Integration of Specialty Pharmacy in U.S. Pharmacy Curricula: A Survey of Didactic and Experiential Education

Despite a projected demand for trained specialty pharmacists, it is unclear how extensively U.S. pharmacy institutions integrate specialty pharmacy topics into their curricula. This study evaluated specialty pharmacy instruction in U.S. pharmacy institutions. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from September to November 2024, targeting faculty involved in academic affairs at accredited U.S. Doctor of Pharmacy programs. The survey, developed and reviewed by practitioners and pharmacy educators, focused on didactic curriculum, experiential learning, and future perceptions. It was piloted for clarity and feasibility. Faculty received an email invitation to complete the survey in a secure platform. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Of 140 institutions surveyed, 43 responded (31%). Twenty-eight percent reported having a faculty member practicing in a specialty pharmacy owned and operated by a health system. Overall, only 17% of institutions offered a specialty pharmacy elective; the proportion increased to 46% among institutions with specialty pharmacy-affiliated faculty ( n = 12). Just 42% integrated specialty pharmacy practice or medication access into required coursework. Though 72% offered at least one specialty pharmacy advanced pharmacy practice experiential rotation, specialty pharmacy practice was either not covered or minimally included (<10 APPEs/IPPEs) in 44% of programs. Most respondents scored specialty pharmacy education as somewhat valuable, and 65% anticipated a significant or moderate increase in future content. Specialty pharmacy topics are underrepresented in pharmacy curricula, though institutions with specialty pharmacy-affiliated faculty are more likely to include specialty pharmacy education. Expanding this curricular content can better prepare students for the growing field of specialty pharmacy. • Specialty pharmacy practice is required content in less than half of U.S. pharmacy academic institutions. • Specialty pharmacy–affiliated faculty presence increases specialty pharmacy content. • Though most institutions offer at least one specialty pharmacy APPE, student participation is limited. • Institutions commonly covered key specialty diseases management, including oncology immune-mediated conditions and MS.