Al Ain University Launches Doctor of Pharmacy Program in Line with Advancements in the UAE Healthcare Sector
Al Ain University has launched the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program for high school graduates, with the aim of preparing qualified pharmacy professionals equipped with the clinical knowledge and professional skills needed to advance pharmacy practice and enhance the quality of healthcare, in line with the UAE’s vision and the rapid development of its healthcare sector.
Offered through the College of Pharmacy at both the Abu Dhabi Campus in Mohammed Bin Zayed City and the Al Ain Campus, the program joins the College’s existing academic portfolio, which includes the Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, Master of Science in Clinical Pharmacy, and Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
The Doctor of Pharmacy program spans six years and 214 credit hours, featuring an integrated curriculum that combines pharmaceutical sciences, clinical knowledge, and practical training. The program includes 40 weeks of hospital-based clinical training during the sixth year, in addition to 10 weeks of comprehensive training in community pharmacies and the pharmaceutical industry, providing students with opportunities to apply their academic knowledge in real-world professional settings.
The launch of the program reflects the ongoing transformation of the UAE healthcare sector and the expanding role of pharmacists within the healthcare system, particularly in pharmaceutical care, the safe and effective use of medicines, and medication therapy management. The program seeks to prepare graduates capable of working within multidisciplinary healthcare teams and contributing effectively to improving the quality of healthcare services provided to the community.
The College of Pharmacy provides a learning environment that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through specialized academic courses, laboratories, and educational and training facilities. These resources enable students to progressively develop their scientific and practical competencies throughout their studies, culminating in clinical and field training across hospitals, community pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry.
The program is also delivered by a distinguished team of faculty members specializing in various areas of pharmaceutical sciences and clinical pharmacy, bringing extensive academic, research, and professional expertise. This contributes to an integrated learning experience that supports students in developing clinical reasoning and decision-making skills related to pharmaceutical care and professional practice.
Prof. Amer Qasem, President of Al Ain University, emphasized that the launch of the program forms part of the University’s continuous efforts to develop academic programs that respond to the needs of key sectors in the UAE. He said: “Healthcare is one of the UAE’s most strategic and rapidly evolving sectors. As an academic institution, it is our responsibility to keep pace with this development by preparing professionals equipped with the knowledge, competencies, and skills required by the labor market. The Doctor of Pharmacy program further strengthens the University’s portfolio of health-related programs and provides students with an academic pathway that combines quality education with practical and clinical experience.”
He added: “Al Ain University is committed to ensuring that its academic programs remain closely aligned with the needs of society and the demands of the future. We aim to provide students with an educational experience that goes beyond theoretical knowledge to build the skills and expertise they need to play an active role in their fields and contribute to the UAE’s continued development.”
For his part, Dr. Mohammed Bostanudin, Dean of the College of Pharmacy at Al Ain University, said: “The Doctor of Pharmacy program has been designed to provide an integrated educational experience that connects pharmaceutical sciences with clinical practice and patient care. Students’ progress from establishing a strong scientific and academic foundation to applying their knowledge in real healthcare and professional environments.”
He added: “Practical and clinical training is a core component of the program. We have therefore developed an intensive training pathway that includes hospitals, community pharmacies, and the pharmaceutical industry. Through the program, we aim to graduate pharmacists who possess strong scientific competencies, professional skills, and the ability to meet the demands of modern pharmacy practice while contributing effectively to the healthcare system.”
The program provides high school graduates with new opportunities to pursue their studies in pharmacy and prepare for diverse career pathways across hospitals, clinical pharmacy, community pharmacies, the pharmaceutical industry, and other areas related to pharmaceutical care.
