Pediatric Pharmacy Degree Option (PDOP)

Pediatric Pharmacy Degree Option (PDOP)

The University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy remains notable as a professional college with three faculty clinicians trained in pediatrics.  In addition, we are fortunate to have several adjunct preceptors participate in the didactic and experiential programs with the PDOP. These practitioners maintain active practice sites in acute care and ambulatory care settings. While most professional programs lack any trained practitioners in this specialty, the OU College of Pharmacy is able to provide both didactic and experiential training within this area of study. The college has made a significant commitment to serving children as well as to support post-graduate pharmacy residency and fellowship training in pediatrics on the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center on the Oklahoma City campus.

Completion of the PDOP will provide the student with additional skills and experiences in the pediatric population to translate into the hospital setting, community setting, and other areas of pharmacy practice. In addition, the track will provide a foundation for students interested in advanced training experiences through post-graduate residencies and fellowships.


The Importance of Pediatric Pharmacy

Pediatrics is a heterogeneous field composed of patients ranging from newborn infants to adolescents. It is estimated that approximately 24% of the U.S. population is less than 18 years of age. Evidence suggests that many pharmacists report filling a prescription for a pediatric patient on a daily basis. Furthermore, parents often seek the advice of pharmacists regarding over-the-counter medications for this population. Children are at significant risk for medication errors, including medication dosing errors, compared to other populations. Pharmacists can play a vital role in preventing medication errors in this population.


PDOP Global Objectives

  • Describe patient age-related pharmacokinetic principles that impact medication dosing in neonates, infants, children, & adolescents
  • Identify normal growth & development of children & understand impact of acute & chronic illness on that development
  • Perform calculations to determine appropriate medication dosages for children
  • Utilize appropriate drug information retrieval skills & evaluate relevant literature appropriate to the pediatric population
  • Demonstrate appropriate counseling skills when presented with a pediatric patient and/or caregiver
  • Implement advanced-pharmacy practice skills into pharmacy practice settings that serve children

What is required to apply for the track? What classes are required in the track?

Students can apply in their 2nd professional year. To apply for the track, students must submit an application, curriculum vitae, letter of intent, and 3 letters of reference. These materials are due by October 1 of each academic year, and should be submitted to Dr. Pete Johnson. Following review of application materials, qualified students are offered interviews. Selected candidates officially start in the track in the spring of their 2nd professional year.

Once accepted into the track, students are assigned a mentor to help facilitate their growth and provide direction during the next 2 years in the professional program. The track is individually tailored to meet the specific needs of every student. Furthermore, on a semester basis, all students in the track and pediatric faculty meet to discuss student development in the track and areas for growth of the track.

The required coursework can be accomplished by completion of 6 hours of didactic coursework and 3 APPE rotations.


Track Director

Peter (Pete) N. Johnson, Pharm.D., BCPS, BCPPS, FPPA, FCCM: Professor and President’s Associate Presidential Professor, University of Oklahoma College of Pharmacy


Didactic and Experiential Course Options

  • Didactic

    Pharmacotherapy Considerations in Pediatrics (PHAR 7573) (3 credit hours)(P3 Spring Semester)This course contains a hybrid of lecture and interactive cases that focus on a variety of pediatric pharmacotherapy topics. 

    Independent Study for Self-Directed Learning (PHAR 7990) (3 credit hours) (Fall and Spring Semester) Self-directed course that provides students an opportunity to participate in a quality improvement or research project to improve healthcare needs of children.

  • Experiential Rotations

    The APPE rotations as part of the PDOP are supervised clinical practice experience involving the analysis of pharmacotherapeutic and pharmacokinetic applications, evaluation of drug utilization, and synthesis of rational drug regimens in the context of pediatrics.  Student enrolled in the course have to complete a total of three APPE rotations. 

    • General Pediatrics In-Patient Practicum (PHAR 7064)
    • Research Practicum (PHAR 7990)
    • Selective Pediatrics Practicum (PHAR 7064):  Students can select from one of the following:
      • Pediatric Ambulatory Care Practicum
      • Neonatal Intensive Care
      • Pediatric Critical Care
      • Pediatric Nephrology/Transplant
      • Pediatric Diabetes Camp