Southwest Virginia Community College students James Clevinger and Scott Matney have been accepted to the University of Appalachia College of Pharmacy (UACP) for Fall 2007.
The duo is transferring under an articulation agreement formed between Southwest and UACP in 2005. According to the agreement, SwVCC students who have completed the program are provided preferential admission to UACP when compared to similar applicants from non-partner colleges and universities. While the agreement does not guarantee admission into UACP, it gives SwVCC students an edge.
SwVCC, in collaboration with UACP, designed a curriculum of classes based upon UACP admission requirements. When students complete the 80-credit program, they will receive an Associate in Arts and Science degree with a science major. Students must meet UACP’s admission standards to be considered for acceptance.
Students have access to several resources at Southwest to help them prepare for pharmacy school. According to Georgia Householder, SwVCC professor of biology, “the faculty is on-hand to help students prepare for the PCAT, conduct mock interviews, help fill out application forms, and answer any questions that students have about the process.” Tutoring services are also available.
Students can gain access to many of these resources through the Science Learning Community at SwVCC. The SLC is a group of students and faculty that work together to expand the college experience of science majors. The SLC enhances student learning through classes and extracurricular activities.
Students in the SLC enroll in SDV 101 in the fall semester and SDV 295 in the spring semester as a group or cohort. The purpose of this grouping is to facilitate group learning activities, teamwork, critical thinking, and communication skill development.
The SLC exposes students to career choices and broadens knowledge of what is available in science education through field trips, guest speakers, mentoring and job shadowing. “We had a speaker from the UACP come to talk with us about the application process. Also a pharmacy student came to talk about her experiences,” commented student Blake Musick. Students were also taken to the UACP campus to visit faculty and staff.
Southwest has been very successful in preparing students for admission into UACP. In addition to Clevinger and Matney, SwVCC students Ben Price, Whitney Burks, Blake Musick, and Shane Peck were all accepted into UACP for fall 2007.
“I chose to come to Southwest because of the articulation agreement that was signed between SwVCC and the University of Appalachia’s College of Pharmacy. Convenient scheduling has allowed me to complete my degree in two years. I have gotten a superior education at a more than affordable price. I feel well-prepared to enter pharmacy school,” said Ben Price, SwVCC student.
Students interested in the articulation agreement need to meet with Georgia Householder for advisement and to obtain a copy of the SwVCC/UACP agreement. Students should also provide all information required by the SwVCC Admissions office, including any transcripts from other institutions. Students need to contact the University of Appalachia Registrar’s office to notify of intent to apply under the agreement between SwVCC and UACP.
Students who are interested in UACP, other pharmacy schools, or college transfer in a science curriculum can contact the Science, Math and Health Technologies Division at 276.964.7341 or Georgia Householder at 276.964.7397.