A new agreement between Concordia University Wisconsin’s School of Pharmacy and McHenry County College gives students the opportunity to obtain a CUW PharmD degree, and pursue pharmacy studies faster in the process. This is the first community college agreement like this for Concordia.
Concordia University is excited to announce the signing of an agreement with McHenry County College, a college located in the suburbs of Chicago, IL. In the program, students will complete their pre-pharmacy requirements for the PharmD degree at McHenry, then four years in Concordia’s Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program.
Some of the pre-pharmacy courses include mathematics, science and liberal studies coursework. Upon meeting the criteria for the pathway, Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy agrees to guarantee a preferred interview appointment to MCC students opting for the pathway.
“The PharmD program partnership between McHenry County College and Concordia University provides a unique and exciting opportunity for our students to complete their general education courses locally, at the community college tuition rate, then complete their doctorate in Pharmacy at Concordia.” said Amy Carzoli, Director of Enrollment Service at McHenry County College, “We are thrilled to bring this transfer agreement to MCC and further support our students in reaching their next goals.”
This is the ninth agreement Concordia has signed with partner schools, and the first community college. Agreements also exist with:
- Alverno College
- Concordia University, St. Paul
- Edgewood College
- Finlandia University
- Lakeland University
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Viterbo University
Concordia also offers CUW undergraduates the opportunity to obtain a bachelor’s degree and PharmD degree in a shorter amount of time than it would otherwise take. Students who take advantage of Concordia’s own 3+4 program would earn a Bachelor of Science in pharmaceutical sciences or public health after completion of undergraduate coursework, core requirements and general elective requirements, as well as the first year of pharmacy school.
The CUW School of Pharmacy Difference
In February 2021, following its most recent accreditation review, CUW SOP was named one of only five “Noteworthy Examples” of exceptional achievement for its work in interprofessional education. At the conclusion of each accreditation review cycle, the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) recognize model programs through the nation.
The ACPE also announced in February that it would extend CUW SOP’s accreditation for an eight-year term, the maximum approval period that a pharmacy school can earn.
Another noted strength of Concordia’s PharmD program is its holistic approach to student success. While some pharmacy schools throughout the nation have moved to an accelerated, three-year model, Concordia remains committed to its four-year structure (which includes summer and winter breaks from classes) to reduce the occurrences of burnout among students. Students are also given opportunity to participate in Daily Chapel, and other robust spiritual life offerings on campus.
“We are very happy to have McHenry County College as a partner,” says Dean of Pharmacy Erik Jorvig, PhD. “We look forward to assisting students from McHenry to achieve their goals to become patient centered Christ-inspired pharmacists able to contribute effectively to the health of their communities.”
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