in the Department of Defense Voluntary Education Partnership Memorandum (DoD MOU) to provide the Financial Aid Shopping Sheet to all military affiliated students awarded federal student aid.
• Verification - Verification requires that the University review additional documents to verify the information reported on the FAFSA for the student, parent(s) and spouse.
• Secondary Confirmation - SNHU reserves the right to select any student's file for secondary confirmation which requires additional documents to prove identity to prevent Title IV fraud and abuse.
• Enrollment Requirements for Aid - Aid is awarded based off of average enrollment and is disbursed based off of actual enrollment in the payment period.
• Disbursement of Aid - Financial aid is paid (disbursed) through an academic year or remaining period of study during each payment period or academic term based on program with eligibility checks to confirm attendance, program, enrollment and the completion of loan requirements.
• Use of Aid - SNHU applies federal financial aid directly to institutional charges (tuition, fees, on campus housing, book vouchers, etc.) only and any remaining funds are released to the student in form of a refund. Students may electronically authorize the use of Title IV to pay non-institutional charges and parents may authorize Parent PLUS loans through a paper-form process.
• Credit Balances and Refunds - SNHU provides Title IV students a method to purchase books and supplies prior to the beginning of the term through a book voucher program or Penmen Cash account based off of academic program. Students may opt out by not using the process provided. SNHU processes refunds through BankMobile. For more information about BankMobile, visit this link: http://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/.
• Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations - If a student, receiving Title IV funding, has been convicted of an offense involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs while enrolled, then the student become ineligible to receive Title IV funds.
• Duration and Renewal of Aid - Federal financial aid is awarded one academic year at a time and the FAFSA is required to be renewed on or after October 1st each year.

Southern New Hampshire University has an 80-year history of helping military service members and their families pursue an education, at home and abroad. SNHU offers discounts for active-duty service members and their spouses working toward an online degree. In addition SNHU also accepts Tuition Assistance (TA), Post-9/11 GI Bill^®, Montgomery GI Bill benefits, and Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits. SNHU also participates in the Yellow Ribbon program that funds tuition and fee expenses that exceed the tuition and fee amounts payable under the Post-9/11 GI Bill.

Although NSLDS is still available for students, currently FSA is moving toward a consolidation of all websites to a “onestop shop” at studentaid.gov. Students will be able to get student aid information collected from NSLDS by logging into studentaid.gov using their FSA credentials. See FSA Partners for more information.

SNHU does not recommend, promote or endorse any lenders, nor do they have any preferred lender agreements. SNHU does provide a historical list of private loans that SNHU students have used in the last three completed financial aid years.

Alternative loans are private education loans through a private lender to help finance the unmet cost of attendance at SNHU. Private lenders are required to provide disclosures through the application and approval process. A self-certification form is required during the application disclosure that will review and record your cost of attendance and estimated financial assistance for your period of enrollment to be covered by the private loan.

Students who drop and/or officially withdraw from coursework at SNHU may be eligible to receive a refund of tuition and other institutional charges. Where required SNHU also adheres to specific state refund policies.

Return of Title IV funds requirements apply to a federal grant or loan recipient who officially or unofficially withdraws from Southern New Hampshire University before completing the payment period.

Return of Military Tuition Assistance applies to all TA recipients who officially or unofficially withdraw from Southern New Hampshire University before completing a term.

Your financial aid award letter will list all of the financial aid offered to you, which may consist of a combination of federal grants, federal work-study, federal loans, and if you're an on campus traditional student, institutional scholarships and grants. Review the financial aid award terms and conditions to ensure you fully understand your rights and responsibilities as a recipient of financial aid at SNHU.

To be eligible and continue to receive Federal Student Aid (FSA) on an annual basis, students must make satisfactory academic progress toward achieving and completing their program of study through measurement of qualitative (grade-based) and quantitative (time-based) standards.

SNHU has an established Tier 1 arrangement with BankMobile for the delivery of Title IV student refunds and this contract disclosure provides the refunds agreement, and amendments.

Health and Safety

The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act requires that institutions which participate in Federal student aid programs provide information to the public regarding campus safety and security, as well as fire safety, policies, procedures and statistics. This SNHU Annual Security Report includes Information for victims of sexual violence, discrimination and harassment, information for crime victims about disciplinary hearings, Emergency Response and Evacuation Procedures, Timely Warnings, Crime Log, Fire Safety Policies, Fire Statistics, and Fire Logs. SNHU will provide a paper copy upon request.

The mission of the SNHU Public Safety office is to continually enhance public safety and the quality of life for those living, working and visiting our academic community.

SNHU is committed to maintaining an environment of teaching and learning that is free from illicit drugs and alcohol.

SNHU is committed to the safety and security of students, faculty, staff and visitors to our campuses. To support that commitment we formed a crisis management team which worked with University officials to develop a crisis management plan. The plan has been reviewed and approved by officials at the State of New Hampshire Division of Public Safety.

The vaccination policy applies to all residential students, all full time undergraduate students, all international students and all full time graduate day students taking classes on the Manchester NH campus.

Student Outcomes

The 3-year cohort default rate is the percentage of a school's borrowers who enter repayment on certain Federal Family Education Loan (FFEL) Program or William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan (Direct Loan) Program loans during a particular federal fiscal year (FY), October 1 to September 30, and default or meet other specified conditions prior to the end of the second following fiscal year. The U.S. Department of Education releases official cohort default rates once per year. The three most exact three-year official cohort default rates for SNHU may be viewed on the Cohort Default Rates tab of the College Navigator.

• Financial Aid & Debt on College Scorecard

  Students and families may review the Financial Aid and Debt tab on the College Scorecard, an online tool created by the U.S Department of Education, for the following federal student loan information for SNHU borrowers:

  • Repayment Rate - The three year repayment rate percentage for SNHU borrowers compared to the national average.
  • Students Receiving Federal Loans - The share of SNHU undergraduate students who borrowed federal loans to help pay for college. Excludes Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans.
  • Monthly Student Loan Payment - The median monthly loan payment for SNHU students who completed, if the federal loans were repaid over ten years at a defined interest rate.
  • Typical Total Debt - The median federal debt of SNHU undergraduate borrowers who completed. This figure includes only federal loans; it excludes Federal Direct Parent PLUS loans and private student loans.

SNHU reports disaggregated graduation rates by gender, major racial and ethnic subgroup, recipients of a Federal Pell Grant, recipients of a Subsidized Direct Loan who did not receive a Federal Pell Grant, and by students who did not receive either a Federal Pell Grant or a Subsidized Direct Loan. SNHU does not measure and report transfer out rates.

• Graduate and Professional Education

SNHU does not collect graduate and professional education data. NHES collects New Hampshire, county specific data related to Graduate and Professional Degree educational attainment. In addition, The NH Department of Education maintains educational research data as well as the most current IPEDS data.

SNHU does not calculate placement rates in employment for any academic program unless required by programmatic accreditors.

Retention Rates provided by College Navigator measure the percentage of full-time, first-time and part-time, first-time students who are seeking bachelor's degrees who return to the institution to continue their studies the following fall, as reported to IPEDS.

Athletics

All schools participating in Title IV, HEA Student Financial Aid programs that enroll students who are offered athletically related student aid are required to produce a report by July 1 each year for disaggregated graduation rates for athletes by gender, major racial and ethnic subgroup, recipients of a Federal Pell Grant, recipients of a Subsidized Direct Loan who did not receive a Federal Pell Grant, and by students who did not receive either a Federal Pell Grant or a Subsidized Direct Loan. SNHU does not measure and report transfer out rates for athletes.

This annual report is a requirement of the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act (EADA) which requires a school that has an intercollegiate athletic program to make prospective students aware of its commitment to providing equitable athletic opportunities for its male and female students. The direct link is https://ope.ed.gov/athletics/#/institution/details. SNHU will provide a paper copy upon request.

Other Information

SNHU is required to provide an educational program annually, on September 17th, to commemorate Constitution Day and Citizenship Day.

SNHU provides a New Hampshire Voter Registration Guide for our Manchester NH campus students.

GI Bill^® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

Overview of Credentialing in Pharmacy

Introduction

Pharmacist credentials may be divided into three fundamental types.

• The first type -- college and university degrees -- is awarded to mark the successful completion of a pharmacist's academic training and education.

• The second type -- licensure and relicensure -- is an indication that the pharmacist has met minimum requirements set by the state in which he or she intends to practice.

• The third type of credential -- which may include advanced degrees and certificates -- is awarded to pharmacy practitioners who have completed programs of various types that are intended to develop and enhance their knowledge and skills, or who have successfully documented an advanced level of knowledge and skill through an assessment process.

These three paths to pharmacist credentialing are illustrated in Figure 1. The sections that follow provide information on each of the credentials offered in pharmacy, the credentialing or accreditation body involved, whether the credential is mandatory or voluntary, and other related information.

Preparing for the Pharmacy Profession

• Credential earned: Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy; Doctor of Pharmacy degree

• Credential awarded by: School or college of pharmacy

• Accreditation body for professional programs in pharmacy: American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). The U.S. Department of Education has recognized the ACPE accreditation of the professional degree program in pharmacy.

Until July 1, 2000, an individual who wished to become a pharmacist could enroll in a program of study that would lead to one of two degrees: a bachelor of science degree in pharmacy (B.S. Pharm. or Pharm. B.S.) or a doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree.

As of 1998, two-thirds of all students studying in professional programs in pharmacy were enrolled in Pharm.D. programs. The Pharm.D. degree became the sole degree accredited by ACPE for pharmacists' entry into practice in the United States, as of July 1, 2000, with the institution of new ACPE professional program accreditation standards. Pharm.D. programs typically take six years to complete and generally involve two years of preprofessional coursework and four years of professional education. A few programs offer the professional education over three years of full-time education.

B.S.-level pharmacists who have been in the workforce may also return to a college or school of pharmacy to earn the Pharm.D. degree. These programs, which are tailored to the individual's background and experience, may follow "nontraditional" pathways; however, they must produce the same educational outcomes as does the entry-level Pharm.D. degree.

State boards of pharmacy require a Pharm.D. or B.S. degree from a program approved by the boards (almost always an ACPE-accredited program) for a candidate to be eligible to take the state licensing examination. A listing of accredited professional programs offered by colleges and schools of pharmacy is published annually by ACPE and is available on the ACPE Web site (www.acpe-accredit.org).

Entering Practice and Updating Professional Knowledge and Skills

• Credentials earned: Licensure as registered pharmacist (R.Ph.); relicensure.

• Credential awarded by: State board of pharmacy

• Licensure process overseen by: State regulatory authorities

Before a graduate of a school or college of pharmacy can practice pharmacy in the United States, he or she must become licensed. The licensure process is regulated at the state level by the boards of pharmacy.

Candidates for licensure in all states but California must pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX), a computer- adaptive, competency-based examination that assesses the candidate's ability to apply knowledge gained in pharmacy school to real-life practice situations. California administers a unique examination process. Most states also require candidates to take a state-specific pharmacy law examination. Currently, 36 states use the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE), a computer-adaptive assessment that tailors each examination to address the pharmacy law and regulations of the state in which the candidate is seeking licensure.

Both the NAPLEX and the MPJE are developed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) for use by the boards of pharmacy as part of their assessment of competence to practice pharmacy. Development of these examinations is directly related to NABP's mission, which is to assist its member boards and jurisdictions in developing, implementing, and enforcing uniform standards for the purpose of protecting the public health. The NAPLEX and MPJE examinations are administered by appointment, daily, throughout the year at a system of test centers located in all 50 states.

In addition to the NAPLEX and MPJE, some states require a laboratory examination or an oral examination before licensure is conferred. All state boards also require that candidates complete an internship before being licensed. The internship may be completed during the candidate's academic training or after graduation, depending upon state requirements.

State licensure is an indication that the individual has attained the basic degree of competence necessary to ensure the public health and welfare will be reasonably well protected. Individuals who have received a license may use the abbreviation "R.Ph." (for "registered pharmacist") after their names.

Nearly all state boards of pharmacy also require that registered pharmacists complete a certain number of continuing-education units (CEUs) before they can renew their licenses. The CEUs must be earned through participation in a continuing-education (CE) program whose provider has been approved by the American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE). The symbol used by ACPE to designate that the CE provider is approved is

Note that ACPE approves providers of CE, not individual CE programs. CEUs may be secured by attending educational seminars, teleconferences, and meetings; memorizing journal articles; or completing traditional home study courses or computer-based education programs. Receipt of a satisfactory score on an assessment that is created by and submitted to the CE provider is sometimes required as a documentation of completion of a CE program. ACPE publishes an annual directory of approved providers of continuing pharmaceutical education, which is available on the ACPE Web site (www.acpe-accredit.org).

Licensure and relicensure are mandatory for pharmacists who wish to continue to practice their profession.

In their regulatory role, state boards of pharmacy are ultimately responsible to the state legislature.

Developing and Enhancing Knowledge and Skills

Pharmacy practitioners who wish to broaden and deepen their knowledge and skills may participate in a variety of postgraduate education and training opportunities. They include the following:

Academic Postgraduate Education and Training
Pharmacists who wish to pursue a certain field of study in depth may enroll in postgraduate master's or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) programs. Common fields of study for master's candidates include business administration, clinical pharmacy, and public health. Common fields for Ph.D. studies include pharmacology, pharmaceutics, pharmacy practice, and social and administrative sciences.

Residencies

• Credential earned: Residency certificate

• Credential awarded by: Residency training program

• Program accreditation: The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) (independently or in collaboration with other pharmacy organizations)

ASHP is the chief accreditation body for pharmacy practice and specialty residency programs in pharmacy. A total of 505 programs nation-wide now hold ASHP accreditation. ASHP also partners with other organizations, including the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy, the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, the American Pharmaceutical Association, and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, in accrediting residency programs.

The majority of pharmacists who pursue residency training do so in the area of pharmacy practice. These residencies sometimes focus on a particular practice setting, such as ambulatory care. Pharmacists may also pursue specialty training in a certain subject (e.g., pharmacokinetics), in the care of a specific patient population (e.g., pediatrics), or in a specific disease area (e.g., oncology).

Residency programs last one to two years. The typical training site is a practice setting such as an academic health center, a community pharmacy, a managed care organization, a skilled nursing facility, or a home health care agency.

The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), an agency of the federal government, recognizes residency accreditation bodies within the health professions.

Fellowships ^[a]

• Credential earned: Fellowship certificate

• Credential awarded by: Fellowship training program

• Program accreditation: No official accreditation body

A fellowship is an individualized postgraduate program that prepares the participant to become an independent researcher. Fellowship programs, like residencies, usually last one to two years. The programs are developed by colleges of pharmacy, academic health centers, colleges and universities, and pharmaceutical manufacturers.

There is no official accreditation body for fellowship programs; however, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and American College of Clinical Pharmacy have issued guidelines that are followed by many fellowship program directors.

Certificate Training Programs

• Credential earned: Certificate of Completion

• Credential awarded by: Educational institutions and companies, pharmacy organizations, and others

• Provider accreditation: American Council on Pharmaceutical Education

A certificate training program is a structured and systematic postgraduate continuing-education experience for pharmacists that is generally smaller in magnitude and shorter in duration than degree programs. Certificate programs are designed to instill, expand, or enhance practice competencies through the systematic acquisition of specified knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors. The focus of certificate programs is relatively narrow; for example, the American Pharmaceutical Association offers programs in such areas as asthma, diabetes, immunization delivery, and management of dyslipidemias.

Certificate training programs are offered by national and state pharmacy organizations and by schools and colleges of pharmacy and other educational groups. The programs are often held in conjunction with a major educational meeting of an organization. The American Council on Pharmaceutical Education (ACPE) approves providers of such programs. The symbol used by the ACPE to designate that a certificate training program is provided by an accredited provider is

Traineeships
Traineeships, in contrast to certificate training programs, are defined as intensive, individualized, structured postgraduate programs intended to provide the participant with the knowledge and skills needed to provide a high level of care to patients with various chronic diseases and conditions. Traineeships are generally of longer duration (about five days) and involve smaller groups of trainees than certificate training programs do. Some are offered on a competitive basis, with a corporate sponsor or other organization underwriting participants' costs. Pharmacy organizations currently offering traineeships include the American College of Apothecaries, the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, and the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Research and Education Foundation.

Certification
Introduction. Certification is a credential granted to pharmacists and other health professionals who have demonstrated a level of competence in a specific and relatively narrow area of practice that exceeds the minimum requirements for licensure. Certification is granted on the basis of successful completion of rigorously developed eligibility criteria that include a written examination and, in some cases, an experiential component. The certification process is undertaken and overseen by a nongovernmental body.

The development of a certification program includes the following steps:

• Role delineation. The first step is to define the area in which certification is to be offered. This is done through a process called role delineation or "task analysis." An expert panel of individuals in the proposed subject area develops a survey instrument to assess how practitioners working in the area rate the importance, frequency, and criticality of specific activities in that practice. The instrument is then sent to a trial of pharmacists who are practicing in that field.

• Development of content outline. On the basis of responses to the survey, a content outline for the certification program is developed.

• Preparation of examination. The written examination component of the certification program is developed on the basis of the content outline.

• Other activities. Appropriate measures are taken to ensure that security and confidentiality of the testing process are maintained, that the examination and eligibility criteria are appropriate, and that the knowledge and skills of those who are certified do, in fact, reflect competence.

Of the 5.9 million children who die each year, poor nutrition plays a role in at least half these deaths. That’s wrong. Hunger isn’t about too many people and too little food. It’s about power, and its roots lie in inequalities in access to resources and opportunities.

Drexel offers a number of education certification and degree programs that prepare students for formal teacher certification. Once a student has successfully completed their undegraduate course of study and all qualifying teacher certification exams required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE), Drexel recommends the student to the PDE for the appropriate teaching certificate.

Teaching Certification GPA Requirements

The School of Education requires that students maintain at least a "B" average (3.0 GPA) in content courses needed for teacher certification in addition to earning a grade of "B" or better in each core pedagogy course required for certification.

Pennsylvania Teacher Certification Requirements

All undergraduate students are required to obtain and submit updated and current copies of the required clearances to the School of Education annually in order to participate in classroom observations and student teaching in Pennsylvania. All full-time undergraduates will receive assistance in gaining these clearances during their first term. Non-PA students should contact their state's department of education or school district office for a list of clearances required in their state.

Teacher Certification Process

Instructional I Certification

This initial certification qualifies a teacher to teach for a maximum of six years. The six years need not be continuous. To continue teaching after the six years are completed, the teacher must receive an Instructional II Certification.

Instructional II Certification

The Instructional II Certification is considered a permanent certification. A teacher applying for Instructional II Certification must have:

• Instructional I Certification
• A minimum of three years and a maximum of six years of teaching experience on an Instructional I Teaching Certificate
• 24 semester-hour (or 36 quarter-hour) credits beyond a bachelor’ degree
• Completion of an induction program (generally provided by the teacher’ school of employment)

Elementary Certification (Grades PreK–4) and Special Education Certification (Grades PreK–8 and Grades 7–12)

The Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests (PECT) are required for Grades PreK–4 and Special Education. All undergraduate and dual degree BS/MS students are required to pass the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) basic skills exam. In addition, students will be required to take the appropriate assessment test for each area of certification they wish to obtain.

For more information about examinations and registration:

Middle Level Certification (Grades 4–8) and Secondary Certification (Grades 7–12)

All undergraduate and dual degree BS/MS students seeking certification in middle (grades 4–8) or secondary (grades 7–12) levels are required to pass exams from the PA Education Certification Tests (PECT) and the Praxis II Series. Students must pass both the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) basic skills assessment test and the appropriate Praxis II Content Knowledge test for each area of certification they wish to obtain.

For more information about examinations and registration:

Pennsylvania Act 48 Requirements

To maintain Instructional I and Instructional II Certifications, the PDE requires a teacher to complete one of the following every five years:

• Six semester-hour (or nine quarter-hour) credits. Credits must be acquired from an accredited, four-year, degree-granting college or university.
• 180 hours of professional development
• A combination of credits and professional development hours every five years.

Note: For those working to acquire Instructional II Certification, the 24 semester credits or 36 quarter credits needed to apply for Instructional II may also count toward Act 48 requirements.

Download the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Frequently Asked Questions about Act 48 [PDF].