The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy and Tusculum University have signed a memorandum of understanding to help students complete a bachelor’s degree at Tusculum and enroll in the UTHSC College of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program .
Under the agreement, Tusculum students who are in their final year of completing all prerequisite courses, meet the required grade point average and apply before the priority deadline are guaranteed an admissions interview and admission to the College of Pharmacy. Although admission is not guaranteed, the agreement provides a clear path for Tusculum students to pursue careers in pharmacy. Students accepted for admission will be able to pursue a PharmD, making them eligible for a license to practice.
The UTHSC College of Pharmacy is ranked in the Top 20 nationally and #6 in the country for residency-eligible students. The college has locations in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis. It is ranked #6 in funding by the National Institutes of Health and has conducted extensive oncology research to discover new small molecule therapeutics for a variety of cancers. Other research areas include the development of new drugs and delivery systems for the treatment of bacterial, viral and fungal infections, the study of vascular physiology, modulation of hormonal systems, obesity, acute kidney injury, metabolic syndrome and conditions such as epilepsy, traumatic brain injury, neuroinflammation , retinal diseases and substance abuse. More information about the college is available on the college website.
The agreement developed after a visit to Tusculum by Cara Bowen, director of admissions and recruiting for the College of Pharmacy, several years ago. “When the Tusculum Chemistry Department offered the opportunity to tour in 2021, I was very impressed with the state-of-the-art laboratories at the Meen Center, the rigorous science curriculum and the research opportunities students have,” said Bowen. “Having a strong foundation in chemistry, biology, and anatomy and physiology is critical to success in a graduate pharmacy program. I am confident that the caliber of Tusculum’s program will prepare students to pursue their passion beyond their undergraduate degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy.”
Heather Henson-Ramsey, DVM, PhD, dean of Tusculum’s College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, said the college prides itself on providing students with the knowledge and experience needed to transition to professional schools. “Having an improved pathway for our students interested in a career in pharmacy to enroll in the outstanding program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center will greatly benefit them,” said Dr. Henson-Ramsey. “We appreciate the University of Tennessee Health Science Center for partnering with us on this initiative for our students. With mentoring and one-on-one interaction with their faculty, our students develop a deep understanding of academic concepts and soft skills that prepare them to pursue professional school and enter the workforce. They will be on solid footing as they pursue admission to the UTHSC College of Pharmacy.” Additional information about Tusculum is available at www.tusculum.edu.
