Doctor of Pharmacy Extended Online (XO)

Has the DKICP Extended Online Pathway (PharmD-XO) been approved by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE)?

Yes, our on-campus and PharmD-XO pathways were awarded continued accreditation status with compliance in all standards for a maximum of eight years by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) in 2025.

What are the benefits of the Extended Online Pathway (PharmD-XO)?

On-campus and XO PharmD tracks at the DKICP have the same admission criteria, curriculum, and graduation requirements. The PharmD-XO is offered over 5.5 years to help learners balance their personal and professional responsibilities (e.g., working adults, students with caretaking responsibilities, preference for distance education and online learning, etc.) that may preclude their full-time studies in Hilo and ease the transition to professional studies.

How are the classes delivered?

Didactic courses in the PharmD-XO pathway will be primarily delivered asynchronously, meaning that you can access recorded lectures. Course materials are available for students to access on a learning management platform that you will have access to once you are a registered student.

Certain periods during the year are:

• Synchronous online learning with real-time instruction, where students and instructors interact simultaneously.
• Other synchronous online activities include exams and required class activities, hybrid learning models with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous elements to enhance learning flexibility and engage active learning.
• In-person activities require students to be on campus in Hilo once a year for 2-4 weeks to attend orientation and white coat events (Year 1) and acquire essential clinical skills in the laboratory and practice settings (Years 2-4.5).

Do I have to attend live classes? What days am I required to be in class?

Certain classes will require you to attend live classes or assessments. Please refer to the respective syllabi for details, and plan on blocking off two days a week for these requirements. Exact dates will be provided to students in advance.

What qualities contribute to a student’s success in the Extended Online Pathway?

• Self-motivation: Students will need to take the initiative to watch videos and complete assignments, and reach out to schedule times to meet with faculty and other students if they have questions and/or require clarification.
• Time management: Students must create their schedules to watch recorded lectures, complete quizzes, and assignments on time, while balancing their schoolwork with other life responsibilities.
• Communication: Students must take initiative to engage with faculty, classmates, and preceptors using written and verbal communication skills.
• Technology skills: Students must navigate the internet, use video platforms (e.g., Zoom), use Google suites or other word processing software, download software programs, and take quizzes/exams online.
• Resilience: Students will need to overcome challenges and problems that may occur, remembering why they want to become a pharmacist.

How do I apply to the Extended Online Pathway PharmD-XO?

The new PharmCAS application cycle opens in early July every year to start the PharmD-XO program in the following January/Spring. For more information and personalized coaching through the application and admission process, please contact us at pharmacy@hawaii.edu or 808-932-7704.

How often will I need to be on-campus at DKICP in Hilo, Hawaii?

The first 4.5 years of the PharmD-XO consist of online foundational coursework, with a requirement to be on campus in Hilo once a year for 2-4 weeks (2 weeks for the orientation and white coat events in January, 2-4 weeks in approximately April-May in the following years) to acquire essential clinical skills in the laboratory and practice settings.

Does the Extended Online Pathway (PharmD-XO) curriculum differ from the other DKICP PharmD program?

Both on-campus and XO PharmD pathways at the DKICP have the exact curriculum requirements. The first 4.5 years of the PharmD-XO consist of online foundational coursework, with a requirement to be on campus in Hilo once a year for 2-4 weeks to acquire essential clinical skills in the laboratory and practice settings. The final year of the PharmD-XO is identical to the final year of the on-campus PharmD track. It requires learners to engage in full-time Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) in preparation for their licensure board exam, postgraduate residency training, and/or employment in various pharmacy settings.

What technology and supplies do I need for the Extended-Online pathway (PharmD-XO)?

• Reliable internet
• DKICP uses Examsoft to administer exams
• Laptop Requirement Specifications
• Video/Web camera and microphone for video conferencing program (Zoom)

How will I take my exams?

• Most online exams will be proctored and monitored remotely via a video platform (e.g., ExamSoft and Zoom). Students must have a webcam and a microphone to use this software, along with dual monitoring (one device to take the test, the other to record the test taking)
• There will be quizzes and other assessments that may use the Learning Management System Brightspace, which is called Lamaku.
• Other exams will be done when students are required to be in person/on campus and will be proctored by a faculty member.

How will I complete experiential education rotation hours in the PharmD-XO?

• The experiential education curriculum incorporates both IPPE and APPE rotations.
• Most IPPE rotations will occur during the in-person immersion weeks in Hilo (IPPE 1, IPPE 3, IPPE 4, and IPPE 5). IPPE 2, a four-week full-time IPPE rotation in a community pharmacy, takes place in the Fall of Year 3, and can be completed in any US state.
• APPE year starts in May of the final year, and consists of seven six-week full-time in-person rotations. These rotations include Inpatient Adult Patient Care, Ambulatory Care, Community, Hospital, and three electives (at least one must be a clinical elective). The following rotations must be completed within the State of Hawaii: Adult Inpatient Care, Ambulatory Care, Hospital, and clinical elective. Therefore, students can expect to complete a minimum of four rotations (24 weeks) at rotation sites within the State of Hawaii. The remaining three rotations (18 weeks) may be completed within the State of Hawaii or throughout the US, subject to rotation site availability.

Can I complete experiential education rotation hours in foreign countries?

There may be opportunities to complete one (1) APPE elective rotation in a foreign country, pending site availability.

Do I need to live in the United States?

• Students who are United States (US) citizens or permanent green card holders can live outside of the United States while completing the PharmD-XO program; however, students are required to attend the University of Hawaii at Hilo campus for 2-4 weeks per year and need to meet required practice hours for the experiential courses (IPPE and APPE), which requires most of the rotations to be completed in the United States or in a US Territory.
• Students must adjust for the time difference between where they reside, any DKICP activities/mandatory class assessments and assignments outlined in the syllabus.

As a current DKICP PharmD student, can I switch to the Extended Online Pathway (PharmD-XO), or vice versa?

For existing DKICP students who want to change PharmD tracks, they can submit a request to transfer pathways (one time) for extenuating circumstances.

Are international students eligible for the PharmD-XO pathway?

At this time, international students are not being considered for our first cohort, which is scheduled to be launched in January 2026.

What are the costs of the different PharmD programs?

• Pending the final approvals, the total cost of tuition for the two PharmD pathways is the same, with variations for Hawaii residents, non-residents, and Pacific Islanders. The total tuition cost for the PharmD degree is prorated for the number of semesters/terms designed for degree completion in the respective pathways.
• Students in both PharmD pathways pay a professional student fee of $500/semester for on-campus pathway and $500/term for Pharm-XO pathway.
• Required campus (UH Hilo) fees per semester are $81 when 100% online, and $247 when campus components are required.

Where do I stay when I come to campus?

• On-campus housing is an option but not included in the tuition. The cost of on-campus housing includes linens, and there are traditional-style double units, maximum two persons, or suite-style single units, maximum two persons. Laundry machines are accessible on site, and dining points can also be purchased, if desired, for on-campus meals (Meal Plan Options).
• All XO students can be accommodated with on-campus housing and will be housed at Hale Kauanoe.
• Students will be able to apply for on-campus housing once they are accepted into the DKICP program. The nightly rate per person for a double occupancy is approximately $16/night. Subject to change.

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