The University of Utah College of Pharmacy: A Hub of Innovation and Excellence

The University of Utah College of Pharmacy stands as a beacon of pharmaceutical education and research, consistently striving for excellence and innovation. From pioneering educational programs to fostering groundbreaking research, the college is dedicated to shaping the future of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences.

A Year of Transformation and Growth

The University of Utah College of Pharmacy experienced a year defined by innovation and change. New educational programs, new leadership, and new traditions marked a period of significant advancement. The students, staff, and faculty are helping bring new medicines to life for our community.

Launch of New Academic Programs

A one-year Master’s of Science degree program was launched this year within the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. This program offers students an opportunity to delve deeper into the intricacies of these fields, equipping them with advanced knowledge and skills for careers in research, academia, or the pharmaceutical industry.

Breaking Barriers with Scholarships

The First Year Free Scholarship Initiative continues to knock down barriers for pharmacy education and increase Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program enrollment. This initiative underscores the college's commitment to making pharmacy education accessible to talented individuals, regardless of their financial background.

Research Prowess and Recognition

The University of Utah College of Pharmacy has garnered significant recognition for its research endeavors, solidifying its position as a leader in pharmaceutical innovation.

National Rankings and NIH Grants

The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) rankings jumped significantly this year. The college is ranked #7 nationally in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants, a testament to the groundbreaking research conducted by its faculty and students.

Faculty Accolades and Achievements

Several faculty members have received prestigious awards and recognition for their contributions to the field:

Yue Lu, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, was honored as a New Innovator Award recipient by the NIH.
Krystal Moorman-Bishir, PharmD, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy and assistant dean of experiential education, was named a fellow of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.
Amy Barrios, PhD, a professor in the Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, was selected as an American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow.
Amberly Johnson, PharmD, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy and director of the Utah Poison Control Center, was named a 2024-25 Presidential Societal Impact Scholar by University of Utah President Taylor Randall.

Student Success and Engagement

The University of Utah College of Pharmacy is committed to fostering a supportive and engaging environment for its students, empowering them to excel in their academic pursuits and professional development.

Residency Match Rates

In 2024, graduating PharmD students matched to residencies at a rate of greater than 90%-far above the national average, demonstrating the high quality of education and training provided by the college.

Extracurricular Activities and Community Building

Students from across the College of Pharmacy found some time for fun and flocked to the first ever Pharmacy Prom hosted by Phi Delta Chi in April. Student professional organizations are active on campus and provide students with the opportunity to participate in extracurricular service and social activities. College of Pharmacy students, staff, and guests dance in the college’s atrium during Phi Delta Chi’s Under the Stars Pharmacy Prom.

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Remembering a Legacy: William “Bill” Higuchi, PhD

Renowned researcher, scientist, and professor William “Bill” Higuchi, PhD, passed away this year. He went on to receive honorary degrees from the University of Utah and the University of Michigan. He was also awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun. A memorial event in his honor was held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Salt Lake City. William “Bill” Iyeo Higuchi, PhD, stands to be recognized for receiving an honorary doctorate and being the guest of honor at the College of Pharmacy’s Convocation ceremony.

Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) Program

The professional degree currently offered by the University of Utah College of Pharmacy is the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD). The pharmacy curriculum is divided into a two to three-year pre-professional curriculum and a four-year professional curriculum.

Admission Requirements

Getting into a PharmD program comes with many choices. Course requirements and prerequisites for admission are different for every school. The Application Cycle for Admission into the Doctor of Pharmacy Program for Fall 2026 start opened July 10, 2025, and will close June 1, 2026.

An applicant's overall GPA (the combination of pre-pharmacy classes and undergraduate classes) needs to be a 3.0. (Note: An overall GPA of 2.75 or higher may still be reviewed by the committee if a student's prerequisite GPA is higher than 3.0.) Selection of applicants is based primarily on pre-professional grade point average, the Admissions Committee’s assessment of the candidate’s statement of purpose and motivation as requested on the application form, patient exposure/pharmacy experience, volunteer work, leadership experience, and PCAT scores. A personal interview will be scheduled by the committee to further assess those factors as well as communication skills, maturity, and career goals. Applicants who have not completed the pre-professional requirements listed above may be conditionally accepted if current registration and past performance indicates a high probability that all requirements will be satisfactorily completed by July 1. Such acceptances become final when all prerequisites for admission have been satisfied. Failure to do so will result in the offer of acceptance being rescinded. Following notification of acceptance, applicants are required to submit a deposit within a specified time.

Historically, the average grade point of those accepted is 3.5 or higher. The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is required for all applicants with or without a B.A. or B.S. degree. An applicant whose first language is not English must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT) and submit the test scores to the College of Pharmacy. To be considered for admission, a TOEFL iBT test must be provided with a total score of 80 or better will be required of all applicants that English is a second language.

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Facilities and Resources

All classroom instruction takes place in the Eccles Health Sciences Education Building, which houses state of the art, classrooms, laboratories, computer facilities, conference rooms, lockers and student lounges. The College of Pharmacy has well-equipped facilities to train students in all areas of the pharmaceutical sciences and professional practice. State-of-the-art scientific instruments are available for undergraduate and graduate research. Additional adjacent facilities for research and instruction include the Biomedical Polymers Research Building, University Research Park, Poison Control Center, and University Hospital. Clinical clerkships and fellowships or residencies are available in a variety of professional practice settings.

Faculty and Learning Environment

The student-faculty ratio in all programs is small, so students receive concentrated, individual attention. The faculty, many of whom are recognized authorities in their areas of specialization, are committed to providing each student with a valuable educational experience. Since the college is located within the Health Sciences Center, pharmacy students can interact on a daily basis with students who are training in the other health professions and sciences.

Departments

The University of Utah College of Pharmacy includes four departments: Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Pharmacology and Toxicology, and Pharmacotherapy.

Accreditation

The state of Utah recognizes the national ACPE accreditation as the standard for the state. ACPE accreditation is public recognition that a professional degree program leading to the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree is judged to meet established qualifications and education standards through initial and subsequent periodic evaluations. ACPE requires all programs it accredits to meet the expectations of all 25 of ACPE’s accreditation standards.

Licensure

Currently, to become a registered pharmacist in Utah, a student must graduate with a PharmD degree from an ACPE accredited school or college of pharmacy, and complete the required internship hours, and pass the North American Pharmacy Licensing Exam (NAPLEX) and Federal and State law examinations. The pass rate for University of Utah graduates taking these exams for the first time is close to 100%.

Alumni Spotlights

Chaz Washington is a great example of an involved alum, and a student who turned a PharmD paired with a MBA into a rewarding and distinctive career in Managed Care.
Mary Kuzel is a clinical pharmacist at University of Utah Health's Greenwood Health Center in Midvale, Utah.
Benjamin Davies is a recent graduate of the University of Utah College of Pharmacy, who is a Fellow at the Utah Poison Control Center.
Donovan Smith graduated from the University of Utah College of Pharmacy and currently works as the Director of Pharmacy at the Wayne County Community Health Center in the rural town of Bicknell, Utah.
Karen Wilcox is in the business of improving lives for individuals living with epilepsy.

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