Pharma Career Pathway Program | PCOM School of Pharmacy
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Pharma Career Pathway Program

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program

  • Gain hands-on experience in the pharmaceutical industry
  • Learn from experienced mentors
  • Expand your professional network
DOCTOR OF PHARMACY

Pharma Career Pathway Program

The Pharma Career Pathway Program at PCOM School of Pharmacy is a specialized, career-oriented track developed to provide pharmacy students with the knowledge, skills and experience required to thrive in the pharmaceutical industry. With the growing demand for PharmDs in non-traditional roles—ranging from medical affairs to managed care—this program offers students a structured, guided journey into industry-focused careers.

Whether you're interested in becoming a medical science liaison (MSL), working in regulatory affairs, contributing to market access, or pursuing other corporate, clinical or policy-oriented roles, this program is designed to serve as your bridge to working in, and around, the pharmaceutical industry.

Program Objectives

  • Equip students with a deep understanding of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
  • Prepare students for competitive industry fellowships and entry-level positions.
  • Build leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills.
  • Provide real-world exposure to pharmaceutical business operations, regulations, and marketing.

This program is ideal for PCOM Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) students who:

  • Aspire to transition into roles within pharmaceutical companies, managed care organizations, regulatory bodies, or consulting firms.
  • Seek hands-on experience through industry-focused rotations and internships.
  • Value structured mentorship and networking to gain a competitive edge.
  • Want to expand their impact beyond traditional clinical practice.
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to professionalism and show a genuine interest in contributing to and thriving within a professional work environment.

The Pharma Career Pathway Program includes four main components:

Core Courses

Foundational coursework helps students understand the broader healthcare system and pharmaceutical industry frameworks:

  • Explore the U.S. healthcare infrastructure, policies, and the role of pharmaceuticals in population health.
  • Gain insights into operational, legal, and financial aspects of pharmacy practice and industry relations.
Targeted Electives

Dive deeper into the business and operational side of the pharmaceutical industry with courses in pharmaceutical marketing along with managed care and leadership:

  • Learn strategies for brand management, product lifecycle, competitive analysis, and consumer engagement.
  • Study health economics, formulary decision-making, payer-provider dynamics, and develop leadership skills.
Leadership Training

All participants will complete a structured leadership curriculum provided by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation. Training will focus on self-awareness, influence, teamwork and leading through change—critical competencies for success in dynamic industry environments.

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs)

Students are encouraged to complete at least two, and potentially all four, of their elective APPE rotations within pharmaceutical companies or organizations aligned with the industry. These immersive experiences may include placements in:

  • Medical affairs
  • Regulatory strategy
  • Clinical development
  • Market access
  • Pharmacovigilance
  • Health outcomes research

The program is designed to support a wide array of career interests in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors, including but not limited to:

Beyond academics, students in the Pharma Career Pathway Program will receive extensive career preparation through:

  • Mentorship - Connect one-on-one with pharmacists working in industry and related fields for personalized guidance and career insight.
  • Networking opportunities- Attend exclusive panels, guest lectures, and virtual meetups with professionals from pharmaceutical companies and healthcare organizations.
  • CV and interview coaching- Receive tailored resume reviews and participate in mock interviews designed to prepare you for industry recruitment cycles and fellowship interviews.
  • Internship placement assistance - Get support in securing internships during the summer following your P2 year, with access to exclusive listings and faculty support in the application process.

The Pharma Career Pathway Program is made possible through the support of corporate partners who share our commitment to developing future talent. Among our partners are corporations such as:

  • Johnson & Johnson
  • Merck
  • Bayer
  • UCB
  • The Medical Affairs Company (TMAC)
  • Peach State Health Plan
  • Curant Health

Enrollment in the Pharma Career Pathway Program is open to all PCOM School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy students in good academic standing at the end of their first year of the program. Interested students should speak with program director Brent Rollins, RPh, PhD, and submit a short application indicating their career interests, goals, and commitment to completing the pathway requirements.

For more information about the Pharma Career Pathway Program, please contact:

Brent L. Rollins, RPh, PhD
Professor of Pharmacy Administration
PCOM School of Pharmacy
Phone: 678-407-7352
Email: brentro@pcom.edu

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