College of Pharmacy celebrates American Pharmacists Month, announces new program format

Oct. 20, 2020 | College of Pharmacy |

Harding University College of Pharmacy is celebrating American Pharmacists Month by recognizing its alumni pharmacists and the contributions of pharmacists in all aspects of health care, as well as by honoring pharmacists in the community and launching a condensed curriculum program beginning Summer 2021. The 3 1/2 year curriculum is one of the few programs of its kind and allows students to optimize their time and money.

“Our new curricular plan optimizes the student's time commitment and financial commitment while being trained in a Christ-centered environment,” said Jeanie Smith, HUCOP assistant dean for student affairs and admissions. “Students will graduate one semester earlier, saving a full semester of tuition. Graduates benefit by entering the job market sooner, ready to positively influence patient outcomes. In the words of Dr. Henry North, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, ‘At HUCOP, students can thrive in 3.5.’”

The optimized curriculum offers the same rigor, preparation and clinical opportunities in a condensed format aligning curricular content in each semester to reinforce concepts taught across multiple courses. Additionally, early clinical experiences are strategically placed throughout the classroom-based offerings to further reinforce student learning. The new blended curricular layout will prepare students for contemporary pharmacy practice. (The new curriculum is pending final approval from ACPE.)

Since the inception of the College of Pharmacy, 480 students have graduated from the program. HUCOP graduates serve in a variety of settings across the country, from Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Baltimore to Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in California to Unity Health in the school’s hometown of Searcy, Arkansas. Others serve in the U.S. Public Health Service, in hospital emergency departments and in local independent pharmacies.

The College of Pharmacy seeks to graduate pharmacists who accept the responsibility of improving the spiritual and physical wellness of the world by providing patient-centered care that ensures optimal medication therapy outcomes delivered through the highest standards of Christian service. To learn more about the programs and services offered by the College of Pharmacy, visit harding.edu/pharmacy or call 501-279-5528.