New PharmD-XO Program Expands Pharmacy Training Access on Big Island

The University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo’s Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) has introduced PharmD-XO, a roughly 5.5-year distance-education Doctor of Pharmacy pathway tailored for working adults and caregivers who need flexible scheduling. The PharmD-XO track preserves the same admissions criteria, curricular content, and graduation requirements as DKICP’s traditional on-campus PharmD program, and received continued full accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education in 2025 for the maximum eight-year term.

The program primarily delivers didactic coursework asynchronously online, supplemented with scheduled synchronous sessions as needed. Students in PharmD-XO must travel to the Hilo campus once per year for two to four weeks of immersion, hands-on laboratory work, and clinical skills training. The final year of the program consists of full-time Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs), with the curriculum designed so all required clinical rotations can be completed within Hawaiʻi. That in-state rotation structure makes the pathway practical for residents who plan to remain and practice on the islands.

The first PharmD-XO cohort began in January 2026, opening a new route to professional pharmacy education without requiring students to relocate for the duration of study. Admissions for the program follow the college’s usual timeline, with the admissions cycle opening in the year prior; prospective applicants are advised to contact DKICP directly for specific deadlines, requirements, tuition information, and housing options. For details, reach out to pharmacy@hawaii.edu or consult the DKICP website.

For Big Island residents, the new pathway addresses two pressing needs: expanding access to advanced healthcare training and supporting local workforce development. Rural communities often face shortages of pharmacists and limited access to clinical services. By enabling working professionals and caregivers to pursue a PharmD while remaining in Hawaiʻi, the PharmD-XO can help increase the number of clinicians trained to serve island populations and reduce barriers that have historically required relocation to Oʻahu or the mainland.

The program’s combination of online flexibility, periodic on-campus immersion, and in-state clinical rotations is positioned to meet community needs while maintaining accredited educational standards. Residents interested in pursuing pharmacy careers or employers seeking local training pipelines should consider contacting DKICP for application details and support options.