The agreement creates a 3+4 pre-pharmacy and Pharm.D. program pathway that will help NKU students earn two degrees in seven years instead of eight.
Northern Kentucky University has partnered with the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy for an articulation agreement that will create a 3+4 pre-pharmacy and Pharm.D. program pathway. The pathway is a streamlined route for Northern Kentucky University students to earn both a bachelor degree and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in seven years instead of eight.
According to an article on Northern Kentucky University’s website, Jason Edwards, who serves as NKU’s director of enrollment management, was quoted as saying of the agreement, "This agreement gives NKU students a clear, supported path into one of the nation's top pharmacy programs. For students, it means they can move into their Pharm.D. studies a full year sooner, with an advisor guiding them through every step of the process. However, this partnership is about more than individual opportunity. Kentucky, like much of the country, continues to face a shortage of pharmacists, especially in rural and underserved communities. By making the path to a Pharm.D. shorter and more accessible for NKU students, we're helping build a workforce of pharmacists our state needs."
The 3+4 pathway will be available to eligible students in Northern Kentucky University’s Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, Pharmaceutical Sciences track, or the Bachelor of Science, Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences track. These students will be able to apply early to the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy after they complete at least 72 credit hours and the required prerequisite coursework. Students who are accepted will begin their Pharm.D. coursework in their fourth year of study.
While the agreement will allow students to apply early, the Pharm.D. program is still competitive and their admission into the program is not guaranteed. During their undergraduate coursework, students will meet with the pre-pharmacy advisor who will help guide them through prerequisites and the application process.
Bethany V. Bowling, Ph.D., who is the dean of NKU’s College of Arts & Sciences, said, "This partnership creates an exciting opportunity for our students to accelerate their educational journey while maintaining the strong academic foundation they developed in the sciences at NKU. By providing a clear pathway to the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, we are helping talented students pursue rewarding health care careers and meet critical workforce needs across the commonwealth."
The partnership aims to create a direct route and a more accessible pathway for individuals to enter into a pharmacy career and to help combat the declining number of pharmacists, both in Kentucky and throughout the United States.
For more information about Northern Kentucky University, visit the school’s website.