Pharmacy

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 four 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.

The orientation will take place August 25 to August 28. We have partnered with the TRU by Hilton for a discounted rate for those dates. You can use this link to book. This hotel is walking distance to campus.

White coats and name tags will be ordered for each student by the department. White coat sizes should be based on blazers or jackets that you wear over other clothing.

The White Coat Ceremony will be a closed event, and guests will not be permitted to attend. This ceremony is intended as a special opportunity for you to bond with your new classmates as you begin your journey together.

SOP-W/M/HOP Technology Requirements

• 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 with iOS or Windows operating systems. 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 that is specifically designed as a privacy filter, providing full screen coverage for the device they will be using 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 be 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 here as we guide you through the rotation process during your P2 and P3 years. We’ve put together a brief presentation to introduce you to our office and to give you an overview of what to expect in your experiential rotations. In order to access the presentation, you will need to self-enroll in the Wor/Man Introduction to Experiential Education course on Blackboard. Download instructions on how to self enroll.*

*New students will receive Blackboard login credentials in June each year. You will be able to complete the experiential education course after you’ve received login information.

More information will be available in Summer 2026.

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.

Check back soon for the Fall 2026 Pharmacy booklist.

During the fall semester, all incoming pharmacy students will be enrolled in Service and Care in the Community. This course uses an educational method in which participants connect knowledge and theory to practice through structured service work, active learning and reflection. 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 interactive modules, perform service work in the community, and collaborate on group research projects

Important:

Students in the Hybrid Online Pathway are required to identify three community organizations where they could potentially volunteer over the fall semester. Students will submit the names of these community organization via a Microsoft form that will be available on July 15, 2026. Forms must be submitted no later than August 14, 2026.

Community Organization Guidelines for Volunteering

Online students are expected to find a community organization that is local to where they reside.

• If you live close to Worcester or Manchester, please contact Professor Anthony Pollano (Manchester, NH) at anthony.pollano@mcphs.edu or Dr. Carrie Graham (Worcester, MA) carrie.graham@mcphs.edu

Volunteering at the organization must include working with people. Some administrative work is acceptable, but students should be ideally engaging with the organization’s population.

• For example, students may want to choose an organization that works with:
• Youth
• Older Adults
• Immigrants and Refugees
• Veterans
• LGBTQ Community

Once you submit three community organizations, we will review them to ensure that they meet the requirements of the course and place students accordingly. Notification of community organization placement will occur at the start of the fall semester. There is no need to contact the organization for placement information.