USC Advantages
What makes the PharmD program at USC unique?
“At USC, we have a diverse definition of what a pharmacy career entails. Whatever you imagine for yourself, you can do it here, and you can find a mentor at USC to guide you along the way.”
Kari L. Franson
PharmD, PhD, BCPP
Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor of Clinical Pharmacy
What was a highlight of your USC Mann experience?
“One of the great highlights of my time as a student at USC Mann was contributing to my Los Angeles community in the fight to decrease the number of COVID-19 cases in L.A. County as the pandemic spread.”
Syed Zaidi
PharmD ’23
PGY1 Pharmacy Managed Care Residency at Kaiser Permanente in Sacramento, Calif.
How has USC Mann added value to your life?
“The curriculum teaches and prepares students for the new roles played by pharmacists. The school encourages input from students and is not afraid to make changes to the curriculum to help students grow and thrive.”
Ana Barron
PharmD ’19
PGY-2 Psychiatric Pharmacy Resident at Riverside University Health System
How did you come to the decision to pursue your degree at USC?
“The location allowed me to continue my studies while being relatively close to my loved ones in Southern California. The many opportunities to build my network with those associated with USC was something I highly valued. Furthermore, I wanted to gain experience in a wide variety of pharmacy settings in the Los Angeles area, which I knew USC offered.”
Anthony Sablan
PharmD ’21
PGY-1 Pharmacy Residency, Kaiser Permanente Antelope Valley
Why did you choose USC for pharmacy school?
“Honestly, I only wanted to go to USC. It was a calculated risk to only apply to one school, but I knew I wanted a program that would best prepare me for a residency and then ultimately as a competent clinician in my specialty. Since I came back to school as a non-traditional student, I was not going to settle for anything other than the best, which I believed to be USC for its unparalleled networking opportunities. I wanted to join a school that creates leaders who shape the pharmacy industry by extending the scope of practice.”
Kaycey Pearce
PharmD ’21
PGY-1 Acute Care Residency, UC Davis Health
How did your experiences at USC prepare you for the next chapter in your life?
“USC Mann prepared me to become a well-rounded clinician, communicator and educator. I appreciate the rich leadership, internship and clerkship opportunities the school has offered me and my colleagues. Personally, these experiences have trained me to build my communication skills, be innovative and enhance my time management ability. I look forward to utilizing these valuable exposures from the PharmD program to positively optimize patient outcomes as a future pharmacist.”
Jafar Essayli
PharmD ’22
PGY1 Pharmacy Resident at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford
Why did you choose USC?
“USC Mann is located in East Los Angeles – an underserved community facing health disparities. I knew that attending USC would grant me opportunities to learn how I can be a valuable health care provider to vulnerable populations. I have been focused on building my network and meeting other like-minded healthcare professionals who want to make positive contributions to the field.”
Luis Larios
PharmD ’25
What motivated you to attend USC?
“When I was applying to pharmacy schools I was looking for diversity, professional networking and an advanced curriculum. I was attracted to the endless opportunities the School offers to students such as the opportunity to serve surrounding communities in Los Angeles, the connections the university has with professional leaders in the field, and the unique curriculum that offers students hands-on clinical experience within their first year in the program.”
Alexander Cantres
PharmD ’25
Your PharmD Path
During our innovative, four-year PharmD program, you will enroll in 15 to 18 units each semester. The first three years combine rigorous courses in the biomedical, clinical pharmaceutical, and social-administrative sciences with Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences.
The fourth year focuses on Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences in settings throughout greater Los Angeles and beyond, as well as a capstone project that further expands your expertise to launch your career.
At all stages, you will be mentored by an internationally renowned faculty dedicated to fostering the next generation of pharmacy leaders.
