PharmD Student Spotlight

Sam Schendt PharmD candidate, class of 2026

A little about me:

Hey! My name is Sam Schendt, and I'm a P3 student at UNMC. Originally from Broken Bow, NE, I earned my bachelor's degree in applied health sciences from the University of Nebraska at Kearney. At UNK I was also a member of the KHOP program. Since moving to Omaha for pharmacy school, I've really fallen in love with the UNMC community and the city itself; everyone has been incredibly welcoming. When I'm not studying for an exam, you can find me exploring new places in Omaha, playing pickleball, or at any coffee shop.

I decided to pursue a PharmD degree after shadowing a retail pharmacist when I was in high school. I've always known I wanted a career in the medical field, and my shadowing experience confirmed that pharmacy was the right path for me. The versatility of a PharmD degree, with opportunities in retail, hospital settings, residencies, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry, greatly appealed to me. Pharmacists play a crucial role in patient care, providing essential services and being heavily relied upon by other healthcare providers. With a PharmD degree, I am confident that I can make a significant impact in healthcare and meet the evolving needs of patients. Additionally, I believe our scope of practice will continue to expand as we advocate for the profession, opening even more avenues for pharmacists in the future.

What activities/research are you involved in?

• APhA-ASP
• Kappa PsI
• Nebraska Pharmacists Association
• AMCP
• PharmD Student Research Scholar Program
• SSHP
• Class Social Cochair

What has been your favorite experience while being a student here?

My favorite experience at the UNMC College of Pharmacy has been our annual back-to-school BBQ held the week before classes start. It's a fantastic way to meet the incoming class and catch up with everyone about their summer. The event also provides an opportunity to interact with faculty and staff in a relaxed setting, making it easier to get to know them before classes begin. Additionally, all of our school organizations have tables at the BBQ, which made it much easier for me as a P1 to find out about different ways to get involved within the college. The food is also pretty great too!

What are your plans after graduation, and have they changed since you began the program?

Originally, when I entered the PharmD program, I envisioned pursuing a career in the retail setting after graduation. However, through involvement with school organizations and exposure to various guest speakers in our classes, I've come to appreciate the vast array of opportunities that pharmacy offers. This has led me to consider pursuing a residency after graduation. Initially, I thought I needed to have a clear, fixed career path in mind, but I've learned that it's perfectly normal for your interests and goals to evolve over time. The four years at UNMC have shown me that it's okay to change your mind. I'd also say take any opportunity you can get to explore the different areas within pharmacy.

What advice would you give to a student considering attending the UNMC College of Pharmacy?

My advice for anyone considering the UNMC College of Pharmacy is that there's no better choice. Our facilities at UNMC are outstanding, with modern, state-of-the-art technology in both the library and the College of Pharmacy. The staff and faculty here are incredibly personable and they genuinely care about your success, knowing you by name and supporting you throughout your journey. The class sizes are just right as well, making it easy to connect with everyone in the college.

While the program will challenge you over the four years, this rigorous training ensures you are fully prepared to provide the best care to your future patients. The dedication to student success can be seen in our impressive NAPLEX pass rates. If you're looking for a supportive, high-quality education in pharmacy, UNMC is the place to be.