Early Assurance opens doors to PharmD

The UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy is partnering with nine other UNC System schools and Carolina’s College of Arts and Sciences through the Early Assurance Program.

The program is an opportunity for students interested in a pharmacy career to gain early assurance of admission into the PharmD program.

After an EAP student completes a minimum of two years of undergraduate study and all prerequisite courses, while maintaining a minimum GPA, they may enter the PharmD program at the school. Once in the program, students enjoy early access to pharmacy advisers, mentors and enrichment activities.

Other universities participating in the program are Appalachian State University, UNC Wilmington, Western Carolina University, UNC Asheville, UNC Pembroke, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and UNC Charlotte.

The EAP gives students who are admitted a guaranteed seat in the school earlier in the process than most students who would consider pharmacy school. Most EAP students can enter pharmacy school after just two years of undergraduate coursework compared to the majority of students who don’t apply to pharmacy school until their junior or senior year of college or after graduation.

“The EAP takes a lot of pressure off of students so they can continue their studies and explore other subjects or cocurricular activities,” said Wendy Cox, pharmacy associate dean of admissions and accreditation and professor. “Once they enter the program, they feel supported in their journey and hopefully they’ll go back to their hometown or somewhere in the state and contribute to the workforce of North Carolina.”

Early assurance students can participate in monthly seminars and workshops on topics like drafting a strong resume and networking

Panels with alumni, faculty and pharmacy students are also offered. Faculty and alumni talk about their roles in pharmacy learning and practice, while current PharmD students share about organizations at the school. They also discuss tips for transitioning from an undergraduate program to the PharmD program.

“I love how the program connects undergraduate students to the professional program and gives them a glimpse into what to expect in the future. I also love how EAP keeps expanding to include students from other undergraduate institutions,” said Abby Merryman, second year pharmacy student and EAP student facilitator. “This program fosters a great community of students and faculty that are passionate about pharmacy and willing to help the next cohort of pharmacy students.”

EAP students receive monthly newsletters to stay informed on happenings in the school and within the pharmacy field.

“The goal is that they continue to open their mind about pharmacy. A lot of people are not aware of the over 100 different career pathways in pharmacy,” said Jana Smith, director of PharmD recruitment. “I hope they walk into the pharmacy school knowing they have vast opportunities available to them. As they’re maneuvering the four years of pharmacy, they can really start to figure out their professional desires and the direction they may go.”

Merryman participated in the program and is now a PharmD student herself. “I can confidently say this program prepared me and eased my transition to professional school through meaningful connections with other students and faculty,” Merryman said. “I now want to help other students feel confident in their journey.”