Missouri State provides a pathway for people to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) while living in the Ozarks. Through the collaborative PharmD program, students in the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) and the McQueary College of Health and Human Services (MCHHS) can complete pre-pharmacy curriculum with the goal of enrolling in a PharmD program that’s administered by the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). Once they’re enrolled in the PharmD program, they complete their doctoral curriculum here in Springfield — at Brick City. This framework allows them to earn a bachelor’s degree from Missouri State and a PharmD from UMKC in as little as six years.

Supporting Students’ Goals

This collaborative program not only helps students meet their professional goals; it also serves our community’s health care needs. But it’s got a lot of moving parts, so it demands strong collaboration and communication.

Hillary Mayes, director of the MCHHS Advising Center, and Emma Watkins, academic advisor in MCHHS (who specializes in advising pre-pharmacy students), identified a few strategies that keep the process running smoothly.

First, says Mayes, it’s important to remember that everyone’s on the same team. Pre-pharmacy students might find a home in either CNAS or MCHHS. If a CNAS program is a better fit for a student’s interests, MCHHS advisors are happy to refer them.

“Everything is always about the student,” Mayes says. “We want to support them in whatever path will save them time and money as they work toward their goals.”

UMKC colleagues play a significant role in nurturing this partnership. “They’re very proactive about attending our admissions events and developing a real presence on our campus,” Mayes says.

And once students move into UMKC’s PharmD curriculum, they’re still part of our campus community. In her advising role, Watkins says, she goes beyond academics to make them aware of Missouri State resources, services and activities. For example, “The pre-pharmacy society has students from different majors and backgrounds, and it nourishes great connections,” she says.

“Everything is always about the student. We want to support them in whatever path will save them time and money…”

—Hillary Mayes

Reverse Transfer Process

Students who’ve completed their PharmD curriculum can utilize a process called “reverse transfer” to make sure they also receive a bachelor’s degree. They aren’t required to have a bachelor’s when they receive their PharmD. But thanks to reverse transfer, they’ve already done enough work to earn it. Through this process, some PharmD credits can be counted as electives and applied to an undergraduate program. Once these credits are applied, the student earns a bachelor’s degree along with their PharmD.

It’s worth it to take these steps and earn the bachelor’s degree, says Gates Breedlove-Koepke, academic advisor in the Academic Advising and Transfer Center. “This process recognizes the strong, theoretical foundation of their prerequisite course work,” she says. “And when a student leverages reverse transfer to earn their bachelor’s degree, they gain valuable, additional credentials that enhance their career opportunities in research, academia and the pharmaceutical industry.”

Potential pathways for applying reverse transfer credits span three colleges and four programs. Breedlove-Koepke begins working with students when they’re in the pre-pharmacy phase of their education. Once they progress to the PharmD program — when they officially become UMKC students — she continues to collaborate with colleagues in admissions, the registrar’s office and across academic programs to support students’ goals.

“This collaborative effort between two universities and multiple departments ensures the successful awarding of their degree,” Breedlove-Koepke says. “We’re here to help students navigate every step of the process.”

“We’re here to help students navigate every step of the process.”

—Gates Breedlove-Koepke

Pharmacy Assurance Program

To help raise awareness of the PharmD path, Missouri State launched the Pharmacy Assurance Program (PAP). High school seniors who meet eligibility requirements can apply to the PAP.

“If they’re accepted to our PAP and as long as they complete the requirements, they’re guaranteed a PharmD admissions interview with UMKC,” says Sophia Raithel, academic advisor in CNAS. “If they’re admitted, they get their first choice of a campus site: Springfield, Columbia or Kansas City.”

PAP participants join a cohort of students pursuing similar careers. Overall, it’s the kind of opportunity that ups students’ confidence as they consider taking on big goals — like earning a doctoral degree.

As Raithel says, “It lessens the intimidation factor when they’re applying for pharmacy school. It reassures them that they’re on a manageable path and gets them thinking about the process early.”

Dedicated Advising

Professional advisors, like Mayes, Watkins, Breedlove-Koepke and Raithel, are key to making the collaborative PharmD program work. “My entire job is to advise students,” Raithel says. “We can build a plan and map out every step. It takes time, which is why my calendar is dedicated to students for the purpose of advisement.”

By investing this time in students, advisors help them chart the most strategic path toward their goals.

“No matter a student’s declared program or stage in their academic journey, we’re here to help them explore options for how their credits can be applied to a degree,” Breedlove-Koepke say. “Beyond the educational and professional benefits, pharmacy students deserve to have their time at Missouri State — and their identity as a Bear — officially recognized.”

Around Campus…

The Excellence in Community Engagement Awards recently recognized two staff members and two faculty members for their volunteer service and community engagement.

• Dr. Elizabeth Dudash-Buskirk, associate professor in the department of communication, media, journalism and film, was recognized for her commitment to community-building initiatives, education and animal welfare.
• Carrie High, custodian in facilities management, was recognized for her longstanding efforts to foster, care for and re-home pets. She’s served in direct care roles and on the Board of Directors for animal welfare organizations, and she’s fostered almost 200 dogs.

• Dr. Judith Martínez, associate professor in the department of languages, cultures and religions, was recognized for her leadership in organizations such as the Multicultural Business Association, Leadership Springfield, Springfield Sister Cities Association, Junior League of Springfield, Missouri, and A Girl Like Me Network.
• Crockett Oaks, associate vice chancellor for business support services at Missouri State-West Plains, was recognized for leadership in a range of historical, cultural and civic activities as well as his service as president of the Christos House Board of Directors.

Read more about this year’s honorees, and learn how you can nominate a colleague for future consideration.