Nationally, since the 2012-2013 admissions cycle, there has been a decline in applicants pursuing pharmacy school. The data estimates the 2021-2022 admissions cycle suffered a 14% decline in applicants nationwide compared to last year. With a multi-pronged recruitment strategy, Concordia School of Pharmacy overcame the challenging landscape.
“The pharmacists’ role on the healthcare team has evolved tremendously. Typically, when people picture a pharmacist, they may think of their local community pharmacist dispensing medications and providing healthcare advice. While community pharmacy is a common and rewarding route for pharmacists, there are so many other career options in pharmacy that allow the flexibility to practice in different settings and specialize in a vast number of clinical focuses” said Kaylan Gaines, Director of Recruitment & Admissions at Concordia’s School of Pharmacy.
During the 2021-2022 admissions cycle, the school of pharmacy saw an increase of submitted applications by 20%, resulting in an increase in student enrollment by 11% compared to last year.
The fall 2022 cohort is made up of 63% women & 37% men and has an average age of 24. These new students are from 19 different colleges/universities across eight states: WI, MI, IL, IA, FL VA, MI, and HI. Although nationally enrollment has decreased, Concordia’s pharmacy program has managed to continue seeing increases in student enrollment.
So what do we do differently?
In our pharmacy program we focus on creating a student-centereted program that provides an excellent education and hands-on experiences. We strive to mold our students into knowledgable, patient-centered pharmisists.
Manageable schedule
We recognize the need to refresh and refocus. Therefore, we have created the program to allow time to recharge.
In the summer, there are no classes, unlike some schools that go year-round. This gives you a break from studying and time to be with family or friends. Some students even pick up jobs in the summer.
Caring and actively involved faculty
Our pharmacy faculty is dedicated to helping you succeed in your journey to becoming a pharmacist. They are practicing pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who are here to help you succeed.
RELATED: Read more about one of the pharmacy professors, Sarah Ray
Smaller and more personal feel
As a smaller, private university, we’re able to provide more individual attention to students. Our classes have a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio, allowing you and the faculty to work closer together.
Practice experiences at leading healthcare organizations
Our campus is located 20 minutes from Milwaukee, the largest city in Wisconsin. Being close to the MKE area allows you to serve in rural and urban settings. It also gives you an opportunity to make connections at potential residency or employment sites. Some health systems Concordia partners with are:
- Advocate Aurora Healthcare
- Ascension Healthcare
- Froedtert Healthcare
Focus on patient care is the #1 priority
Throughout the program, our focus is on developing your patient care skills. To make this a priority, when you are doing your pharmacy practice experience, you have no other courses at that time. This allows you to solely focus on learning and practicing patient care.
“This accomplishment doesn’t go without recognizing the work and efforts done by the recruitment & admissions team, faculty, staff, current students, and alumni. I appreciate the school of pharmacy for building a proactive recruitment culture where everyone plays a part in the admissions process. I am overjoyed at the enrollment increase and look forward to building on the success” said Kaylan Gaines, Director of Recruitment & Admissions at Concordia’s School of Pharmacy.
Want in?
Interested in pursuing pharmacy school? Contact our admissions and recruitment team at pharmacy@cuw.edu or visit us here.