Jefferson University Welcomes First Class of Pharmacy Students

The Jefferson School of Pharmacy in Thomas Jefferson University’s Jefferson College of Health Professions welcomes 74 students to the Class of 2012 – the School’s first class of students – on September 2.

“Applicants to the program came from over 40 states and the accepted student body represents 19 states, including California, Arizona, Florida, Wisconsin, and Rhode Island, with less than half coming from the Delaware Valley,” shares Rebecca Finley, PharmD, dean of Jefferson School of Pharmacy (JSP). “We were delighted with the academic quality and level of pharmacy experience, community service, and extracurricular activities of the applicants. They have tremendous life experiences.”

Some of that experience includes students who are nurses, teachers and licensed pilots; were born overseas or have worked abroad; serve in a variety of leadership roles, from student government to debate teams; and volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.

“Students need only two years of pre-pharmacy credits to be accepted to Jefferson’s program,” shares Dr. Finley, “but more than 85% of the students have at least an associate’s degree, and more than 70% have a bachelor’s degree or higher.” In fact, many of the students already have experience working in a pharmacy and a number are certified pharmacy technicians.

As classes start, so does experiential learning. Students have one practical experience each semester and in the first year, one of those is a service learning experience at a free clinic such as a senior center; the Jeff Hope clinic which serves the homeless; or the Mazzoni Center, Philadelphia's LGBT health center. “Students will be exposed to people who have challenges receiving healthcare,” says Dr. Finley. “They will also have the chance to work with students and professionals from medicine, nursing, social work, and other fields because each of these sites incorporates interprofessional practice.”

JSP’s first White Coat Ceremony for students and their families will be held on October 10, during Pharmacy month. John Gans, PharmD, who is the Executive Vice President and CEO of the American Pharmacists Association will be the guest speaker at the event.

Jefferson College of Health Professions is an integral part of one of the nation’s first academic health centers, Thomas Jefferson University, which also includes Jefferson Medical College and Jefferson College of Graduate Studies. In addition to the School of Pharmacy, JCHP has two other schools: a School of Health Professions (consisting of Departments of Bioscience Technologies, General Studies, Couple and Family Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Radiologic Sciences) and a School of Nursing. Learn more about JCHP programs at www.jefferson.edu/jchp.

Contact:
Jane Clinton
215-503-9865
jane.clinton@jefferson.edu

Published: 8-27-08