NC West Virginia News

In a collaborative effort, the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy and the University of Charleston are working together to support students affected by the closure of UC's Doctor of Pharmacy program. This partnership aims to provide a smooth transition for these students.

UC announced on December 13 that it would no longer admit new students into its PharmD program. Students in UC’s graduating classes of 2025 and 2026 will be able to complete their degrees at UC, while other class years will continue instruction through the spring semester.

Under an agreement between the two universities, second-year UC students in good academic standing will be offered automatic transfer to WVU. The location for these classes is yet to be determined. First-year students can transfer seamlessly to WVU, with classes held in Morgantown. Students accepted into UC for Fall 2025 will need to apply formally to WVU's School of Pharmacy, where they will receive expedited review.

The universities are addressing details such as curricular alignment, educational costs, and site of instruction collaboratively to accommodate student needs and ensure academic progress while maintaining high-quality education.

“As a land-grant institution and West Virginia’s leader in pharmacy education for decades, we will commit to making every effort to helping the UC students fulfill their dreams of becoming pharmacists,” said Dr. William Petros, Dean of WVU School of Pharmacy.

UC cited declining enrollment in its pharmacy program and a focus on other growth opportunities as reasons for discontinuing its program after 20 years. Despite this change, pharmacists remain crucial in healthcare roles, especially as primary contacts in rural areas with limited access to healthcare professionals.

“We are fully committed to helping all UC pharmacy students find a home at WVU after the discontinuation of the UC program,” stated Dr. Clay Marsh, WVU Health Sciences chancellor and executive dean.

Dr. Marsh emphasized that "the WVU School of Pharmacy is located on our large academic medical center campus and is a robust program with extensive opportunities for clinical practice and experiential learning." He assured that "the UC pharmacy students will work with caring and compassionate WVU faculty and staff who will provide exceptional training."

A degree in pharmacy continues to offer promising career prospects with over 100 career types available nationwide. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects above-average growth in pharmacist employment compared to all occupations.

Celebrating its 110th year, the WVU School of Pharmacy remains West Virginia's oldest pharmacy school. It ranks among the top third nationally with approximately 4,000 alumni practicing across various communities.