The University of Hawaii at Hilo approved two new programs that will allow students on track to getting their Pharm.D. degree to earn specialization certificates. ADVERTISING The University of Hawaii at Hilo approved two new programs that will allow students
The University of Hawaii at Hilo approved two new programs that will allow students on track to getting their Pharm.D. degree to earn specialization certificates.
Student pharmacists will be able to earn the Healthcare Leadership certificate, giving them a basic foundation in business administration with a concentration in health care leadership. Students also will have an opportunity to earn a certificate in Health Science Research, giving them an education in research methodology.
“These certificates offer avenues not available at many other colleges,” said Matthew S. Platz, vice chancellor for academic affairs. “They enrich the pharmacy program by helping Pharm.D. students become more competitive in the job market. It’s a very exciting direction for our College of Pharmacy.”
The new certificates are available to all Pharm.D. students who passed their first year as long as they maintained a 3.0 GPA, said Karen Pellegrin, director of strategic planning and continuing education at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy.
The coursework for each certificate will use existing courses along with new or modified subjects that allow the program to run concurrent with work on the Pharm.D. degree.
“Through collaboration with the College of Business and Economics, the Healthcare Leadership certificate leverages our existing courses that are business oriented,” Pellegrin said. “Students who complete this program will have a better understanding of the business side of the health care industry and, thus, will likely have a competitive advantage in the job market.”
The Health Science Research certificate gives Pharm.D. students experience implementing a research project, said Deborah Taira, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice.
“This will help our students be more competitive for postgraduate residency programs, which are increasingly required for jobs in clinical and academic settings,” she said.
Both certificates will be available to students who begin the Pharm.D. program this fall.
