3 year vs 4 year pharmacy program?

[Nikki2620]

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What are the pros and cons of each?

I am interested in applying to a 3 year pharmacy program but I heard that the quality of education isn't the same because everything is condensed and you wind up losing valuable experience because of the time contrainsts. But this is just what I heard. If anyone is currently in a 3 year program, has graduated from one, or just has opinions on this subject then please feel free to give advice.

Thanks 🙂

 

[525329]

What are the pros and cons of each?

I am interested in applying to a 3 year pharmacy program but I heard that the quality of education isn't the same because everything is condensed and you wind up losing valuable experience because of the time contrainsts. But this is just what I heard. If anyone is currently in a 3 year program, has graduated from one, or just has opinions on this subject then please feel free to give advice.

Thanks 🙂

Agreed. I've seen better students come out of traditional 4-year programs as opposed to the accelerated 3-year condensed. Why? Longer time in school equates to a better understanding and retention. It also makes you appreciate Pharmacy more because you spend more time in practice. An accelerated program is quick and fast for those who are purely devoted and dedicated but quality suffers, IMHO.

 

[Gaiya]

I know a pharmacist who did a 3-year course. She says if she could do it again, she'd go with the traditional 4 year program because it was so intensive.

I think 4 year course is the way to go unless you HAVE to graduate in 3 years for some reason, be it financial, family etc.

 

[525329]

I know a pharmacist who did a 3-year course. She says if she could do it again, she'd go with the traditional 4 year program because it was so intensive.

I think 4 year course is the way to go unless you HAVE to graduate in 3 years for some reason, be it financial, family etc.

Some programs are more intensive than others as it depends on the quality of the faculty, how long the program has been out, and so forth. I've been researching and trying to compare a traditional vs. an accelerated curriculum. Some are block design and some aren't. Which one did your friend go to?

 

[The Recoverer]

Some people assume that 3 years are generally more challenging, which is the case. However, some 3 year programs still give you breaks. I know for UMES you get a 2 week break for christmas. So don't think just becuase you commit to a 3 year, you are in the classroom 365 days a year.

 

[525329]

Some people assume that 3 years are generally more challenging, which is the case. However, some 3 year programs still give you breaks. I know for UMES you get a 2 week break for christmas. So don't think just becuase you commit to a 3 year, you are in the classroom 365 days a year.

Also, there might be testing differences from what I've heard. Since accelerated programs tend to be more rigorous, testing on subjects may be more generalized (given the less time to study for each subject), and there may be more more M/C, T/F testing type of questions since the professors have a limited amount of time to grade each test. This can be both a pro and con depending on how you look at it.

 

[PharmGrl]

I think that both programs offer benefits. With the 4 year program, there is a longer summer break. With the 3 year program, there is a 6 week break, usually. Also, the 3 year programs are set up as a "block style" from the few I have looked at, which may be optimum for some learning styles.