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USF Plans To Produce Pharmacists

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By LINDSAY PETERSON

lpeterson@tampatrib.com

Published: January 30, 2009

Students seeking a degree in pharmacology 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 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 people seek help managing their medications, Sneed said.

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

Only two other Florida 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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