Mercer University College of Pharmacy: A Tradition of Excellence in Pharmaceutical Education
Mercer University's College of Pharmacy stands as a distinguished institution with a rich history and a forward-looking approach to pharmaceutical education. With a commitment to excellence in patient-centered care and research, Mercer's College of Pharmacy prepares students to become healthcare leaders and make significant contributions to the field.
Why Choose Mercer College of Pharmacy?
Mercer College of Pharmacy isn't just a school-it's your launchpad to becoming a healthcare leader. Choosing Mercer University for your Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Degree sets you up for a high-demand, well-balanced career. Since 1903, Mercer has trained pharmacy leaders - and is ranked as one of the top private programs in the South.
Here's why Mercer stands out:
- Top-ranked: It is a top-ranked private pharmacy school in the South.
- Location: Based in Atlanta, a hub for major hospitals, research institutions, and pharmaceutical companies, Mercer offers unparalleled opportunities for clinical rotations, internships, and networking.
- Earning Potential: Graduates can expect over $2 million in career earnings over 30 years.
- Success: Mercer boasts above-average board pass rates and strong residency match success.
- Modern Curriculum: A modern curriculum combines rigorous classroom study with hands-on practice in the new Tony and Nancy Moye Health Sciences Center, where you'll use the latest technology and tools in our state-of-the-art labs.
- Mentorship: With more than 6,000 active alumni mentoring current students, your first-time pass rates for the NAPLEX and MJPE exams are among the highest in Georgia.
A Legacy of Excellence
Founded in 1903 as the Southern College of Pharmacy, Mercer’s College of Pharmacy has built a national reputation for pioneering change in pharmaceutical education. After several relocations across Atlanta, the College settled in its current home on Mercer’s Cecil B. Day Campus in 1991. In 1981, Mercer became the first pharmacy school in the Southeast, and the fifth in the nation, to offer the PharmD as its sole professional degree. The College expanded again in 1988, launching Mercer’s first PhD program in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, toxicology, or medicinal chemistry. To strengthen its commitment to pharmaceutical education, Mercer realigned its programs in 2013.
Academic Programs
Mercer's College of Pharmacy offers a range of prestigious doctoral and master's degrees:
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- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): The PharmD program is a four-year curriculum that blends classroom instruction with experiential learning, preparing students for a wide range of pharmacy careers.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmaceutical Sciences: This program is designed for students seeking careers in pharmaceutical research and academia, offering specializations in pharmacology, pharmaceutics, toxicology, and medicinal chemistry.
- Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MS): This program provides advanced training in pharmaceutical sciences, preparing students for research or industry positions.
Experiential Learning and Clinical Opportunities
A cornerstone of Mercer's PharmD program is its emphasis on experiential learning. Students gain hands-on experience through:
- Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences (IPPE): Throughout the first three years, students participate in IPPEs in diverse practice settings, providing early exposure to the pharmacy profession. Student Pharmacists provided nearly 13,000 hours of health-related service to the community through the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience Program.
- Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE): In the fourth year, students complete eight five-week APPE rotations, gaining in-depth experience in various pharmacy practice areas.
Located in Atlanta, Mercer provides students with access to exceptional clinical rotations, internships, and networking opportunities at Emory Healthcare, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, leading pharmaceutical companies, and world-class research institutions.
Faculty and Research
Mercer's College of Pharmacy boasts a distinguished faculty of expert clinicians and renowned scientists. Key faculty members include:
- Dr. Brian Crabtree, Dean
- Dr. Candace Barnett, Executive Associate Dean; Professor of Pharmacy Practice
- Dr. Gina Ryan, Associate Dean for Administration; Clinical Professor of Pharmacy Practice; Director of Pharmacy Continuing Education
- Dr. Nader Moniri, Associate Dean for Research; Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Dr. Susan W. Miller, Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice; Professor of Pharmacy Practice
- Dr. Ajay Banga, Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Co-director, Center for Drug Delivery Research
- Dr. C. Lea Bonner, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs; Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
- Dr. Christine Klein, Vice Chair of Experiential Education and Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
- Dr. Martin D'Souza, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Director of Graduate Program; Director of the Clinical Laboratory; Co-Director of the Center for Drug Delivery Research
- Dr. Johnathan Hamrick, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice; Director of Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences
The College houses several centers focusing on research, teaching, and learning, including the Center for Drug Delivery Research. During the 2016 - 2017 academic year, faculty published 33 individual original or other scholarly articles, and contributed to 108 research presentations, invited presentations, or workshops to regional, national, or international audiences.
Rankings and Recognition
Mercer University's College of Pharmacy consistently receives high rankings from U.S. News & World Report. News & World Report has named Mercer University as one of the leading universities in the South. News & World Report ranks professional-school programs in business, education, engineering, law and medicine. The magazine also ranks Ph.D. programs in the sciences and humanities and programs in health care and the arts - solely on the basis of peer assessment data from academics involved in that particular field. is consistently recognized as one of the top pharmacy schools in the nation. Notably, “The School of Pharmacy is committed to being among the best pharmacy schools in the nation, and to preparing our students to enter this highly respected profession with outstanding credentials and extensive knowledge,” said Dean H.W. “Ted” Matthews. This recognition reflects the College's commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and student success.
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Student Life and Opportunities
Mercer's College of Pharmacy fosters a supportive and engaging learning environment. Students have opportunities to participate in various organizations and activities, including:
- American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP)
- Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA)
These organizations provide students with opportunities for professional development, leadership, and community service.
NAPLEX Performance
While overall Georgia NAPLEX performance has seen some fluctuation in recent years, Mercer University's graduates consistently demonstrate strong performance on the NAPLEX exam. Here's a look at the recent NAPLEX pass rates for Mercer University:
| School | Location | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #Taken | Pass % | #Taken | Pass % | ||
| Mercer University | Macon | 145 | 76.60% | 134 | 93.00% |
Accreditation
The College received a coveted 8 year maximum accreditation term from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education in 2014. An ACPE Pharm. D. program comes with an assurance of quality education as the school maintains its standards of education as established by the ACPE. Your employment options too get brighter as employers give preference to graduates from accredited schools.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Mercer University is committed to making pharmacy education accessible and affordable. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to determine a student’s financial need. For the Doctor of Pharmacy Program, most students receive funding through Stafford Loans and/or Graduate PLUS loans. Total Cost of Education used in determining finanicial aid includes tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, personal expenses, and travel expenses. Incoming Pharmacy students with a PharmCAS-calculated cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.50 - 3.74 are automatically eligible for a Dean's Scholarship ($5,000 for 2017-2018). These scholarships are renewable as long as the student maintains their GPA at the level required for the scholarship.
Read also: Funding Your Education at Mercer
Career Opportunities for Pharmacists in Georgia
The 'Peach State', with its large geriatric population, offers its pharmacists ample opportunities to have a flourishing career in the field of pharmacy. Additionally, Georgia attracts scores of tourists for its historic architecture and famous sites, which further creates a demand for healthcare practitioners. As of 2021, there are estimated to 9,220 pharmacists working in the state, earning an annual salary of $119,660. The employment for pharmacists in Georgia through a period of 2020 to 2030 is projected to be at 13.30%, which is higher than the national average of negative 2.14%. By 2030, 9,880 pharmacists will be working in the state.
Admission Requirements
Admission requirements of pharmacy schools in Georgia vary and you must find out the specific requirements in-detail from the admission officer of your college. Complete the required Pharm. D.
To become a licensed pharmacist in the state of Georgia you are required to take and pass 3 exams, namely; the Georgia Practical, MPJE and NAPLEX. But before that, you must apply to the Georgia State Board to verify your eligibility. Once verified, apply to the NABP for the NAPLEX and MPJE. The Georgia Practical Examination is administered by the state and is specific to the state of Georgia.
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