West Coast University Launches Accelerated Hybrid PharmD Program

New 33-month curriculum blends online classes and immersive LA campus experiences.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:10am

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West Coast University's School of Pharmacy has introduced an innovative hybrid Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, allowing students to earn their degree in just 33 months through a combination of online coursework and hands-on training at the university's Center for Graduate Studies campus in Los Angeles.

Why it matters

The accelerated hybrid model aims to address the growing demand for skilled pharmacists by providing a flexible, technology-enabled pathway to the PharmD degree. The program's focus on preparing students for diverse pharmacy practice settings, from community pharmacies to research labs, also aligns with evolving roles for pharmacists in the healthcare system.

The details

The WCU PharmD program features online classes paired with one-week immersive sessions on the LA campus each trimester, allowing students to gain practical experience through simulations, clinical rotations, and community outreach. Faculty with expertise in pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, and various clinical specialties deliver the curriculum, which is designed to mirror the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) to prepare graduates for success on the licensing exam.

  • WCU launched the hybrid PharmD program in 2014.
  • The 33-month accelerated curriculum was introduced in 2026.

The players

West Coast University

A private university founded in 1909 that offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including the School of Pharmacy.

Dr. Kurt Wargo

The Dean and Professor of the WCU School of Pharmacy, overseeing the development and implementation of the new hybrid PharmD program.

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What they’re saying

“Our goal is to help develop students into skilled pharmacists capable of practicing in diverse settings, from research labs to community pharmacies.”

— Dr. Kurt Wargo, Dean and Professor, WCU School of Pharmacy

What’s next

The WCU School of Pharmacy is accepting applications for the hybrid PharmD program, with rolling admissions and no set deadlines.

The takeaway

By blending online learning with immersive on-campus experiences, the WCU hybrid PharmD program aims to provide a flexible, technology-enabled pathway to the pharmacy degree while preparing graduates for the evolving roles and responsibilities of the modern pharmacist.