To help address Nebraska and Iowa’s growing need for pharmacists, Clarkson College and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy have created a new program that offers students a streamlined pathway to a career in pharmacy. It’s called the Early Assurance Program.
The new Early Assurance Program creates two pathways for students at Clarkson College to continue their education at the UNMC College of Pharmacy.
- Students enrolled in the Associate of Science in General Studies Program at Clarkson College can receive guaranteed admission to UNMC’s Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program.
- Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Community Health (pre-pharmacy track) Program at Clarkson College can receive guaranteed admission to UNMC’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.
Students in both programs must meet course requirements and GPA criteria.
Pharmacists play a critical role in patient care, helping people manage chronic conditions, avoid medication errors, receive vaccinations and improve overall health outcomes.
“The need for pharmacists in Nebraska and Iowa is significant,” said Donald Klepser, PhD, the Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. “And as the population ages, especially in rural parts of the state, the demand is expected to grow.”
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a pharmacist in Nebraska is $140,000. Pharmacists work in a variety of areas, including retail stores, hospitals and health systems, long-term care, outpatient facilities, and in rural communities.
By 2030, the United States is expected to reach a major demographic milestone: nearly the entire Baby Boomer generation will be age 65 or older, which is about 73 million people, representing about one in every five Americans. As their healthcare needs continue to increase, pharmacists play an increasingly important role in helping patients stay healthy and independent.
Community Health at Clarkson College
The Bachelor of Science in Community Health (pre-pharmacy track) at Clarkson College provides an excellent foundation to pursue a doctoral degree in pharmacy. The program’s pre-med, pre-physician assistant, pre-dental, and other pre-health tracks also provide support to meet the workforce needs in a variety of other healthcare professional degrees.
“This partnership gives students a clear path from undergraduate education to a rewarding healthcare career,” said Andreia Nebel, EdD, president and CEO, Clarkson College. “With this degree, students gain a strong foundation in math and science, develop an understanding of population health, and can then move forward with confidence knowing they have a direct pathway into pharmacy education.”
UNMC College of Pharmacy programs
The Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UNMC was created in 2024 to provide a new pathway into the Doctor of Pharmacy program or other professional programs at UNMC, such as medical school or dental school. The program is open to any student who meets the criteria.
Dr. Klepser said the UNMC College of Pharmacy is excited to be partnering with Clarkson College on the program.
“Any time we can make it easier for prospective students to reach their career goals and ultimately, serve the people of Nebraska, we should embrace and celebrate it,” Dr. Klepser said. “This partnership, by opening a new avenue for prospective pharmacists to enter our program, is precisely the kind of collaboration that provides that pathway.”