December 13, 2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2014
For additional information,
Contact: Natalie Lester
Moxley Carmichael
865-544-0088
Institution’s first doctoral degrees earned by 32 student pharmacists
Today, 32 student pharmacists received the first doctoral degrees ever conferred by South College at the higher education institution’s inaugural School of Pharmacy graduation.
“We’re very proud of this milestone class for its hard work in earning advanced degrees,” Steve South, South College president, said. “The School of Pharmacy is the first doctoral degree program at South College. Today is a great one for our first 32 graduates, as well as the faculty and staff of the institution.”
Denise Spencer, Diana Williams, Melissa Reagan and Kristin Roberts are four of the 32 students who received their doctoral degrees from the South College School of Pharmacy on Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Tennessee Theatre.
The students are graduating at an opportune time in their field because of the evolving role of pharmacists amid changes in the delivery of health care.
Given the current shortage of primary care doctors, 70 percent of the U.S. population is either without a primary care physician or not using one, according to PM360, a magazine focused on the pharmaceutical, biotech and medical device industries.
An estimated 21 million of the predicted 30 million newly insured people may use a pharmacy/retail clinic for medical services. These numbers not only lead to an increase in visits, but also a change in the nature of them.
“Our inaugural class is entering the health care field at a very demanding time when pharmacists are providing more comprehensive medication management, particularly for chronic diseases such as diabetes,” said Walter Fitzgerald, dean of the School of Pharmacy. “Our curriculum includes extensive training in public health and patient care to ensure our students are completely prepared as practicing pharmacists.”
The School of Pharmacy is the first doctoral degree program at South College. The institution offers an accelerated, three-year curriculum unique to pharmacy education in Tennessee. The PharmD degree enables graduates to apply for licensure as a pharmacist.
“We’re proud of the education and training that our student pharmacists undergo before graduating,” South said. “The program continues to grow and prepares all its students for successful pharmacy careers.”
About South College
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. For more information about the School of Pharmacy visit http://www.southcollegetn.edu/pharmacy/main.htm. For information about other South College academic programs, visit http://www.southcollegetn.edu.
