Lehman College has signed an agreement with Touro College of Pharmacy (TCOP) in Harlem to create a new pipeline where Lehman students can earn degrees that save them time and money while entering a critical job field in the health industry.

The agreement, which was signed by Lehman Provost Peter Nwosu, TCOP Dean Henry Cohen, and Touro College Provost of Graduate and Professional Divisions Patricia Salkin, creates a new pre-pharmacy program for Lehman students that will allow qualified students to earn both bachelor’s and Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degrees in a year less than usually needed to complete both.

"We are very pleased to join TCOP in creating this innovative pathway for students; one that saves them a year of study and a year of tuition on the way to a PharmD degree," said Nwosu. "This articulation agreement allows students to fully benefit from their Lehman liberal arts education as they build the basis of their PharmD degree at TCOP. Many Lehman graduates remain in the Bronx after graduation, so we expect this program to add to the pool of health professionals in the borough, helping fulfill the College’s goal to serve the community."

Under the agreement, students would apply to TCOP after completing pre-requisites in science, math, humanities, social sciences, English and economics, including a minimum of 60 credits in residence at Lehman, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and minimum science GPA of 2.75.

Favorable recommendations, a personal interview at TCOP, completion of the Pharmacy College Admissions Test, and submission of a formal application through the Pharmacy College Application Service are also required. Admission to the new program does not guarantee admission to the pharmacy school.

"This exciting new partnership will offer a unique opportunity to enter the challenging and rewarding pharmacy profession. Outstanding students will get a head start on their professional careers, enabling them to obtain bachelors and doctoral degrees in less time and for less money than if each degree was taken separately," said Cohen. "We are delighted and honored to join with Lehman, a dynamic and diverse college that is preparing students for science-based careers, in carrying out TCOP’s vital mission to develop the next generation of pharmacists dedicated to promoting wellness–especially among underserved populations in Harlem and beyond."

Under the articulation agreement, Lehman agrees to provide counseling, advising and resources to students in the program. Students admitted to TCOP must satisfactorily complete their first year of pharmacy school to obtain their bachelor's degree from Lehman.

Interested students can apply to the program through Lehman beginning July 2019, the start of the 2019-2020 application cycle.