Innovation Week Spotlight: SWOSU College of Pharmacy
As part of Innovation Week, Southwestern Oklahoma State University’s College of Pharmacy (SWOSU COP) will once again showcase its contributions to both pharmacy education and community health.
Known for its in-depth academic program and emphasis on hands-on experience, SWOSU COP continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of healthcare, preparing students to face real-world challenges.
A Comprehensive Program with Flexibility
SWOSU’s College of Pharmacy offers a 2/4 program, comprising two years of pre-pharmacy coursework followed by four years of professional study. Unlike many pharmacy programs, SWOSU admits students twice annually, in both fall and spring. This unique structure provides flexibility for students who may need to delay or retake a course, ensuring they stay on track for timely graduation.
The program includes three years of classroom and lab-based education, with students participating in introductory experiential rotations in community and hospital settings. The final year is dedicated to full-time clinical rotations across nine different practice areas, giving students broad exposure to the diverse roles pharmacists play in healthcare.
To further support its outreach efforts, SWOSU has launched RxPath, a high school outreach program designed to offer juniors and seniors a guaranteed spot in the Pharm.D. program.
Real-World Experience and Research Opportunities
Students at SWOSU COP gain practical experience early on through labs simulating both hospital and retail environments. In addition to their introductory rotations, students can choose from an extensive selection of advanced clinical rotations in fields like pediatrics, oncology, and ambulatory care. For those interested in more specialized areas, options such as nuclear pharmacy or involvement in national organizations like the American Pharmacists Association are available. The program also encourages students to pursue research, from drug discovery to public health studies, allowing them to collaborate with faculty and contribute to the wider body of pharmaceutical knowledge.
Research conducted by SWOSU COP students has even addressed real-world challenges. For example, the National Community Pharmacists Association chapter conducted a study on the safety and stability of shipping medications by mail, which they presented at state and national levels. Their findings can be viewed here.
Integrating Technology and Community Outreach
SWOSU COP keeps pace with advancements in healthcare technology, continuously updating its curriculum. Recent grants and donations have allowed the College to incorporate tools like high-fidelity manikins for disease state simulations and equipment for virtual patient counseling. This technology is valuable for serving rural communities with limited access to healthcare professionals. More information on this aspect of the program, including virtual counseling in underserved communities, is available here.
In addition to its focus on education, the College actively promotes community outreach. SWOSU COP students, faculty, and residents volunteer at local health clinics and wellness fairs, offering services like health screenings and vaccinations.
Through events like PharmCorp, Girl Scout STEAM Meet, and SAGE STEAM camps, SWOSU engages with the broader community, encouraging professional development and leadership.
The college also participates in global health initiatives. One notable project is the annual medical mission trip to Panama, where students and faculty collaborate with Global Brigades to provide free healthcare services. This effort includes running health clinics, digging water wells, and educating children on dental care and nutrition.
SWOSU COP STEM Strong: Transforming Lives in Rural Panama
What They Bring to Innovation Week
Students interact with SWOSU COP operation game at Innovation Week '23
The College of Pharmacy is a key participant in SWOSU’s Innovation Week, offering hands-on activities that demonstrate the practical applications of pharmacy. Students, faculty, and residents lead various activities, including medication compounding, patient care simulations, and tools like ultrasound equipment and glucose testing kits. These activities give participants a glimpse into the everyday responsibilities of pharmacists while highlighting the college’s innovative approach to education.
Past events have included sterile IV compounding, prescription filling, and even a large-scale “Operation” game to simulate patient care. The College of Pharmacy uses Innovation Week to showcase the diverse skills students develop throughout the program and engage with the broader community.
Innovation Week provides a perfect platform to display these efforts, as SWOSU students and faculty share their expertise and passion for the field of pharmacy.
As the SWOSU College of Pharmacy continues to expand its facilities with the construction of the new Jerry & Margaret Hodge Center, set to be completed by 2026, the program is poised to offer even greater resources to future pharmacy students.