Touro College of Pharmacy in Harlem Receives Full Accreditation
Touro College of Pharmacy has been granted full accreditation for its Doctor of Pharmacy program by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The ACPE is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the national agency for the accreditation of professional degree programs in pharmacy.
“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,” said Dr. 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.”
The accreditation marks the culmination of a four-year process that began in the fall of 2008, when the college enrolled its first class after receiving New York State Education Department approval and pre-candidate status from ACPE. Candidate status was awarded in 2009 and remained in place through graduation of the first class of 63 students in May.
The school’s location in Harlem provides the framework for the cornerstone of its mission of service, and the college was commended by ACPE for its community engagement, which encompasses significant public health rotations as well as pharmacy practice experience.
The pharmacy program is notable in several other respects. When launched, Touro College of Pharmacy was the first new pharmacy school to open in New York City in 68 years and the only program in Manhattan. Additionally, its unique curriculum encompasses two years of coursework followed by two years of practice experience, and its public health focus enables students to take courses identical to those found in master’s degree programs in public health.
ACPE awards accreditation to schools that show compliance with accreditation standards, including appropriateness of mission and goals, and adequate resources and organization to meet them; outcomes that show the mission and goals are being met; and the reasonable assurance of continued compliance with standards.
Touro College of Pharmacy is committed to offering increased educational opportunities — especially in Harlem — through pharmacy education, research and scholarship, as well as through community service. For pharmacy practice and public health rotations, the school has established significant affiliations for students at more than 80 sites, including pharmacies, hospitals, community-based organizations, public agencies and health insurance organizations.
Additionally, the school and its students have won prestigious awards and recognition, including from the American Pharmacist Association, the United States Public Health Service, and the New York State Council of Health-system Pharmacists.
In the fall, the College will enroll its fifth class of approximately 100 students, bringing total enrollment to over 370 students.
