ALLIANCE, OHIO– The University of Mount Union and Northeast Ohio Medical University are pleased to announce a partnership to provide a seven-year (3+4) Bachelor of Science to Doctor of Pharmacy degree pathway.

This collaborative program allows exceptional Mount Union health science students the opportunity to accelerate their progress toward earning their terminal pharmacy degrees. Interested students complete three years at Mount Union, and during what would normally be their fourth year of study, they matriculate to NEOMED’s College of Pharmacy. At the College, pharmacy students receive credit for their requisite coursework to earn their bachelor’s at Mount Union while also completing their four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree, effectively becoming a pharmacist in seven years.

“I and my colleagues in biology and chemistry could not be more delighted to offer an accelerated pathway to pharmacy for our students,” said Dr. Sandra Madar, founding dean of Mount Union’s College of Natural and Health Sciences. “It adds to our existing early assurance B.S. to M.D. partnership with NEOMED, and the new early assurance pathways to our own outstanding physician assistant and physical therapy programs. We value NEOMED’s shared commitment to prepare community minded practitioners, and we are pleased to continue to grow Mount Union’s footprint in the health sciences.” 

“There’s a perfect storm among us — shortages in clinicians, provider status for pharmacists in Ohio, and training that allows our Doctors of Pharmacy to practice at the top of their license,” said Richard J. Kasmer, Pharm.D., J.D., dean at NEOMED’s College of Pharmacy. “Collaborating with Mount Union and other educational and clinical partners across Ohio is the only way to respond to these critical health and employment gaps to make positive change sustainable.” 

This student-focused program has been made effective for the incoming Fall 2022 undergraduate class at Mount Union. Students majoring in biology or biochemistry at Mount Union are eligible for the program. 

Learn more about this collaborative initiative at mountunion.edu/pharm-3-4.

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About the University of Mount Union
The University of Mount Union, founded in 1846 in Alliance, Ohio, is a comprehensive, private institution grounded in the liberal arts tradition. Mount Union offers an array of broad-based and career-specific undergraduate and graduate programs to its more than 2,100 students who experience outstanding opportunities for success after graduation. Among members of the 2019 graduating class, 96% had started a professional position, had been accepted to graduate school, or were pursuing continuing education, all in an average of two months after graduation (76% self-reported). The University is committed to providing a student-centered approach and an exceptional educational experience. For more information, visit mountunion.edu.  

About NEOMED

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) harnesses diversity, innovation and collaboration to create transformative leaders and improve health through education, discovery and service. The University values leadership, excellence, advocacy, diversity, equity and respect and offers Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees, in addition to master’s and doctoral degrees and research opportunities in other medical and life science areas. www.neomed.edu.