The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy and Saint Louis University School for Professional Studies signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in late October for the advancement of pharmacy education.
The MOU was developed to provide SIUE pharmacy students, as well as SIUE School of Pharmacy alumni, the opportunity to earn an online certificate in organizational leadership and/or an online certificate in healthcare information systems from SLU.
These certificates offered online make it easier for current students and alumni to take the classes at their own pace. The flexible format also offers up to nine credit hours of completed coursework from SIUE to be transferred.
“This MOU gives students and alumni an excellent opportunity to earn certification in two key areas that have the potential to give them an edge in the job market,” said Dr. Gireesh Gupchup, dean of the SIUE School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Matthew Grawitch, interim dean for the SLU School for Professional Studies; Dr. Ellen Harshmann, SLU interim vice president for Academic Affairs; Bill Wuller, SIUE School of Pharmacy clinical associate professor and director of experiential education; and Dr. Ann Boyle, SIUE interim provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs also were involved in developing the agreement.
This new partnership is the only kind in this region, creating advancements for students and alumni in the job market.
“This partnership and these certifications will provide pharmacy students with additional opportunities for tailoring their education to meet their long-term career goals in a way that does not conflict with their primary area of study,” said Grawitch.
The certificate in organizational leadership allows students to develop the knowledge, skills and experience needed to assume leadership and administrative roles in corporate and non-profit settings. Students acquire knowledge and skills in a variety of areas including human resources, marketing and leadership.
Students, who earn a certificate in healthcare information systems, gain the tools necessary to succeed in an information technology (IT) role in the health care industry. A background of information systems and technology, cloud computing and virtualization, programming, database design, network fundamentals, healthcare information systems terminology and IT systems for health care organizations is acquired through coursework.
Students and alumni can begin taking classes now. For more information, contact Connie Stamper-Carr at pharmacy@siue.edu or (618) 650-5159.