The University of Houston College of Pharmacy is one of the best considerations a prospective student can make regarding their education. Combined with the fact that the University of Houston is Texas' premier urban teaching and research university, the College of Pharmacy's affiliations with the world-renown Texas Medical Center creates opportunities for students to be taught not only by some of the most influential pharmacy research faculty, but by clinicians who practice in Houston's medical community.

Relationship with Texas Medical Center

In addition, the College of Pharmacy has two campuses: one at the University of Houston main campus, only minutes from downtown, and one at the Texas Medical Center, the largest medical community in the world. Opportunities for pharmacy students to network with healthcare professionals is maximized by the College's affiliations, partnerships, and integrated group of instructors.

Educational and Community Involvement

During the first two years of the professional program (Pharm.D.), the students attend classes at the University of Houston campus, providing them the interaction and experience of the traditional college life. The first year, while taking the professional coursework, students begin patient care oriented activities through the College's Community Wellness Program. By partnering with a multitude of community organizations, students are allowed to enhance traditional ways of learning, foster a concern for social problems, and begin developing patient and professional relationships to actively understand health care.

Skills students will develop during their education include: immunizations, diabetic foot exams, and osteoporosis, blood pressure, cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1C screenings.The College believes it's important to allow students hands-on training initially to give them the opportunity to begin serving the community.

The third year, students transfer to the Texas Medical Center campus, giving them access to the healthcare professionals in the medical community. The summer before the commencement of the third-year, students begin clinical rotations, precepted by a variety of affiliates within the Houston healthcare community and often involve the College's clinical faculty. In addition, the College offers close to 450 rotation sites throughout Texas and have expanded placement opportunities in Washington D.C., Alaska, New Mexico, Maryland, and Georgia. Rotations culminate into a full-time internship program during the fourth year, providing students an opportunity to experience diverse areas within the pharmacy profession.

Leadership

The University of Houston College of Pharmacy has a strong commitment in encouraging students to become involved in organizations and leadership positions. Over the last few years, UHCOP has had three students serve as national student organization presidents. One of our recent graduates, Michelle Edwards, won the National Patient Counseling Competition at the APhA National Convention in Seattle in 2005. She has taken her leadership role into her profession, and has recently served as the Treasurer-Elect for the Houston Area Pharmacy Association, along with seven other UHCOP alumni. Prior to his graduation, Alex Varkey served as president of the American Pharmacists Association, Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP).