Welcome from the DeanGreetings from the School of Pharmacy at Union University!

My hope is that this brochure will provide information about our

program, as well as the unique learning atmosphere that a student

will experience at the Union University School of Pharmacy. This truly

is a pharmacy school built differently from the ground up.

Our home on the campus, Providence Hall, is an incredible facility

dedicated to the teaching of excellence in pharmacy education. It is beautiful, state-

of-the-art, and futuristic in every way. Members of the School of Pharmacy Leadership

were integrally involved in the planning and design of this building from the perspective

of pharmacy practitioners and educators preparing future pharmacists to meet the

healthcare challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. The resulting facility absolutely

supports the accomplishment of these goals and our vision.

Union University has been recognized for excellence by such prestigious national

publications as U.S.News & World Report, Time/Princeton Review, Peterson’s Competitive

Colleges, America’s Best Christian Colleges, and others. At Union, you will find education

characterized by rigorous academic pursuit and authentic Christian commitment in a

community of forward-thinking faculty, staff and students committed to these ideals.

The School of Pharmacy was established in this same great tradition, educating and

equipping young pharmacists to enter their practice as confident, prepared individuals

motivated by excellence and a desire to serve. The challenges facing the health care

community in the 21st century are numerous, and practitioners will need excellent

pharmaceutical, professional and ethical training in order to deal with these challenges.

Union University equips its students to competently practice in the complex and ever-

changing arena of pharmacy. Further, and most significantly, pharmacy education at

Union University brings forward the University’s commitment to ask important questions

about faith. At Union, we explore what the Christian faith and intellectual tradition bring

to bear on the subject matter we study as pharmacists.

I hope that you will take time to explore Union’s School of Pharmacy as a possibility

for your professional training! I invite you to give us a call and schedule a visit to our

campus. Come and see what makes us distinctly different.

Blessings,

Sheila L. Mitchell, Pharm.D., FASHP

Dean, School of Pharmacy

The Union University Doctor of Pharmacy Program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 135 South LaSalle Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, IL 60503

Phone 312-664-3575, Fax 312-664-4652, website www.acpe-accredit.org

A Different Kind of Pharmacy SchoolThe profession of pharmacy is ever changing. Now, more than

ever, we are on the threshold of exciting new opportunities

that could lead to greater discoveries of agents that will cure

disease or alleviate symptoms. With these opportunities

becoming more challenging, the need for rigorous pharmacy

education must be addressed. In 2007, Union University

selected the team that would lead the institution to open a

School of Pharmacy. However, the goal was not merely to

open another pharmacy school. This Leadership Team decided

to make strategic changes to the typical pharmacy program.

Starting with the faculty and curriculum, the School of

Pharmacy at Union University has taken bold steps toward a

new approach to pharmacy education:

• Challenging students with courses in Non-Prescription

Drugs and Human Gross Anatomy during the

first semester

• Using human patient simulator technology within the

first-year curriculum

• Committing to a small class size in order to enhance

personal interaction with professors

• Designing Providence Hall as a hands-on educational

environment where students can actively engage in

community and hospital pharmacy practice simulation

and scientific research

“Having the opportunity to study pharmacy at Union has been a great blessing in my life. Pursuing the future I feel called to while being shaped by Christian leaders in the field is a chance like none other. Great things are happening at Union, and I am so honored to be a part of them. Whatever my future holds, I know my time here is preparing me well to make a difference in the lives of patients.”Ashley Pugh, c l a s s o f 2 014

Fulfilling the Core Values Excellence-DrivenBeginning with the Leadership of the School of Pharmacy, Union University is promoting

an Excellence-Driven academic culture that instills knowledge and advances

understanding of biomedical, pharmaceutical, social, behavioral, administrative and clinical

sciences. Through the recruitment of professors who are exceptional in their respective

fields, student pharmacists benefit greatly from the depth of the faculty’s professional

expertise, as well as from one-on-one personal and professional mentoring.

Union students have been recognized both regionally and nationally for their work in

pharmacy, placing among the top performers in organizational competitions that include

a focus on patient counseling, non-prescription drugs, and the application of clinical skills.

Our faculty members have received recognition in the areas of innovative teaching, patient

counseling, and research. Union’s commitment to academic excellence challenges our

students and faculty alike.

Christ-CenteredThroughout every academic pursuit in the School of Pharmacy, we provide a Christ-

Centered environment that focuses on the intellectual, spiritual, and moral development

of students in committing themselves to the service of church and society. We begin from

the vantage point of faith, which is integrated with learning across the curriculum, even

as we struggle with difficult issues and carry on debate in the pursuit of truth.

Courses such as Christian Faith and Pharmacy, Medical Missions, and Moral Reasoning

in Healthcare equip Union students to think through the challenges and moral dilemmas

pharmacists may face in their profession. These courses allow a guided discussion where

thought is not diminished and truth is pursued.

“I chose Union University to continue my pharmacy education because of the Christian values that Union holds. The School of Pharmacy is set apart because of their concern about more than just turning out numbers of pharmacists. They care about your spiritual growth and your personal professional development which is crucial in the world of pharmacy. Union does more than just claim that they have a Christian worldview, they actually teach it and show it to us on a daily basis.”

Drew Donaldson, c l a s s o f 2 013

People-FocusedThe faculty is committed to developing pharmacy students

as practitioners who are People-Focused in providing

optimum care based on evidence and best-practice

standards. Through small group advising and personal

student mentoring, the faculty extends investment beyond

the classroom and takes an active interest in students, both

professionally and personally.

Along with the rest of the Union family, pharmacy students

have found the importance of giving back to the greater

Jackson community. Pharmacy faculty and students

frequently take the opportunity to serve the community

by providing patient counseling at health fairs, educating

elementary and high school students about illegal drug use,

and volunteering to serve with domestic and international

mission opportunities.

Future-DirectedThe School of Pharmacy is committed to support an

academic environment that fosters Future-Directed

growth of students and faculty. This vital growth relates

to education, practice, research, and scholarship initiatives.

State-of-the-art research facilities provide faculty with the

opportunity to teach students how chemical structure

impacts and determines medicinal characteristics including

activity, delivery, and duration of action. These research labs

allow students to discover new ways of treating symptoms

and managing diseases.

Clinical education with pharmacy students is enhanced

through the art of simulation education, which is done in

collaboration with Union’s School of Nursing. The School

of Pharmacy is providing students with hands-on experience

that they will find in day-to-day practice. Our students

will participate in clinical, “real-life” scenarios utilizing

human patient simulators which allow them to provide

care to patients with heart failure, respiratory distress,

complications from labor and delivery, etc. This allows

students to experience being part of a health care team

in a controlled, risk-free environment.

General Admission RequirementsAdmission to the Union University School of Pharmacy is by committee action, based on the

overall record and aptitude of the applicant. To be considered for admission, the candidate

must meet the following requirements:

• Applicants must complete all prerequisite requirements at an accredited institution

recognized by American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP).

• A grade point average of 2.75 or greater on a 4.0 scale is required for pre-pharmacy

coursework with a grade “C” or higher. The overall academic average for all courses

completed must not be less than 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.

• All applicants must also complete the online PharmCAS application. The application

must be complete and include at least three references.

• All applicants are required to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) and

results should be submitted to PharmCAS.

• All applicants will complete a Union University supplemental application.

• An onsite interview is required as part of the admission process. Interviews are

conducted by invitation only and will be sent via email. A writing sample will be required

as part of the onsite interview.

While there is a deadline of March 1 of the year in which admission is desired, applicants

are encouraged to apply early as space is limited. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling

basis throughout the year until the class is filled. The Union University School of Pharmacy

admits only one class per year in the fall semester.

Admission to the School of Pharmacy requires the completion of prerequisite coursework

listed below:

Course Semesters Quarters *Biology or Zoology 2 3*General Chemistry 2 3*Organic Chemistry 2 3*Human Anatomy and Physiology 2 3*Physics I 1 2*Microbiology 1 1*Calculus 1 2*Statistics 1 1Written Composition 2 3Communications/Speech 1 1+Humanities Electives 2 3+Social Sciences Electives 2 3+General Electives 1 2

Notes: Courses that will increase the strength of the applicant’s candidacy include Biochemistry, Immunology, Genetics and a second semester of Physics. Not all introductory courses in the sciences, calculus, or statistics will be accepted in fulfillment of pre-pharmacy requirements.

* For all science, calculus or statistics courses, the prospective pharmacy student should take courses which are suitable for science majors intending graduate study and should include laboratories when available. The calculus course(s) should include both differential and integral calculus.

+ Elective courses must conform to the following distribution and requirements: Humanities Electives include courses from arts, history, language, literature, or philosophy. Social Sciences Electives include courses from anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, or sociology. General Electives may be taken in any area(s) the student desires (Christian studies, sciences, mathematics, humanities or social sciences).

It is also strongly recommended that candidates gain work experience in a pharmacy setting prior to applying.

“I chose Union University School of Pharmacy because it simply felt

right when I came for an interview. The Dean and faculty were genuinely

interested in knowing who I was as an individual, what I stood for and why

I wanted to be a pharmacist. My experience at Union has led me to four of

the best years I could have imagined. I received an outstanding education

in an environment built on Christ and with people who feel like a second

family to me. I graduated with personal and professional relationships that

will last a lifetime. Union truly invested in me as a future pharmacist and as a person. For

that reason alone, it is because of Union’s School of Pharmacy that I truly feel prepared for

and excited about my career as a pharmacist.”Ashley Turner, Pharm.D., P h a r m a c i s t w i t h ta r g e t, N a s h v i l l e , t N

“I knew that Union University had a reputation for excellence in

academics so I was not worried about being a part of the School of

Pharmacy’s inaugural class. I had an unbelievable pharmacy education

experience. I met many wonderful people (including my wife!) and was

challenged throughout my experience. I built great relationships with the

faculty due to the smaller class size. These relationships helped me greatly

in the classroom but also in networking for my residency. I was able to

participate in a medical mission trip to Belize, which was a wonderful experience. I definitely

made the right choice in attending the Union University School of Pharmacy and was very

well prepared to start my career as a pharmacist.”Houston Wyatt, Pharm.D., PgY1 res ideNt, saiNt thomas hosPital, Nashville, tN

“After interviewing there was no doubt that UUSOP was the school for

me. At that point in my life, I needed more than just a pharmacy education

and UUSOP gave me exactly what I was seeking to help me grow spiritually

and professionally. My experience was an extreme challenge, yet one of the

most rewarding and fulfilling journeys that I will never forget. Making the

transition from pharmacy intern to pharmacist was an eye opener but I was

prepared thanks to UUSOP.”Mike Jackson, Pharm.D., P h a r m a c i s t w i t h wa l m a rt, at l a N ta , g a

“Choosing UUSOP was an easy decision for me. I attended Union as

an undergraduate majoring in Chemistry and quickly fell in love with this

school. I loved the Christian atmosphere, the beautiful campus, and the

small class size at UUSOP that allowed me to get to know and interact

closely with both classmates and faculty. Our school has been blessed

with knowledgeable, gifted faculty members who care deeply about our

academic performance and our lives both in and out of the classroom. I

had the opportunity to be involved with several professional organizations and to participate

in a medical mission trip to Belize. I cannot imagine better preparation to start my pharmacy

career as a PGY1 resident than the education I received at Union.”Alydia Snyder, Pharm.D., PgY1 resideNt, JacksoN-madisoN couNtY geNeral hosPital, JacksoN, tN

What Our Alumni Are Saying

E x C E L L E N C E - D r I v E N | C H r I S T- C E N T E r E D | P E O P L E - F O C U S E D | F U T U r E - D I r E C T E D

1050 Union University Drive

Jackson, Tennessee 38305

731.661.5979uu.edu/programs/pharmacy

Student Life at UnionThe Union University School of Pharmacy is a challenging

program where students are pushed to be the best they

possibly can. We want students to study hard but also have

a rich, student-life experience.

A typical day for a pharmacy student begins with class — typically from 8 am – 12 noon.

Afternoons may include lab sessions, electives, or studying. Pharmacy students spend

a great amount of time in Providence Hall, which is why we have several study rooms

throughout the building, as well as a student lounge and a Drug Information Center with

computer stations, a copier and printers.

Students move through the program as a cohort, meaning that from day one, a class

of students takes all the courses in the curriculum together, except electives. The class

progresses through the program together all the way to graduation. Cohorts become a

family, a support system of peers sharing the same experiences on a day-to-day basis.

In addition to opportunities for involvement with their

class, there are many pharmacy-related organizations in

which students can get involved. Classes and student

organizations hold social and community service activities

throughout the year. Examples of activities include

attending a crawfish boil, going to a Jackson Generals

minor league baseball game, providing health-screenings

for Jackson’s underserved population, and educating

students in local elementary and high schools on the

dangers of prescription drug abuse or other health-related issues.

Pharmacy students may also participate in the Union University undergraduate intramural

sports system. This is a great way to relieve stress and enjoy time with peers. With flag

football, basketball, softball, and soccer, students should be able to find just the right

sport to nurture their inner-athlete.

About Jackson, Tennessee

Jackson, known as the Hub City, is located approximately 80 miles east of Memphis and

120 miles west of Nashville on Interstate 40. Jackson is the largest city between Memphis

and Nashville and serves as a healthcare and manufacturing hub in West Tennessee. With

a population of approximately 65,000 in the city limits and approximately 100,000 in the

county, Jackson is a thriving and growing community.