Pharmacy

Thursday, August 27 and Friday, August 28 2026

The School of Pharmacy-Worcester/Manchester (SOP-W/M) will facilitate an orientation program titled “Integration and Transition” for the Class of 2029. The program will be offered over two days and is designed to foster a sense of belonging while providing students with the support they need to succeed academically and professionally. It will include a White Coat Ceremony.

The goals of the Integration and Transition program are to:

• Build a sense of community: students will build connections with their peers and faculty, which can foster a sense of belonging and support and facilitate social and professional integration.
• Improve student success and retention: students will engage in discussions about evidence-based learning strategies to promote self-awareness and adjust to the curricular demands of pharmacy education.
• Promote team building: students will participate in an activity designed to promote team building while testing ideas and collaborating to improve the process.

Integration and Transition Program Orientation Schedule Fall 2026 [PDF]

The School of Pharmacy will order your white coat and name tag on your behalf. Please review the White Coat Size Chart before selecting your size. Choose the size you would typically wear for a blazer or jacket over your clothing.

The White Coat Ceremony is a special milestone marking the beginning of your journey as a pharmacy student and an opportunity to connect with your new classmates. Please note that this is a closed event, and guests will not be permitted to attend.

Action Required: Complete the PharmD Class of 2029 White Coat Order Form by July 27, 2026.

MCPHS has established technology guidelines for all new students.

• The accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy Program utilizes ExamSoft/Examplify (electronic testing software) for assessments in all didactic courses. Students are required to use a laptop that meets the minimum specifications to successfully complete assessments. At this time, Examplify can only be used on iOS or Windows. Chromebook, Android, and Linux operating systems do not support Examplify. Please review additional Examplify technology specifications for both Mac and PC.
• In addition to Examplify-related technology specifications, students are required to use a laptop to ensure consistency, reliability, and security during assessments. Although Examplify may operate on certain tablets and iPads, the use of tablets, iPads, or Chromebooks is not allowed to complete assessments.
• Students are required to purchase a privacy screen specifically designed as a privacy filter, providing full-screen coverage for the device they will use to complete on-campus assessments. The screen must be removable.
• Students in both the campus-based and hybrid online pathways must also have access to a second device equipped with a camera, speaker, microphone, and compatible with Zoom. This secondary device may be a cell phone, iPad, or tablet.

The Office of Experiential Education will play an important role during your time at MCPHS as we guide you through the rotation process during your P2 and P3 years. Our office will provide a live Introduction to Experiential Education presentation (along with a question and answer session) in September. The date and time will be announced later. We look forward to meeting you soon!

During the fall semester, all incoming pharmacy students will be enrolled in Service and Care in the Community, a course based on an educational method in which the participants connect knowledge and theory to practice by combining service with reflection in a structured learning environment, through service work and active learning. This course is based on the conviction that providing service and care is critically important for anyone aspiring to become a member of a healthcare profession.

Students will engage in weekly class discussions, perform service work in the community, collaborate on group research projects, and host class-led discussions.

Review the list of Service Learning sites for 2026. Make sure to complete the online selection form by August 18. Please only submit one form. We will do our best to match you with one of your top choices, but we cannot guarantee that you will be matched to one of them.  Priority will be given based on when you enter your preferences.

Please direct related questions to Anthony Pollano at anthony.pollano@mcphs.edu.

View the P1 Fall 2026 Block Schedule [PDF].

The MCPHS Bookstore has transitioned to an online platform for all textbook orders. Students can now purchase or rent their course materials through the MCPHS online bookstore website. Free shipping is available for all course material orders.

Please note: Online ordering will open in early August.

Start building connections before you arrive by joining the PharmD Fall 2026 Manchester cohort group chat. To access the group, first download the Group Me App on your phone, then use the invitation link to join the conversation. You can also connect with the broader Worcester community through additional social media channels.