Agreement between The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Tusculum University gives pharmacy students new pathway toward degree

Though admission is not guaranteed, an agreement between The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Tusculum University gives undergraduate students at Tusculum a clear pathway toward continuing their pharmacy education at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy.

According to an article on The University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s website, Kara Bowen, who serves as the College of Pharmacy’s director of admissions and recruitment, said of the agreement, “When Tusculum chemistry faculty offered the opportunity to tour in 2021, I was thoroughly impressed with the state-of-the-art labs in the Meen Center, the rigorous natural science curriculum, and the research opportunities students have. Having a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and anatomy and physiology is crucial to success in a graduate pharmacy program. I am confident the caliber of Tusculum’s program will prepare students to continue their passion beyond their bachelor’s degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy.”

The agreement doesn’t guarantee that Tusculum students will be automatically accepted into the College of Pharmacy, but it does guarantee that Tusculum students who meet certain requirements will be granted an admissions interview for the College of Pharmacy. The pathway will be beneficial for pharmacy students who hope to continue their education past their undergraduate degree.

Heather Henson-Ramsey, DVM, PhD, who is the dean of Tusculum University’s College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, says that the agreement is going to greatly benefit the university’s students: “Having an enhanced route for our students who are interested in a pharmacy career to enroll in the exceptional program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center will benefit them considerably. We appreciate the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for partnering with us on this initiative for our students. With mentoring and one-on-one interaction with their professors, our students develop a thorough understanding of the academic concepts and the soft skills that prepare them to pursue a professional school and enter the workforce. They will be on solid ground as they pursue admission to the UTHSC College of Pharmacy.”

For more information about The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, visit the school’s website.

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