USM-UNE collaboration opens new pathway for careers in pharmacy
Photo / Jim Neuger
James Herbert, president of University of New England, cited "unwavering support" from U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, who helped secure $5 million for UNE's plan to move the med school from Biddeford to Portland.
The University of New England and the University of Southern Maine announced an agreement today that will make it easier for students from USM’s Department of Biological Science to apply to UNE’s College of Pharmacy.
UNE President James D. Herbert and USM President Glenn Cummings signed the agreement in a 10 a.m. press conference today at UNE’s Portland campus.
It comes a little more than a week after UNE entered into an agreement that gives qualified Saint Joseph's College of Maine students a new pathway to becoming pharmacists in Maine.
UNE also reached an agreement with University of Maine School of Law giving its marine sciences undergraduates a faster track to a law degree.
“This partnership between USM and UNE’s College of Pharmacy provides an outstanding opportunity for our students,” said Christine R. Maher, professor of biology and associate dean for academic affairs at USM’s college of science, technology and health. “Many USM students have strong connections to Maine, and some of them would have difficulty relocating out of state to attend pharmacy school. Thus, this collaboration takes away one barrier and gives our students a greater chance at success in their future careers.”
The 4 + 4 Program creates an opportunity for students who have successfully completed a four-year bachelor of science degree in biology at USM to have a smoother transition in pursuing their doctor of pharmacy degree at UNE’s College of Pharmacy. And if they are certain of their career path, students have another option – a 2 + 4 agreement that structures a two-year course of prerequisite study accelerating their access to the doctorate of pharmacy.
“The University of Southern Maine is pleased to work with the University of New England in creating this partnership between our public/private institutions of higher learning. The agreement addresses our students’ desire for exploring careers in the field of pharmacy, and helps to meet the current and future workforce needs of the state of Maine,” said USM President Glenn Cummings.
UNE President James Herbert said UNE’s College of Pharmacy’s programs will prepare USM students “for a wealth of career opportunities in the pharmacy field.”
“They will gain expert knowledge in pharmacy, while also receiving interprofessional training alongside future physicians, dentists, physical therapists, nurses, social workers, and other health professionals,” he said. “They will emerge ready to serve as members of health care teams.”
About University of Southern Maine
The University of Southern Maine is a public university with 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students taking courses online and at campuses in Portland, Gorham and Lewiston-Auburn. Known for its academic excellence, student focus and engagement with the community, USM provides students with hands-on experience that complements classroom learning and leads to employment opportunities in one of the nation’s most desirable places to live.
About University of New England
The University of New England is Maine’s largest private university, featuring two distinctive campuses in Maine, a campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of innovative offerings online. It is home to Maine’s only medical and dental colleges, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care programs, and nationally recognized degree paths in the marine sciences, the natural and social sciences, business, the humanities and the arts.
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