UPDATED: University of Dallas to offer pharmacy degree program

Updated 12:42 p.m., February 9, 2009

by PegNews wire

The University of Dallas plans to develop a professional doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree program, bringing an academic pharmacy to the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The university expects to enroll its first class of 75 students in 2011.

To spearhead this effort, the university has named Dr. George E. MacKinnon III as founding dean and professor. MacKinnon previously held leadership roles in the establishment and accreditation of two new schools of pharmacy in the Chicago and Phoenix areas, as well as conducted feasibility studies for pharmacy schools at other universities. In addition, he has delivered more than 200 presentations, written more than 60 publications, and authored three book chapters in the pharmacy and the health sciences arenas.

There are currently 95,000 applicants for only 10,000 first-year enrollment spots at pharmacy schools. In Texas, the Texas Workforce Commission estimates that the state needs 855 new pharmacists annually, yet Texas' six pharmacy schools combined currently only produce 650 graduates each year.

Other factors in the shortage of pharmacists include the increased role of pharmaceuticals as the leading course of medical intervention and the expansion of pharmacy services in retail outlets and hospital settings nationwide. In addition, licensed pharmacists are increasingly taking positions in other settings, such as long-term care facilities, prescription benefit management companies, clinical research appointments, pharmaceutical companies, governmental agencies, and mail-order distribution companies.

UPDATE: Oops! Nevermind.

Source: University of Dallas

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