Electives

This page includes the current electives being offered in Spring and Fall Semesters.
Click each course title for more information.

Yearlong and Even/Odd Year Courses
Some courses are offered only in even or odd years only. These courses are labeled accordingly and listed in white near the end of each semester list. Several electives are yearlong, 2 semester courses. These are labeled accordingly and listed in gray at the end of the semester that the course starts in.

Jump To: Fall, Summer, Research

Spring Electives

• PMCY 5240 - Rural & Underserved Pharmacy Care

  Instructor(s):

  
   Dr. Emily Flores & Dr. KariLynn Dowling-McClay

  Description:

  This course is designed to introduce student pharmacists to the unique characteristics and challenges of providing healthcare to rural and underserved populations with a focus in the Appalachian region and on broad skills that pharmacists can bring to the rural healthcare team.   

  
  Pharmacists utilize a core set of knowledge and skills when serving rural and underserved populations as a part of the community and the interprofessional team whether in rural Appalachia, on a Native American Reservation, on big city streets, or in a developing country.  This core set of knowledge and skills helps pharmacists recognize the challenges and strengths present and then adapt to the individual patients and diverse populations they are engaging with.  This course seeks to provide students with a strong foundation in the common knowledge and skills utilized to serve well in these settings.  The course acknowledges patients and populations from a whole health perspective to meet them where they are and then work to impact health disparities while respecting culture and tradition.  

  This course seeks to spark an excitement for serving rural and/or underserved populations as a pharmacist while giving students a foundational confidence in their own core skillset! 

   

  Example Syllabus:
  
  
  

  PMCY 5240 - Rural/Underserved Pharmacy Care (Syllabus).pdf

  Tracks:
  
  

  Rural/Underserved Pharmacy Care Track/Concentration

  Career Path(s):

  Rural/Underserved
  
  
  

  Learning Format:

  This course consists of three class sessions of 2 hours each, one 3 hour class session, and four online asynchronous modules estimated to require 1-4 hours to complete.  

  How it meets:
  
  

  This is a blended course that consists of online modules as well as synchronous class sessions in various locations.  

  Types of Assessments:

  This course includes assessment based on Participation, Patient Cases, Module Assignments, and Community Needs Assessment Project & Presentation.  This course does not include any quizzes or examinations.  

  Homework:

  This course has 4 scheduled in person class meetings; other course time is allocated for students to complete online modules and course assignments at times/locations of their choice.  
  
  
  
  
  

• PMPR 7103 - Evidence-Based Diabetes Management

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Rick Hess

  Description:

  This course provides evidence-based foundation in principles of diabetes therapy and management.  Students will develop knowledge and ability to assess, manage, educate, monitor, and recommend pharmacotherapy for patients with diabetes.  Students successfully completing the elective will have the knowledge and basic skill set to begin practicing diabetes management.  Diabetes care within rural Appalachian region will be emphasized when possible.

  Simulation living with diabetes experiences may include wearing continuous glucose monitor, insulin pump devices and receiving hypoglycemia alerts in order to learn about day-to-day  experiences with diabetes

  Tracks:
  
  

  This elective is not specific to any track.

  Career Path(s):

  Community Pharmacy
  Hospital Pharmacy
  Primary Care Pharmacist
  Academia/Teaching/Faculty
  Independent Pharmacy

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed & Laboratory or hands-on work

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Quizzes
  Other: Simulation of living with diabetes

  Homework:

  N/A
  
  
  

• PMPR 7111 - Case Studies in Oncology

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. John Bossaer

  Description:

  This course will supplement the oncology material covered previously in required courses. High level topics will be taught through the use of case studies that will foster/develop self-directed learning.

  It's entirely self-directed and self-paced.

  
  STRONGLY recommended if signing up for an outpatient oncology APPE.

  Tracks:
  
  

  Residency

  Career Path(s):

  Oncology Pharmacist

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed

  How it meets:
  
  

  Online

  Types of Assessments:

  Homework

  Homework:

  
  Case Studies

• PMPR 7112 - Advanced Pediatric Pharmacy

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Jim Thigpen

  Description:

  This course series will supplement the pediatrics material covered in the integrated series.  Emphasis for the course will be placed on practical issues involving infants and children that the pharmacist will encounter.

  The student will be assigned a premature baby to follow throughout the class.  The student will be able to follow as the premature baby grows and faces the challenges of prematurity. The student will be expected to provide weekly updates of their patient's progress throughout the course.  At the end of the course, the student will be taken to the NICU in order to "meet" the patient.  

  Tracks:
  
  

  Residency

  Career Path(s):

  Community Pharmacy
  Hospital Pharmacy
  Primary Care Pharmacist
  Pediatric/Neonatal Pharmacist

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed, 
  Faculty lecture, and
  Laboratory or hands-on work

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Homework, Quizzes, Projects

  Homework:

  
  Case Studies
  Reading and Reflection/Discussion
  Interactive Assignments like lab work

• PMPR 7116 - Business Plan Basics for Independent Pharmacy

  Instructor(s):

  Dr. Jeff Gray

• PMPR 7118 - Substance Misuse and Addiction in Appalachia

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Sarah Thomason

  Description:

  An integrated study of the history, physical, sociocultural, and psychological effects of substance use disorders  and the underlying disease of addiction.  Course content relies on the most current data and studies as well as practical information and interviews drawn from treatment professionals and their patients. The material gives perceptive insights into the complex fields of drug misuse, compulsive behaviors, addiction, treatment, recovery, and prevention.

  We work collaboratively with the  Yale School of Medicine through course material on substance use disorders. We have  guest speakers from across northeast TN and southwest VA who  discuss topics every pharmacist, physician,  public health advocate,  and nurse should be aware of when caring for a patient/client with substance use disorders.  Topics include forensic toxicology in overdose investigations, a visit to the methadone clinic, diversion, role of the Drug Enforcement Agency, harm reduction practices, and interviews with patients with substance use disorders. This course will teach you how to be an agent of change in your community.  This in an interprofessional course bringing together student pharmacists, physicians, nurses, public health and nursing. 

  Tracks:
  
  

  Community Pharmacy, Residency, Rural

  Career Path(s):

  Community Pharmacy
  Hospital Pharmacy
  Primary Care Pharmacist
  Academia/Teaching/Faculty
  Mental Health/psychiatric pharmacist
  Pain Educator
  Long-term Care Pharmacist
  This elective is useful for ANY career path

  Learning Format:

  Discussion with addiction experts and real-life active learning projects.

  How it meets:
  
  

  Online

  Types of Assessments:

  Homework
  Projects

  Homework:

  
  Abstinence Project
  Reading and Reflection/Discussion
  Interprofessional team projects about substance use and engaging the community

• PMPR 7119 - Infectious Diseases Pharmacotherapy

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. David Cluck

  Description:

  This course supplements fundamental concepts of infectious diseases introduced in the ID course and augments concepts covered throughout the integrated series. Important topics are discussed in greater detail. Unique topics often seen in clinical practice are addressed.

  Guest lecturers from other programs. 

  Tracks:
  
  

  Residency

  Career Path(s):

  Primary Care Pharmacist

  Learning Format:

  Lecture

  How it meets:
  
  

  Hybrid

  Types of Assessments:

  Homework
  Quizzes
  Exams

  Homework:

  
  Case Studies
  Reading and Reflection/Discussion
  Interactive Assignments like lab work

• PMPR 7132 - Application of Acute Care Pharmacy Practice

  Click to Watch Video

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Jessica Burchette & Dr. Kelly Covert

  Description:

  This course exposes students to the basics of inpatient, acute care clinical practice and to hospital leadership responsibilities, formulary management and pharmacy stewardship concepts. For students interested in postgraduate residency training and learning more about clinical practice in a hospital setting. 

  This course focuses on inpatient clinical pharmacy practice and concludes with students working up and presenting a series of patient cases. The aim of this course is to help inform students if pursuing a PGY1 and potential inpatient/ acute care PGY2 would be a good career path for them. 

  Tracks:
  
  

  Residency

  Career Path(s):

  Hospital Pharmacy

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed & Faculty Lecture

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Projects

  Homework:

  
  N/A

• PMPR 7306 - Postgraduate Launchpad    (Yearlong Course, Spring P3 - Fall P4)

   

  Note: This is a yearlong course. Enrollment begins in January of students' P3 year and continue  through the Fall of their P4 year.

  
  Click to Watch Introduction Video

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Kelly Covert &  Dr. Jessica Burchette

  Description:

  This course runs the entire calendar year. It is designed to guide students through the 12 months of preparation leading to postgraduate application deadlines. Students will be assigned to a faculty mentor, but will also attend specific events related to each step of the postgraduate application process.

  This course walks students through their residency/ fellowship application materials (starting in January of their P3 year and concluding in December of their P4 year, with PharmCAS application submission). The course meets monthly for 2 hours. 

  Tracks:
  
  

  Residency

  Career Path(s):

  Hospital Pharmacy
  Pediatric/Neonatal Pharmacist
  Oncology Pharmacist

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed

  How it meets:
  
  

  Online

  Types of Assessments:

  Monthly Meetings

  Homework:

  
  N/A

NON-GCOP Electives
Students are allowed to take online electives from other ACPE-accredited colleges or schools or pharmacy and transfer credits to meet elective requirements. Students are responsible for any additional tuition and fees from outside institutions. A list of available courses is available from the Office of Academic Affairs.  

Fall Electives

• PMPR 7108 - Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Practice in Appalachia

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. McKenzie Highsmith & Dr. Brandi Dahl

  Description:

  This course focuses on increasing student's proficiency in the management of chronic diseases and will provide an introduction to various ambulatory care practice settings and interdisciplinary team roles. This course will largely consist of active learning activities, guest speakers, and off-campus activities.

  We utilize all methods of instruction, including lots of guest speakers/panelists, some "field trips" and some student presentations. So much of our time together is spent in discussion on topics special to primary care, health policy, lifestyle changes, chronic diseases, and some history. 

  Tracks:
  
  

  Residency

  Career Path(s):

  Primary Care Pharmacist
  Academia/Teaching/Faculty
  Government/Non-Govt. Org.
  Mental Health/psychiatric pharmacist

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed, 
  Faculty lecture, and
  Laboratory or hands-on work

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Mix of quizzes, in class participation and activities and one presentation

  Homework:

  
  N/A

• PMPR 7117 - Personal Finance for the Future Pharmacist

  Instructor(s):

  
  Mr. Bruce Gannaway

  Description:

  This course introduces and develops the student’s knowledge of personal finance. Topics include budget development, dealing with debt, purchasing decisions, cash allocation principles, the credit concept, net worth, insurance, career planning, and retirement planning.

  The goal is to establish student habits with budgeting and primary financial education to (short term) reduce the amount of student loans required to graduate from Pharmacy school and (long term) develop a workable plan to manage future income to quickly pay off student loans and successfully invest for long term financial independence.

  Tracks:
  
  

  Not specific to any track.

  Career Path(s):

  Useful for all career paths
  
  

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed
  Faculty lecture

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Homework
  Quizzes

  Homework:

  
  Reading and Reflection/Discussion

• PMPR 7129 - Healthcare Spanish

  Instructor(s):

  
  Mrs. Holly Melendez

  Description:

  This course is designed to introduce language and culture in a healthcare setting to aid students with future communication needs with patients/clients. Emphasis will be on vocabulary and cultural situations appropriate for a healthcare profession. Ideally, students should have a basic awareness of the Spanish language, understand the alphabet and letter sounds, know some basic greetings/vocabulary, subject pronouns and simple verb conjugation. All of these things can be introduced and practiced online at Mango Languages and Duolingo app.

  Exposure and direct access in a small group to community, health care, university, and military leaders who discuss their leadership experience, growth, and priorities.

  Tracks:
  
  

  Not specific to any track.

  Career Path(s):

  Useful for ANY career path.

  Learning Format:

  Lecture
  
  

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Homework

  Homework:

  
  Reading and Reflection/Discussion

• PMPR 7130 - Pharmacy Leadership Forum

  Instructor(s):

  
  Mr. Bruce Gannaway

  Description:

  This course is designed to introduce students to emerging trends and career opportunities in the pharmacy profession through exposure to leaders in professional and corporate environments. Course components emphasize personal and professional student development, in particular, leadership development.

  Exposure and direct access in a small group to community, health care, university, and military leaders who discuss their leadership experience, growth, and priorities.

  Tracks:
  
  

  Both Residency and Research

  Career Path(s):

  This elective is useful for ANY career path

  Learning Format:

  Faculty lecture

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Homework

  Homework:

  
  Reading and Reflection/Discussion

• PMPR 7302 - Foundations of Clinical Pharmacy Practice

  

  Click to Watch Intro Video

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Jennifer Trotter

  Description:

  This course provides students with an introductory overview of the Pharmacy Residency Track and the opportunities available in residency and fellowship for those interested in pursuing a residency upon graduation. The course will highlight the history of clinical pharmacy and pharmacy education as well as the projected future of clinical pharmacy practice. Students will further develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills and will get a glimpse into the expectations and rigor of a residency program. Finally, students will be exposed to the governance and regulatory organizations that are key players in the clinical and academic pharmacy settings. Students who complete this course will be better informed to decide if they are interested in enrolling in the Residency Track and pursuing post-graduate training.

  This course focuses on inpatient clinical pharmacy practice and concludes with students working up and presenting a series of patient cases. This course aims to help inform students if pursuing a PGY1 and potential inpatient/ acute care PGY2 would be a good career path for them. 

  Tracks:
  
  

  Residency

  Career Path(s):

  Community Pharmacy
  Hospital Pharmacy
  Primary Care Pharmacist
  Mental Health/psychiatric pharmacist
  Pediatric/Neonatal Pharmacist
  Oncology Pharmacist

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Projects

  Homework:

  
  N/A

• PMPR 7126 - Global Healthcare: Perspectives and Practice    (Offered in Odd Years)

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Emily Flores

  Description:

  This interprofessional course introduces students to culture and healthcare practices in different countries.  It is a great first step for students interested in future international or global study, work, or volunteering.  There are no examinations; students gain a global perspective through discussions, mini-cultural experiences (including food options), active learning activities, and periodic online modules.

  This interprofessional course is designed to introduce students to common global health disease states and related prevention strategies and treatment approaches.  It consists of 5 modules that are 3 weeks in duration:  Introduction, Maternal/Child Health, Communicable Diseases, NonCommunicable Diseases, and Summary. 

  
  During the first 4 modules, students post on discussion questions of their choosing then complete a quiz and either case vignettes or a piece of their interprofessional group project.  The last module is dedicated to interprofessional groups finalizing the project that the previous modules built towards.  A variety of interprofessional faculty teach in this course and support students throughout.  Everyone really builds interprofessional skills and personal professional skills while learning content that is interesting and global!  This course has a focus on rural/underserved populations that can be applied in the USA and abroad. 

  
  Students will spend approximately 3 hours per week on course activities at a time of their choosing.

  Tracks:
  
  

  Other: Public Health degree elective, Interprofessional Global Health Certificate elective

  Career Path(s):

  Government/Non-Govt. Org.
  Other: Public Health, Global Health, Rural/Underserved Care

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed
  Faculty lecture

  How it meets:
  
  

  Online

  Types of Assessments:

  Quizzes
  Projects
  Other: Consists of online modules with submissions that are due approximately every 3 weeks

  Homework:

  
  N/A

• PMPR 7131 - Global Healthcare: Disease Treatment and Prevention    (Offered in Even Years)

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Emily Flores

  Description:

  This course seeks to discuss current issues affecting health around the globe.  This interprofessional, online, asynchronous, course is designed to introduce health professional students to a wide array of issues in global healthcare related to disease treatment and prevention while acknowledging differences seen in low and high resource settings within a broad cultural context.  This course has a focus on rural and underserved populations due to the overlap of global health issues within these populations and serves as a foundational preparation step for practicing in global health fields as a culturally aware healthcare professional. 

  3-minute course intro video: https://etsu.hosted.panopto.com/Panopto/Pages/Viewer.aspx?id=31d69865-68c4-49b3-9fd6-b1490139f4ec&start=0 

  This course is online only and open to all student levels with no cap.

  This class is only offered in the Fall semester of even years (2024, 2026, 2028, etc.).

  Tracks:
  
  

   

  Career Path(s):

   

  Learning Format:

  Discussion, Active Learning, Individual and group work

  How it meets:
  
  

  Online

   

  Types of Assessments:

   

  Homework:

  
  
  

• PMSC 7202 - Principles of Toxicology    (Offered in Even Years)

  Instructor(s):

  Dr. Stacy Brown

  Description:

  This course will provide students with an understanding of the basic principles and concepts of toxicology, including various mechanisms of toxicological response.  The course will also present clinical applications, including the toxicology of various drug classes, vitamins, alcohols, metals, environmental chemicals, and agents used for chemical and biological warfare.

   

  Tracks:  

   

• PMIN 6361 - Capstone Seminar    (Yearlong Course, Fall P4 - Spring P4)

   

  Note: This is a yearlong course.  Students will meet throughout their P4 Fall and Spring Semesters.

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. David Stewart

  Description:

  The pinnacle goals of this experience are encompassed by the framework of: “Research-Assemble-Present.”

  Research

  Students will be required to independently search and evaluate literature from the basic, biomedical, and/or clinical sciences for appropriate information to better understand their topic, justify the topics applicability and importance to the science and/or practice of pharmacy, and demonstrate a competent knowledge of the topic. In some cases, students may use data generated during their student career at the GCOP to further justify and/or support their claims.

   

  Assemble

  Students will be required to immerse themselves in their topic of choice. They will evaluate the scope of the identified problem or hypothesis and its relevance to the science and/or practice of pharmacy. Students will craft a narrative that demonstrates an in-depth understanding of the larger topic, the relevance of a clinical question and/or hypothesis, and well thought out conclusions and recommendations.

   

  Present

  Students will be required to develop and deliver a professional presentation to peers, future colleagues, and healthcare professionals. The components outlined above must be included. Additionally, the student must be able to accurately articulate the components of their project, orally, using contemporary audio/visual aids. Students must also be able to defend their conclusions, recommendations, and positions to the audience

  Example Syllabus:

  PMIN 6361 - Capstone Seminar (Syllabus).pdf

   

  Tracks:
  
  

  This elective is not specific to any track

  Career Path(s):

  This elective is useful for ANY career path.

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed

  How it meets:
  
  

  Capstone Seminar is a combination of online and in-person. All presentations will be conducted live and in person. Other activities are online and asynchronous.

  Types of Assessments:

  Presentations

  Homework:

• PMPR 7305 - Clinical Research Primer    (Yearlong Course, Fall P3 - Spring P3)

  Note: This is a yearlong course.  Students will meet throughout their P3 Fall and Spring Semesters.

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Ralph Lugo

  Description:

  This course will introduce the basics of research design and implementation within a clinical setting.  Students will work independently and at their own pace to view recordings and complete various readings and assignments.  Each student will be assigned to a faculty member (likely the course coordinator) to meet as needed regarding materials covered in the course.  Additionally, students will be paired in groups of 2-3 to take a research idea to create the framework for a research proposal, including a draft IRB that is completed for submission.

  Students will learn how to plan and organize a research project, including research design, statistical analysis and presentation of results.

  Tracks:
  
  

  Residency

  Career Path(s):

  Hospital Pharmacy
  Research Pharmacist
  Academia/Teaching/Faculty
  Industry/Clinical Trial

  Learning Format:

  Student-led/self-directed

  How it meets:
  
  

  In-Person

  Types of Assessments:

  Projects

  Homework:

  
  N/A. 

NON-GCOP Electives
Students are allowed to take online electives from other ACPE-accredited colleges or schools or pharmacy and transfer credits to meet elective requirements. Students are responsible for any additional tuition and fees from outside institutions. A list of available courses is available from the Office of Academic Affairs.  

Summer Electives

Note: Enrollment for Summer Electives is open during the Fall sign-up period 

• PMPR 7307 - Medical Brigade    (Summer Course)

  Note: registration for this course is open during the fall sign-up period, however this is a Summer course.

  Instructor(s):

  
  Dr. Emily Flores

  Description:

  This course seeks to empower student pharmacists to grow as professionals by serving as part of an interprofessional medical brigade in a low-resource setting. Students are to assist the interprofessional team to prepare for the brigade, spend 1-2 weeks serving as a part of the brigade, and then reflect on the experience and their related personal and professional growth. Students are responsible for costs of travel, but may apply for scholarship funds through ETSU Study Abroad for ETSU-sponsored trips. Required components of this course may span several semesters with curricular credit awarded after completion of all elective components.

  Tracks:
  
  

   

  Career Path(s):

   

  Learning Format:

   

  How it meets:
  
  

   

  Types of Assessments:

   

  Homework:

  
  
  

Research Electives

In addition to didactic elective courses, students at Gatton interested in doing research can meet their elective requirements by enrolling in available research projects.  These electives can be applied to a Concentration in Research. To enroll in a research elective, students will need to meet with and obtain approval from the faculty member accepting new students into their research.

For more information on research being conducted by our pharmaceutical sciences faculty and information on the Research Concentration:
https://www.etsu.edu/pharmacy/departments/pharmaceutical_sciences/research.php