Roseman University College of Pharmacy and College of Graduate Studies Launch Dual Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy – Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program
Roseman University of Health Sciences is opening new career opportunities for future pharmacy students with the introduction of a Dual Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Sciences in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmD-MSPS) 3+1 program. It is the first such program offered in Nevada and Utah — states where Roseman University campuses are located.
The new dual program is a partnership between Roseman’s Colleges of Pharmacy and Graduate Studies to offer pharmacy students the opportunity to earn both the PharmD and MSPS degrees in four years by shortening the MSPS program by one year.
According to College of Pharmacy Dean Larry Fannin, PharmD, the PharmD-MSPS dual program is designed for PharmD students with a passion for research or those looking to enhance career opportunities and readiness by providing training in areas such as clinical and educational research, data science and informatics, or drug discovery.
“This opportunity combines Roseman’s three-year accelerated PharmD degree with an MSPS to empower students with knowledge in the scientific, regulatory, and clinical dimensions of pharmaceuticals,” said Fannin. “Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared to embark on diverse career paths, including roles in research, drug development, and patient care, but also have increased preparedness and competitiveness for post-graduate opportunities, including residencies and industry fellowships.”
Career options for graduates of the dual program include contributing to breakthroughs at major pharmaceutical corporations, collaborating with academic institutions, impacting healthcare policies within governmental agencies, or excelling in managed care organizations, says Roseman University Vice President for Research and College of Graduate Studies Dean Jeffery Talbot, PhD.
“According to the 2022 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Salary Survey, the median annual salary for individuals with a PharmD-MSPS in these roles is $153,000,” said Talbot. Importantly, Talbot says the dual PharmD-MSPS program also helps address the need for a knowledgeable and skilled workforce to fulfill the rapidly growing bioscience industries across the Intermountain West.
“Between 2012 and 2021, Utah saw the fastest growth in life sciences employment in the country, with the biopharmaceutical, medical device and other related industries employing more than 38,000, according to a 2023 report published by the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute at University of Utah,” said Talbot. “Nevada’s growth in this sector has also been robust, with more than 1,000 bioscience companies employing nearly 9,500 in 2021, according to a June 2023 report by the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO), in partnership with the Council of State Bioscience Associations (CSBA). Training qualified scientists to meet this growing demand is critical for continued economic development and diversification in our region.”
The College of Pharmacy is currently accepting applications for the PharmD program for fall 2024. Students enrolled in the program may apply for the dual degree program in their first or second year of the three-year PharmD program and enter the MSPS program upon completion of the PharmD degree. Information about the Dual Accelerated PharmD-MSPS 3+1 program can be found online at pharmacy.roseman.edu.