The application of personalized medicine in healthcare is dependent on the ability of healthcare to interpret and apply new and rapidly developing genetic and genomic information to patients’ treatments. As the healthcare experts in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics, pharmacists are well-positioned to be the healthcare experts in pharmacogenomics. The Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics provides recent Doctor of Pharmacy graduates the opportunity to explore the relationship between an individual’s genetic make-up and both their health and their response to medications. Through its curriculum, the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics introduces students to the most widely used genomic laboratory techniques and interpretation of pharmacogenomics data used in personalizing drug therapy. Introductory concepts of genomic data science are also to be introduced in a hands-on format.

The Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics Program is a fully online, part-time program that is amenable to completion while preparing for the pharmacy licensure and law exams and/or working full or part time as a licensed pharmacist.  The Graduate Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics Program can be utilized as a progressive step towards the Masters in Pharmacogenomics and Personalized Medicine. 

The successful student will require an in-depth education in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics along with a background in foundational pharmacogenomics, as seen in the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum. At this time the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics is only accepting applications from Shenandoah University’s Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy graduates (traditional and non-traditional Doctor of Pharmacy Pathways) from the class of 2016 to present.

To be considered for admission to the Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics Program the student will meet the following qualifications:

• All applicants:
  • Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy degree received in 2016 or later
  • Doctor of Pharmacy GPA ≥ 3.00 AND
  • Doctor of Pharmacy sub-area GPA ≥ 3.00
    • Traditional Pathway sub-area courses: PHAR 534, 600, 632, 668, 733, 734
    • Nontraditional Pathway sub-area: Bachelor’s of Pharmacy Pharmacology, PHAR 534, 600, 632, 733, 734
• Current year (anticipated) Doctor of Pharmacy graduates:
  • Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy degree anticipated by start of Summer term.
  • Good academic and professional standing in the Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program at the time of graduation.
  • Current unrestricted license as a Pharmacist from practicing state(s) Department of Health Professions or Board of Pharmacy.
• Past year graduates:
  • Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy degree (2016 or later).
  • Current unrestricted license as a Pharmacist from practicing state(s) Department of Health Professions or Board of Pharmac

Graduation requirements:

• Graduate Certificate in Pharmacogenomics, 17 credits, PGPM-prefixed course cumulative GPA ≥ 3.00.
  • Passing grades in all PGPM-prefixed courses