KNOXVILLE/CHATTANOOGA -- Qualified students enrolled in the pre-pharmacy program at Chattanooga State Community College will be guaranteed an admission interview with South College to pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy under an agreement between the two institutions of higher education.
The partnership, officially called an articulation agreement, is effective immediately and will facilitate the process for Chattanooga State students to seek entry to the PharmD program at South College.
“This articulation agreement is ideal for a community college and its students because the coursework required before entry into the PharmD program can be completed in just two years,” said Dr. Walter Fitzgerald, dean of the South College School of Pharmacy.
South College’s PharmD program is an accelerated three-year program, so five years after beginning at Chattanooga State, a student could become a licensed pharmacist. South College is the only institution in the state offering a three-year PharmD program rather than a traditional four-year program.
Career options after completing the prerequisites and PharmD program include licensed pharmacist, community pharmacist, hospital pharmacist, outpatient pharmacy manager, pharmacist in charge (PIC), pharmacy informaticist and staff pharmacist.
“This agreement facilitates the process of Chattanooga State Community College students seeking admission to the PharmD program at South College,” said Steve South, president of South College. “Among other benefits, the articulation agreement guarantees qualified Chattanooga State students an admission interview with the School of Pharmacy.”
“Articulation agreements like this one with South College provide pathways for our students to continue their education after leaving Chattanooga State,” said Dr. Rebecca Ashford, president of Chattanooga State.
South College is a private institution accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to offer programs at the doctorate, masters, baccalaureate, and associate levels. To learn more about South College, visit www.southcollegetn.edu.
