Roseman University College of Pharmacy and Nevada State College Partner to Create First-of-its-kind Dual Degree Program in Nevada
On July 27, Roseman University and Nevada State College came together for a formal signing event to launch a new Fast-Track BS/PharmD program. The program will allow qualified NSC students to earn both Bachelor of Science in Biology (BS) and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees in as few as six years, rather than the eight years typically needed to complete both. The program is designed to propel students into a career in pharmacy, saving time and tuition costs.
“Nevada State College is beyond thrilled to offer this kind of quality opportunity to our students,” said Dr. Vickie Shields, who was serving as acting president at NSC at the time of the signing. “With the cost of graduate education being prohibitive for so many students, opportunities such as this streamline the curriculum, shorten the timeline to an advanced degree, and reward students with two degrees from top quality higher education institutions, that happen to both be located in Henderson. Everybody wins! It is this type of partnership that benefits our entire community. I would like to thank everyone who contributed.”
Through the Fast-Track BS/PharmD program, students enrolled in the BS in Biology program who complete three years of study at NSC will have the opportunity to combine the fourth year of their BS and first year of Roseman’s accelerated three-year PharmD curriculum, effectively eliminating one year of study as they pursue both their BS and (PharmD) degrees. After successful completion of their first year of study at Roseman, students will be granted their BS in Biology and continue their PharmD education at Roseman.
“Through this first-of-its-kind partnership in Nevada, NSC students will get a head start on their professional careers, enabling them to obtain bachelors and doctoral degrees in less time and for less money than if each degree was taken separately,” said Roseman University President Renee Coffman. “We are delighted and honored to join Nevada State College to further strengthen our shared mission to educate future generations of healthcare professionals. Further, NSC’s students bring rich diversity to the pharmacy profession in our region.”
At NSC, BS students benefit from small class sizes and the opportunity to work closely with innovative faculty as they acquire knowledge and develop skills. Students receive training in modern laboratory and field techniques utilizing NSC’s advanced scientific technology. They also take advantage of NSC’s numerous undergraduate research opportunities, summer programs, and independent study projects.
Roseman teaches students using its Six-Point Mastery Learning Model®, an education system that promotes high levels of achievement, with a focus on mastery of content. The model consists of Block Curriculum, Active and Collaborative Learning, Competency-based Education, Assessment Learning, Early Experiential Learning, and a Classroom Design that facilitates learning. All these components reinforce one another and contribute to an unparalleled educational environment. Right from the start of their first year in the PharmD program, students apply their learning from the classroom to real-world scenarios through Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE) – developing professional knowledge and skills in a variety of clinical practice settings.
Students entering Roseman have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and enter programs such as the CVS Health grant-supported Spanish Pathway Program, which aims to increase the number of Hispanic/Latinx/Spanish-speaking students entering the field of pharmacy with a desire to serve the Hispanic community. Students also can expand their networks, knowledge and skills while positively impacting the communities Roseman serves through involvement with student organizations, such as the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Student Network, American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) Student Chapter, Roseman Chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA), Drug Awareness Advocacy Team (DAAT) and more.
Students graduating with their BS and PharmD are prepared to immediately enter the work force upon licensure, or they can seek additional training in a pharmacy residency program. Employment opportunities can include clinical and long-term care facilities, community pharmacies, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, educational institutions, and laboratories.