Inquiring minds ask about Pharmacy
Chris Pepple |
Freshman and sophomore students gathered for the first time to collect information and ask questions about the requirements for acceptance into Lipscomb’s College of Pharmacy which will begin the inaugural class in 2008. Linda Roberson represented Lipscomb’s Health Professions Advisory Committee as she presented the minimum requirements necessary to be considered for pharmacy school. Dean Roger Davis and Associate Dean Thomas Campbell of the College of Pharmacy were present to field any questions from potential students.
The College of Pharmacy program will be considered a 2-4 program including 2 years of undergraduate and 4 years of pharmacy school. Applicants will be required to have probably 64 credit hours completed. All applicants will also be required to take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) in October of the semester in which they will apply. Updated requirements will be kept on the pharmacy school website (pharmacy.lipscomb.edu). “This is a dynamic process. Nothing is totally set in stone at this point. It will be key to pay attention to the website as we further develop this program,” Davis reminded the students present.
Davis also reminded the students present to strive for more than the minimums. “Know that the applicant pool will make this a very competitive process,” he commented. “It never hurts to exceed the minimum. Many applicants will already have 80-90 hours completed with a 3.4 average GPA and be at least in the 70th percentile on the PCAT.” He also advised the students to take the practice exams offered through Lipscomb’s Career Development Center to help them be prepared for the PCAT. “I’m impressed that Lipscomb gives students this opportunity to practice on the exams. It’s a novel idea.”
Campbell answered questions about the curriculum once in the program. He told the students how demanding, yet exciting, pharmacy school could be. “During the last part of your studies, you will be in decision-making situations. You will be properly supervised and have plenty of opportunities to seek assistance, but you will have many responsibilities. You will have to learn how to read and report on medical journals quickly. You will be spending some nights in a hospital assessing the needs of patients.” About 30-40% of the 4 years of pharmacy school curriculum involves being placed in experienced-based activities. These are participatory rather than merely observational to prepare the students for licensure.
Roberson also commented on the growing need for qualified candidates in the field of pharmacy. She showed the students two current job postings in which Lipscomb alumni hope to hire Lipscomb students in the pre-pharmacy program. As Campbell told the students, “There’s not a better time to be in this profession. Exciting opportunities open up daily in this field.”