Pharmacy Schools in South Dakota
South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions
Overview
The South Dakota State University (SDSU) College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, located in Brookings, is the premier institution for pharmacy education in South Dakota. The college has a long-standing tradition of excellence in pharmacy education, research, and service. It enrolls approximately 280 students and offers a favorable student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, ensuring personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
Location
Brookings, South Dakota
Number of Students
Approximately 280
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
10:1
Program Offerings
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
- Master of Science (MS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Laboratory Science
- Minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Admissions Requirements
- Completion of pre-pharmacy coursework
- Minimum GPA (generally around 2.75 or higher)
- Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) scores (optional but recommended)
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement
- Interview process
Unique Features
- Strong emphasis on rural healthcare and serving underserved communities.
- Integrated education approach with interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
- Extensive clinical training sites across South Dakota, including rural and urban settings.
- Research opportunities in various fields, including cancer, cardiovascular health, and neuropharmacology.
- State-of-the-art facilities with advanced simulation labs and technology.
Detailed Breakdown
Location
South Dakota State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions is located in Brookings, a city known for its welcoming community and vibrant college-town atmosphere. The campus offers a scenic and supportive environment for students pursuing pharmacy education.
Number of Students
The college enrolls about 280 students in its various programs. This relatively small student body size allows for a tight-knit community where students can receive individualized attention and support from faculty and staff.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1, students at SDSU benefit from close interactions with their professors, which enhances learning and provides ample opportunities for mentorship and guidance.
Program Offerings
SDSU offers a range of programs to cater to different interests and career goals within the field of pharmacy and allied health professions:
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): A comprehensive program designed to prepare students for diverse pharmacy practice settings.
- Master of Science (MS) in Pharmaceutical Sciences: A graduate program focusing on advanced research and scientific principles in pharmaceutical sciences.
- PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences: A research-intensive program aimed at developing experts in pharmaceutical research and academia.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Medical Laboratory Science: A program that prepares students for careers in clinical laboratory settings.
- Minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences: An option for students to gain foundational knowledge in pharmaceutical sciences alongside their major.
Admissions Requirements
To be considered for admission to the SDSU College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, prospective students must:
- Complete pre-pharmacy coursework, including courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
- Maintain a minimum GPA, typically around 2.75 or higher, although higher GPAs are often more competitive.
- Submit PCAT scores, which are optional but recommended to strengthen the application.
- Provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional references.
- Write a personal statement outlining their motivation for pursuing a career in pharmacy and their goals.
- Participate in an interview process to assess their communication skills, professionalism, and fit for the program.
Unique Features
The SDSU College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions stands out for several reasons:
- Rural Healthcare Focus: The college places a strong emphasis on addressing the healthcare needs of rural and underserved communities, preparing students to serve in these critical areas.
- Interdisciplinary Learning: Students benefit from an integrated education approach that includes interdisciplinary learning opportunities with other health professions.
- Clinical Training: The college has extensive clinical training sites across South Dakota, offering students diverse experiences in both rural and urban healthcare settings.
- Research Opportunities: Students have access to research opportunities in various fields, such as cancer research, cardiovascular health, and neuropharmacology, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and advanced simulation labs.
- Community Engagement: The college is committed to community service and engagement, providing students with opportunities to participate in health outreach programs and initiatives.
