Aug 04, 2014 02:14 PM EDT By J Baulkman, UniversityHerald Reporter

West Coast University is launching a new doctorate of pharmacy program, school officials announced.

The new doctorate program is being offered at the recently opened Los Angeles Learning site. The new program will start in August.

"There have been a number of dedicated, talented experts who have worked very hard to bring this program to life. I am proud of the fantastic team of faculty and support staff we have assembled to launch the PharmD program, and I look forward to seeing the halls of this beautiful building brimming with eager students," Dr. Nicholas Blanchard, dean of the West Coast University's School of Pharmacy, said in a statement.

The new pharmacy program has been granted Pre-Candidate status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). This means students enrolled in this program are entitled to all the rights and privileges of those in fully accredited program - most importantly, to be able to sit for the national licensing exam for pharmacy.

 Full accreditation is awarded when a program has met all ACPE standards and has graduated its first class, which will be in June of 2018 for West Coast University.

"I could not be more excited to see the development of this outstanding program," University Provost Dr. Jeb Egbert, said in a statement. "The Doctor of Pharmacy program will be a fabulous addition to the programmatic portfolio of the University. Especially as we develop a greater competency in interprofessional health care education, this program will be an exciting and substantive addition."

The 4-year PharmD program combines rigorous science courses with extensive clinical experiences so that graduates will be prepared to pursue a variety of opportunities, from community pharmacy, to hospital and urgent care environments, long term health care facilities or the pharmaceutical research industry.

"There is good potential for advancement and competitive salaries within a pharmacy career," Blanchard said.

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