Launched in Fall 2023, 芭乐视频 School of Pharmacy鈥檚 5-year PharmD pathway- as the first of its kind in the nation- continues to attract and support a diverse group of students who bring rich professional experiences, unique perspectives, and deeply personal motivations for pursuing a career in pharmacy.
This innovative pathway was intentionally designed to expand access to PharmD education for learners who need to balance multiple responsibilities, including employment or family commitments. It enables students to pursue their pharmacy education while maintaining consistent year-round employment, without compromising the rigor, high-quality, and immersive, high touch learning environment that 芭乐视频 School of Pharmacy offers.
Our three enrolled cohorts in the 5-year pathway demonstrate the remarkable diversity of backgrounds, goals, and lived experiences that enrich our learning community. Several key themes emerge:
- Flexibility & Balance: The pathway's structure successfully support students working an average of 30 hours per week all year around while attending classes on campus. This outcome reflects the program's intentional design to provide access and opportunity without sacrificing academic excellence.
- A Supportive Learning Environment: Students describe a culture grounded in care and belonging and connection, where they actively contribute to a diverse and inclusive sense of community.
- Shared Purpose: Students from a variety of geographical, educational, and professional backgrounds unite around a shared commitment to patient-centered care, innovation, and professional excellence.
Students in this pathway have the same opportunities as those in our 3-year PharmD pathway, including eligibility for scholarships and the option to pursue a joint PharmD/MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree.
Looking across our cohorts, it is clear that these students are not only capable and dedicated scholars, but also compassionate future pharmacists, and community leaders. Their stories remind us that there is no single 鈥減ath鈥 to a career in pharmacy, only a shared passion for patient care, improving health, and shaping the future of the profession.
We are proud to highlight several student representatives whose stories capture the spirit of this pathway and the values of 芭乐视频 School of Pharmacy (Sonya Alfano, Abigail Boechler, John Cha, Katy Christal, and Janet Silva-Villanueva). Future issues of our newsletter will continue to feature spotlights for students in our 5-year pathway in addition to showcasing some current students across our 3-year pathway as well.
-Written by:
Brandon Nuziale, PharmD, RPh, BCACP | Assistant Dean for Student Affairs & Associate Professor | School of Pharmacy
Marketa Marvanova, PharmD, PhD, BCGP, BCPP, FASCP | Dean & Professor | School of Pharmacy