Master in Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)Master in Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)
Gulf Medical University
gmu-logo-badge

ماجستير في الصيدلة الإكلينيكية
Master in Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)

Gulf Medical UniversityCollege of PharmacyMaster in Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)
Master in Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)
Duration

2 Years

Download Flyer

Apply Now

Youtube video
Master in Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)
Master in Clinical Pharmacy (MCP)

Master in Clinical Pharmacy is offered by the College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University (GMU) in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi (CCAD) and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), United States. The collaboration includes experts from CCAD and VCU contributing to the delivery of some courses. CCAD is also a site for certain speciality rotations including Parenteral Nutrition and Infectious Diseases.

The Master in Clinical Pharmacy program received accreditation from the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, United Arab Emirates. [Link]

Master in Clinical Pharmacy is a specialized degree not only advancing the Pharmacist to be a Clinical Pharmacist but also specializing in a student selected clinical area of focus. The advantage of being a clinical specialist with a chosen speciality course (3 credits), speciality rotation (4 credits) and research thesis on same speciality (6 credits) is a highlight of GMU MCP Program.

GMU has been offering the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program since 2008. With 10 years of experience, it is now in a position to provide excellent Clinical Pharmacy training at the master level especially with its own teaching hospitals and clinics in the UAE. Thumbay group of teaching hospitals have diverse patients and trained clinical preceptors for high quality advanced experiential learning.

GMU, being one of the leading Medical Universities in the region, offers multi-professional clinical research opportunities that impact clinical practice and are published in high-quality international journals.

For working pharmacists, the study plan is flexible to complete all the courses in 4 or 5 semesters. All classes are in the evenings and/or weekends.

Program Highlights

  • Highest quality & most affordable program in the UAE.
  • Flexible payment plan.
  • The program designed for working professionals.
  • Collaboration with Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Virginia Commonwealth University, US.
  • On Campus Thumbay University Hospital.
  • Preferred training site for national and international clinical pharmacy students.
  • Experienced faculty with potential master research in collaboration with US institutions.
  • Leading to specializations in Cardiology, ID, Oncology, PN, Nephrology, Critical Care, and Neuropsychiatry.

Who will benefit from the program

  • Pharmacists who seek to advance their careers as clinical pharmacists
  • Graduates of PharmD or BPharm to specialize in a clinical speciality
  • National and International pharmacists who would prefer to be trained by GMU-Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi-Virginia Commonwealth University experts and facilities
  • Pharmacists who wish to perform a multi-professional clinical research at GMU and affiliated institutions

Goals

The goals of the Master in Clinical Pharmacy program are;

  • Equip and enable Clinical Pharmacists to become change agents and to meet the challenges in a changing healthcare system in the country and deliver specialized patient-centered and evidence-based clinical pharmacy services.
  • Adopt national and international best practices in clinical pharmacy education.
  • Improve research productivity in clinical pharmacy and promote the professional development of pharmacists.
  • Enhance the quality of care to a specialized clinical level provided by graduates to the community it serves.
  • Encourage self-development and collaborative practice.

Outcomes

The Outcomes of the Master in Clinical Pharmacy is based on American College of Clinical Pharmacy competencies for Clinical Pharmacists with additional research outcome.

  • Direct patient care
  • Pharmacotherapy knowledge
  • System-based care and population health
  • Communication
  • Professionalism
  • Continuing professional development and
  • Research

Program Learning Outcomes

No.Program Learning Outcomes
PLO 1Understand ethical and legal principles to complex clinical practice and research.
PLO 2Explain methods of specialized clinical pharmacy services and innovative approaches in advancing pharmacy profession in the healthcare system.
PLO 3Analyze pharmacotherapy decisions and current best quality evidence to generate practice-based knowledge.
PLO 4Develop innovative population-based clinical approaches within UAE healthcare system.
PLO 5Demonstrate advanced and complex clinical problem-solving skills by integrating knowledge from different fields independently.
PLO 6Evaluate pharmacokinetic approaches critically to ensure safe and effective medication use.
PLO 7Demonstrate highly developed specialist communication and information technology skills to manage complex clinical situations.
PLO 8Perform a major research project of value to community that adds to current body of knowledge.
PLO 9Abide by the law and ethical practices for a clinical pharmacist and ensure its compliance at practice site.
PLO 10Manage high level of professional practice standards, including leadership and managerial attitudes in highly complex, unfamiliar or unpredictable situations strategically.
PLO 11Account for high level of governance processes considering socio-cultural norms to build and transform for the benefit of community it serves.
PLO 12Initiate and manage specialized patient care in advanced healthcare settings.
PLO 13Strategize sustainable approaches to develop clinical pharmacy practice models in a given healthcare system.
PLO 14Demonstrate self-assessment, self-directed learning, and manage change by training self and others in the profession.
PLO 15Manage highly complex ethical issues by making informed, fair and valid decisions with continuous and sensitive self-development.

Program Coordinator

Dr. Vineetha Menon
Assistant Professor

Study Plan

Name of the ProgramMaster in Clinical Pharmacy
Credit Hours38
Semesters2 Semesters + 1 year of Rotations & Thesis
Duration2 Years
In Collaboration with
  • Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • Virginia Commonwealth University, USA

Semester – 1

Course CodeCourse TitleC HL HN L HPre-requisites
MCP610Essentials of Clinical Pharmacy Practice322None
MCP611Advanced Clinical Pharmacokinetics322None
MCP612Advanced Pharmacotherapy 1204None
MCP614System-Based Care & Population Health220None
Semester Total1068 

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H – Non-Lecture Hours

Semester – 2

Course CodeCourse TitleC HL HN L HPre-requisites
–Specialization Course (Elective)322None
MCP622Advanced Pharmacotherapy 2204None
MCP620Antimicrobial Stewardship220None
MCP621Research Methodology and Biostatistics220None
MCP623Research Seminar102None
Semester Total1068 

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H – Non-Lecture Hours

 Specialization courses (One of the following to be selected in Semester 2)

Specialization Courses*
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
MCP650Advances in Cardiac Pharmacotherapy3
MCP651Parenteral Nutrition, IV Therapy & Sterile Preparation3
MCP652Advances in Infectious Disease Pharmacotherapy3
MCP653Advances in Renal Pharmacotherapy3
MCP656Advances in Oncology Pharmacotherapy3

* minimum three students and available specialized site of rotation.

 Year 2

Course CodeCourse TitleC HL HN L HPre-requisites
MCP630Ambulatory Care20160

All Courses in Semester

1 & 2

MCP631Critical Care20160
MCP632Internal Medicine I20160
MCP633Internal Medicine II20160
 Specialization Rotation* (a&b)40320
MCP640Practice-based Research Thesis60320
 1801280 

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H – Non-Lecture Hours

Specialization rotations (One of the following to be selected in Year 2)

Specialization Rotation
Rotation CodeRotation TitleCredit Hours
MCP660 (a&b)Cardiology Rotation4
MCP661 (a&b)Parenteral Nutrition Rotation4
MCP662 (a&b)Infectious Disease Rotation4
MCP663 (a&b)Nephrology Rotation4
MCP665 (a&b)Oncology Rotation4

Program Coordinator

Dr. Vineetha Menon
Assistant Professor

Study Plan

Name of the ProgramMaster in Clinical Pharmacy
Credit Hours38
Semesters2 Semesters + 1 year of Rotations & Thesis
Duration2 Years
In Collaboration with
  • Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, UAE
  • Virginia Commonwealth University, USA

Semester – 1

Course CodeCourse TitleC HL HN L HPre-requisites
MCP610Essentials of Clinical Pharmacy Practice322None
MCP611Advanced Clinical Pharmacokinetics322None
MCP612Applied Pharmacotherapy: General Medicine204None
MCP614System-Based Care & Population Health220None
Semester Total1068 

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H – Non-Lecture Hours

Semester – 2

Course CodeCourse TitleC HL HN L HPre-requisites
–Specialization Course (Elective)322None
MCP622Applied Pharmacotherapy: Clinical Specialty204None
MCP620Specialized Medication Stewardship220None
MCP621Research Methodology and Biostatistics220None
MCP623Research Seminar102None
Semester Total1068 

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H – Non-Lecture Hours

 Specialization courses (One of the following to be selected in Semester 2)

Specialization Courses*
Course CodeCourse TitleCredit Hours
MCP650Advances in Cardiac Pharmacotherapy3
MCP651Parenteral Nutrition, IV Therapy & Sterile Preparation3
MCP652Advances in Infectious Disease Pharmacotherapy3
MCP653Advances in Renal Pharmacotherapy3
MCP656Advances in Oncology Pharmacotherapy3
MCP 657Advances in Critical Care3
MCP 658Advances in Neuropsychiatry3

* minimum three students and available specialized site of rotation.

 Year 2

Course CodeCourse TitleC HL HN L HPre-requisites
MCP630Ambulatory Care20160None
MCP631Intensive Care20160All Courses in Semester 1 & 2
MCP632Internal Medicine I20160
MCP633Internal Medicine II20160
–Specialization Rotation* (a&b)40320
MCP640Practice-based Research Thesis60320
 1801280 

C H – Credit Hours, L H – Lecture Hours, N L H – Non-Lecture Hours

Specialization rotations (One of the following to be selected in Year 2)

Specialization Rotation
Rotation CodeRotation TitleCredit Hours
MCP660 (a&b)Cardiology Rotation4
MCP661 (a&b)Parenteral Nutrition Rotation4
MCP662 (a&b)Infectious Disease Rotation4
MCP663 (a&b)Nephrology Rotation4
MCP665 (a&b)Oncology Rotation4
MCP666 (a&b)Critical Care Rotation4
MCP 667 (a&b)Neuropsychiatry Rotation4

Admission Requirements

  • The following are the minimum requirements for admission into the Master in Clinical Pharmacy Program at GMU. Minimum requirements include:
  • A Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy (BPharm, BSc, or PharmD) from a University/Institute recognized by UAE
  • Distinct undergraduate performance of cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 point scale, or equivalent grade (“B”)
  • A CGPA less than 3.0 may be admitted conditionally provided that the student registers 9 credits hours in the first semester of his/her studies and obtains a “B” average or above as stated under general admissions requirements. [link]
  • The English language requirement will be waived for students who have completed their undergraduate degree in the English language by providing a letter from his/her institution that the Medium of Instruction of his/her undergraduate program was in English.
  • Students coming from non-English language institutions must meet a minimum IELTS score of 6.0 (or equivalent TOEFL Score of 79 on the iBT or 550 PBT (web-based) test or higher).
  • Graduate with less than the minimum score in English proficiency may be provided conditional admission that the student registers 6 credit hours in the first semester of his/her studies and obtains a “B” average or above.
    • Applicant must achieve and EMSAT score of 1400 or IELTS 6.0 or equivalent by the end of first semester of study
    • Applicant must achieve a minimum of CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent, in the first six credit hours of credit bearing courses studied for the Master’s program
  • Graduate with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.5 to 2.9 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent shall be conditionally admitted to the first semester as follows:
    • is allowed take a maximum of nine credit hours of courses studied for the graduate program during the period of conditional admission and
    • must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its established equivalent, in these nine credits of courses studied for the graduate program to progress to second semester or be subject to dismissal.
  • Graduate with a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0 to 2.4 on a 4.0 scale or its established equivalent shall be admitted to the first semester as follows:
    • is required to successfully complete a maximum of nine graduate-level credit hours as remedial preparation for the graduate program. These remedial courses are not for credit within the degree program
    • must achieve a minimum CGPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, or its established equivalent, in these nine credits of remedial courses in order to be admitted to the graduate program or be subject to dismissal.

Required Documents

  • Attested copy of the Baccalaureate degree and official transcripts of credit/s earned from an accredited Institution of higher education previously attended
  • Equivalency Certificate of the Baccalaureate degree from the Ministry of Education, UAE.
  • Passport copy and Emirates ID Card (For UAE Nationals Family Book and Ethbara)
  • Passport-size Photographs x 5
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Resume or CV
  • Statement of purpose

Apply Now: [link]

Semester – 1 Courses 

MCP 610: Essentials of Clinical Pharmacy Practice

This course covers higher levels of evidence utilization in clinical pharmacy practice. It focuses on advanced search and critical appraisal skills. Critical writing of high-quality reports on clinical specialty fields is also practiced. Patient-centered practice principles to protect patient values and achieve clinical outcomes are addressed. The components of ethics, laws and regulations in complex clinical practice situations considering cultural sensitivity. This course empowers students to understand and experience innovations in pharmacy practice. Development of innovative ideas to promote the professional practice with integration of specialized knowledge, skills, and competence to clinical pharmacy practice is key to this course.

MCP 611: Advanced Clinical Pharmacokinetics

This course covers advanced level of clinical pharmacokinetic services to improve patient outcomes in complex clinical situations. It also introduces new concepts of pharmacokinetics to students with special focus on new drug and new technologies in pharmacokinetics.

MCP612: Applied Pharmacotherapy: General Medicine

This course introduces the clinical use of medications in preventing and managing complex general medicine disorders. The course will enhance intricate and specialized therapeutic knowledge and skills vital to delivering hands-on patient care and improving clinical outcomes in respiratory, gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal, hematological, and fluid and electrolyte disorders. Learning will occur through analyzing and appraising complex clinical cases, enabling students to evaluate and implement individualized and patient-centered advanced pharmacotherapy decisions.

MCP 614: System-Based Care & Population Health

This course reviews the current components of advanced system-based care and population health. This course analyzes the specialized roles and responsibilities of each professionals and programs and how they coexist as part of the current health care practice. Quality of health care delivery as specific to different populations is also evaluated. Emphasis will be on preparing clinical pharmacists to implement specialized population-specific intervention plans which will have a significant influence on health outcomes, health determinants and policies.

Semester – 2 Courses

MCP 620: Specialized Medication Stewardship

This course provides an advanced exploration of stewardship principles applied across diverse therapeutic categories, including high-alert medications, biologicals, and specialized therapies. Students will evaluate medication use at the prescriber, pharmacist, and nursing levels to ensure alignment with global best practices and patient safety standards. The course emphasizes the development of strategic methods to improve rational drug utilization, minimize medication-related harm, and optimize healthcare resources in complex clinical environments.

MCP621: Research Methodology and Biostatistics

This is an advanced course in biostatistics and research methodology. This course covers different methods used in pharmacy research. It includes detailed methods of qualitative and quantitative research designs. The supporting biostatistics is also discussed.

MCP622: Applied Pharmacotherapy: Clinical Specialty

The course focuses on the application of pharmacotherapeutic principles in specialized areas of practice through case-based discussions, therapeutic planning, medication review, and evidence-based interventions. Students will develop skills in evaluating patient cases, identifying drug-related problems, and optimizing pharmacotherapy through structured clinical scenarios and interactive learning activities.

MCP623: Research Seminar

This is an advanced course where students present their research proposal. In this course, students will give seminars at phases of development of their thesis plan. A first draft of full research proposal in the GMU official format is to be submitted as part of this course.

Year – 2 Rotations

MCP 630: Ambulatory Care Rotation

This course empowers students to practice in ambulatory care settings at an advanced level. It focuses on specialized patient care by assisting patients through every step of the visit. The course also enables students to evaluate and enhance the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process model in complex ambulatory care settings.

MCP 631: Intensive Care Rotation

This rotation empowers students to practice in intensive care, especially with complex clinical cases. The opportunity is to be part of delivery of highly advanced and specialized critical care. Improvements in process and quality of pharmacists provided with critical care services are essential.

MCP632: Internal Medicine -I

The Internal medicine I rotation focuses on management of conditions commonly encountered in internal medicine. The focus of this training is to develop specialized practice in patients with advanced and complex conditions encountered in internal medicine. Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process is practiced in this rotation to improve patient care. Demonstration of leadership, advocacy, and innovation in improving the services are practiced.

MCP633: Internal Medicine II

The Internal Medicine II rotation focuses on the management of conditions commonly encountered in internal medicine. The focus of this training is to develop specialized practice skills in managing patients with advanced and complex medical conditions encountered in internal medicine. The Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process is applied throughout this rotation to optimize patient care. Leadership, advocacy, and innovation in improving healthcare services are also emphasized. The rotation additionally incorporates prescribing skills training, emphasizing safe and evidence-based prescribing principles, therapeutic decision-making, medication safety, and participation in the Prescribing Skill Assessment.

MCP 640: Practice-based Research Thesis

Research plan is prepared in Semester 2 and ethics approval shall be taken before early in year 2 to start research. Research continues throughout year 2 and ends with submission of a thesis. Broad area of research is in the specialization that students undergo with selected specialization courses and specialization rotation.

Specialization Courses

MCP 650: Advances in Cardiac Pharmacotherapy

This specialization course covers specialized management of cardiac diseases. It included advanced and specialized pharmacotherapy in management of complex cardiovascular cases. The practice approaches to the clinical specialty prepares the students to provide advanced care.

MCP 651: Parenteral Nutrition, IV Therapy & Sterile Preparation

This concentration course covers specialized management of nutritional diseases. It included advanced and specialized pharmacotherapy in management of complex and high risk parenteral nutrition therapy. The practice approaches to the clinical and pharmaceutical specialty prepares the students to provide advanced care.

MCP 652: Advances in Infectious Disease Pharmacotherapy

This specialization course covers specialized management of infectious diseases. It included advanced and specialized pharmacotherapy in management of complex infection cases. The practice approaches to the clinical specialty prepares the students to provide advanced care.

MCP 653: Advances in Renal Pharmacotherapy

This specialization course covers specialized management of renal diseases. It included advanced and specialized pharmacotherapy in management of complex renal disease cases. The practice approaches to the clinical specialty prepares the students to provide advanced care.

656: Advances in Oncology Pharmacotherapy

This course covers specialized management of oncology diseases. It includes advanced and specialized pharmacotherapy in management of complex cancer cases. The practice approaches to the clinical specialty prepares students to provide advanced care.

657: Advances in Critical Care

This course covers specialized management of critical care conditions. It includes advanced and specialized pharmacotherapy in management of patients in need of critical care. The practice approaches to the clinical specialty prepares students to provide advanced care.

658: Advances in Neuropsychiatry

This course covers specialized management of neurologic and psychiatric conditions. It includes advanced and specialized pharmacotherapy in management of patients in need of neurologic and psychiatric care. The practice approaches to the clinical specialty prepares students to provide advanced care.

Specialization Rotations

MCP 660: Cardiology Rotation

This concentration rotation facilitates practice opportunities to abilities gained from specialization course in cardiology. The focus of this training is to develop specialized practice in patients with even advanced and complex cardiovascular conditions. Parallel research in the broad area of cardiology prepares students to be specialist cardiology clinical pharmacists.

MCP 661: Parenteral Nutrition Rotation

This concentration rotation empowers students to practice in management of nutritional diseases at an advanced level. It focuses on specialized patient care by assisting patients through every step of the visit. The rotation also enables students to evaluate and enhance the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process model in complex and high risk parenteral nutrition therapy.

MCP 662: Infectious Disease Rotation

This concentration rotation facilitates practice opportunities to abilities gained from concentration course in infectious diseases. The focus of this training is to develop specialized practice in patients with even advanced and complex infectious disease conditions. A parallel research in the broad area of infectious diseases prepares students to be specialist infectious diseases clinical pharmacists.

MCP 663: Nephrology Rotation

This concentration rotation empowers students to practice in nephrology care settings at an advanced level. It focuses on specialized patient care by assisting patients through every step of the visit. The rotation also enables students to evaluate and enhance the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process model in complex nephrology care settings.

MCP 665: Oncology Rotation

This concentration rotation facilitates practice opportunities to abilities gained from specialization courses in oncology. The focus of this training is to develop specialized practice in patients with advanced and complex oncology conditions. Parallel research in the broad area of oncology prepares students to be specialist oncology clinical pharmacists.

MCP 666: Critical Care Rotation

This concentration rotation empowers students to practice in critical care settings at an advanced level. It focuses on specialized patient care by assisting patients through every step of the visit. The rotation also enables students to evaluate and enhance the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process model in cardiology and infectious diseases in critical care settings.

MCP 667: Neuropsychiatry Rotation

This concentration rotation empowers students to practice in neuropsychiatry care settings at an advanced level. It focuses on specialized patient care by assisting patients through every step of the visit. The rotation also enables students to evaluate and enhance the Pharmacists’ Patient Care Process model in complex neuropsychiatry care settings.

Specific Completion Requirements of the Master in Clinical Pharmacy Program includes

  • Completion of 38 credits
  • A minimum CGPA of 3.0
  • A minimum pass mark of 70% (Grade C) for each course. A pass in Rotations and Thesis.
  • A minimum attendance of 80% with each didactic courses and 100% attendance in rotations.
  • A successful defense of thesis submitted in the prescribed format.

Graduates can advance their career as

  • Specialized Clinical Pharmacists in Hospitals and Clinics
  • Pharmacy Administrators at Hospitals, Clinics, or Pharmacies
  • Clinical staff at Pharmaceutical Industries, e.g., medical affairs
  • Teaching Staff and specialty Preceptor at Universities
  • Clinical Consultants at the Ministry of Health
  • Research Staff at Clinical Organizations
  • Pharmacy benefit managers in health insurance industry
  • Pharmacotherapy specialists in health systems

Dr. Lina Wahba
Clinical Pharmacy Lead and Oncology Clinical Pharmacist
Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, UAE
Adjunct Assistant Professor, United Arab Emirates University

Dr. Baljinder Singh
General Practitioner and Head of Accident & Emergency
Thumbay University Hospital, Ajman, UAE

Dr. Vasco Pontinha
Assistant Professor of Pharmacoeconomics
Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcomes Science
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, USA

Prof. Danial E. Baker
Regents Professor Emeritus
Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, USA

Dr. Sheriff Muideen
Public Health Consultant
Communicable Diseases and Vaccination Section
Public Health and Prevention Department, Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE

Dr. Zakieh Abuelkhair
Director of Pharmacy Operations
Al Thiqa Pharmacy Group, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Adjunct Instructor, Al Ain University, UAE

Dr. Jeanine P. Abrons
Adjunct Associate Professor and Co-Director of the UI Mobile Clinic
University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, USA

Dr. Saad Sultan
Vice President, Pharmacy Services
MaineHealth, USA

Ms. Marwa Osama Noueihad
Medical Interpreter
Cleveland Clinic, Abu Dhabi
Pharmacy Manager
Leylan Pharmacy

Fee Details

The detailed fee structure of the program for the current academic year is provided below: [link]