Touro College of Pharmacy in Harlem achieved a milestone last month. It has been granted full accreditation for its Doctor of Pharmacy program by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), the school announced.
ACPE is the national agency responsible for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy. It’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Touro College President and CEO Dr. Alan Kadish expressed his joy with the news in a released statement.
“Achieving this prestigious national accreditation is a demanding and intense process, and a tremendous accomplishment for the school, its leadership and the entire college community,” stated Kadish. I commend Touro College of Pharmacy, which now is poised to become a national leader in the profession as it continues to fulfill its mission of improving the public’s health through educating a diverse student body to serve underrepresented communities and minimize health disparities.”
ACPE gives accreditation to schools that comply with accreditation standards. Those standards include appropriateness of mission and goals, adequate resources and organization to meet them, outcomes showing the mission and goals are being met and assurance of continued compliance with standards.
The news comes as the result of a four-year procedure that started in the fall of 2008. Back then, Touro College enrolled its first class after it received New York State Education Department approval and pre-candidate status from ACPE. The following year, the candidate status was awarded and remained in place through the first class of students several months ago.
According to a release by Touro College, the College of Pharmacy was the first new pharmacy school to open in New York City in 68 years and the only such program in Manhattan. The curriculum from the college encompasses two years of course work, then two years of practice experience. The school states that the public health focus allows students to take courses similar to those found in master’s degree programs in public health.
“Reaching this significant milestone is a credit to the dedicated faculty, staff, preceptors and students committed to educating a diverse group of health professionals to serve their patients and their communities,” said Stuart Feldman, the dean of Touro College of Pharmacy. “This accomplishment is a testament to their hard work and the support of our goals as we empower students to serve our communities.”