King University forms partnership with the Appalachian College of Pharmacy

King University and the Appalachian College of Pharmacy have formed a dual degree partnership that will give students a faster timeline to earning a doctor of pharmacy degree. The dual degree partnership will see students earning a bachelor degree from King University in three years, then moving on to earning a doctor of pharmacy degree from the Appalachian College of Pharmacy in just three years. Students will be able to earn two degrees in six years, which is a significant reduction from the typical eight years the traditional pathway offers.

According to an article on King University’s website, Dr. Matthew Roberts, who is the provost of King University, was quoted as saying of the new partnership agreement, “King University and Appalachian School of Pharmacy’s 3+3 agreement is a powerful win for our students and for the health of the Appalachian region. The agreement creates an accelerated path saving students a critical year of tuition and allowing them to enter the workforce faster. Both of our institutions are committed to equipping the next generation of healthcare leaders, and this partnership directly addresses the regional need for skilled, compassionate pharmacists who are ready to serve our communities.”

The Appalachian College of Pharmacy, located in Virginia, is the only three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program in the state. In addition to its Doctor of Pharmacy program, it also offers a Doctor of Public Health degree and a Certified Pharmacy Technician program. 

As per the agreement, both institutions will instate program supervisors who will manage and assist the dual-degree students. Students will attend King University for three years and then attend ACP for three years. The ACP will admit up to 10 students per year who are pursuing a bachelor degree in biology from King University, who will then enter ACP’s doctor of pharmacy program. If more than 10 students qualify, ACP will choose applicants through a competitive review process.

Mickey McGlothlin, the president of ACP, said, “The agreement with King University will allow students to apply themselves and receive a first-class, high-quality college education at King University and then come to the Appalachian College of Pharmacy and receive a first-class, high-quality education leading to a doctor of pharmacy degree at an affordable cost.”

For more information about King University, visit the school’s website.