Two Kentucky schools offering fast-track pharmacy degree

Indiana University Southeast (IU Southeast) and Sullivan University’s (SU) College of Pharmacy are collaborating to help students become licensed pharmacists five years after graduating high school.

The two Louisville-area universities have started a pre-pharmacy track program at IU Southeast where students can apply credits earned at SU toward a Bachelor of Science degree at IU Southeast.

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“This accelerated year-round program offers the fastest path to a career,” Stacy Rowe, associate professor and director of student affairs at Sullivan University College of Pharmacy, stated on the university’s website.

Lucinda L. Maine, PhD, RPh, executive vice president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, said more and more pharmacy schools are creating fast-track programs to PharmD degrees by shifting to calendar-year coursework.

“Our member schools are always looking for innovative ways to help students pursue pharmacy careers equipped with the necessary scientific and educational training required for this profession,” said Maine. “For some students, an accelerated program can provide a fast track to a rewarding career.” 

Students enrolled in the pre-pharmacy track are required to complete the prerequisites for SU’s Doctor of Pharmacy program, including 72 semester hours in biology, chemistry, physiology, anatomy, English, economics, and general education.

Dr. Ray Wallace, IU Southeast’s chancellor, said the collaboration would create new opportunities for Indiana and Kentucky students.

“We are responding to the region’s call for more graduates in this field,” Wallace said. “It is especially important for students to realize that they will finish with two very marketable degrees after five short years of study both here at IU Southeast and at Sullivan University.”

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