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USF Approved For Pharmacy Degree

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By LINDSAY PETERSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: January 29, 2009

Students seeking a pharmacy degree soon will be able to get one from the University of South Florida, according to a plan approved by the university system's Board of Governors.

USF officials hope to begin with its first 50 students in 2011. That's a crucial year, said USF associate professor Kevin Sneed, who would lead the program. It's when the first wave of baby boomers will be enrolling in Medicare, the health care program for people 65 and older.

"The state's demand for pharmacists is expected to grow substantially" as these older people seek help managing their medications, Sneed said.

The state has 20 percent fewer pharmacists than it needs, Sneed said.

Only two other state universities offer similar programs. One of them, the University of Florida, received 2,000 applications for 300 openings this year. The other, Florida A&M, received 1,200 for 150 seats.

According to USF's business plan, the program would serve 400 students by 2017. It would cost $10.5 million and generate $7.3 million in tuition. Before it opens in 2011, it will need an appropriation from the Florida Legislature.

Reporter Lindsay Peterson can be reached at (813) 259-7834.

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