Georgia Southwestern and PCOM Georgia partner to graduate pharmacists sooner

Aspiring pharmacists who are students at Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) in Americus will be eligible to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree a year early based on an articulation agreement signed by GSW and PCOM Georgia.

"We are excited about this new partnership and the opportunity it provides for our students who are interested in obtaining a PharmD Degree," stated Suzanne Smith, Ph.D., GSW provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "This PharmD Early Assurance Program gives them early entry into PCOM, allowing them to receive their undergraduate degree while already working towards their PharmD degree, which gives them a substantial advantage."

According to Dr. Shawn Spencer, dean of the PCOM School of Pharmacy in Suwanee, Georgia, the agreement will allow eligible students in their first year at GSW to have a seat reserved three years in advance at the School of Pharmacy so they may enter after completing their junior year of college. A win-win arrangement for all, this newly signed agreement allows students to begin their careers early while saving tuition dollars.

Students who meet the pharmacy school requirements may matriculate into professional school before graduating from GSW, he said, and will have the opportunity to earn a combined BS-PharmD while at PCOM Georgia. Following their second year of pharmacy school, these students will be eligible to receive their bachelor's degree from GSW having earned the required credits during their first two years of pharmacy school.

"Our agreement with Georgia Southwestern exemplifies how PCOM is committed to adding value for our students," Spencer said. "We're thankful to GSW for partnering with us in our mission of supporting Georgia residents entering the healthcare workforce in the region."

Students enrolled in the doctoral program at PCOM Georgia have the option to enhance their credentials by pursuing concentrations in three pharmacy practice areas including acute, ambulatory and managed care. In addition, PharmD students have the opportunity to pursue graduate business degrees, including an MBA and an MS in Healthcare Informatics offered in partnership with notable Pennsylvania institutions.