For the first time, students wishing to pursue a career in pharmacy will be able to study on the North West Coast and in Launceston from 2023.
The new fast-track Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours program will be available state-wide next year, increasing access and opportunity for students while helping to meet future workforce needs in the regions.
The new distinctive three-year undergraduate degree program is the first of its kind in Australia.
“Previously, students would have to travel to Hobart to undertake the Bachelor of Pharmacy undergraduate degree program,” Professor Glenn Jacobson, Head of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, said.
“The expansion of the new undergraduate program across Tasmania provides vital local opportunities for people to pursue a career in pharmacy.
“Students will be able to study and participate in local work-integrated learning opportunities which are distinctive to Tasmania.”
Professor Jacobson said career pathways for pharmacists continued to evolve. From community pharmacy, to leading the rollout of life-saving vaccines to communities and driving innovations in aged care medication management, pharmacists have opportunities to have a positive impact in people’s lives.
“There is a shortage of pharmacists in the workforce, especially in the regions,” he said. “Pharmacists play such an important role in communities as part of primary health care teams.
"Our graduates go on to pursue a range of careers including in community pharmacies and hospitals.
“There are also new career opportunities emerging, where there is an increasing need for higher clinical skills in health workforces including aged care facilities and integration of pharmacists in emergency departments and general practices.”
University of Tasmania Cradle Coast campus Pro Vice Chancellor Jim Cavaye said he was excited about this announcement.
“This is part of our continuing push to establish more start to finish courses in the North-West for regional people to access. Adding Pharmacy to the list is a great addition to our existing offerings,” Professor Cavaye said.
“We know that students who study in our region are more likely to seek jobs locally after they graduate, which serves to benefit the community for years to come.”
The new degree program is unique in Australia, as it is the only current undergraduate Pharmacy program which allows students to complete the full degree in three calendar years. This is achieved by using a trimester model instead of the traditional semester approach. Typically, undergraduate pharmacy degree programs are four years in duration.
About the new Fast-Track Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours
* From 2023, the new Fast-Track Bachelor of Pharmacy with Honours will be available across Tasmania. Students will be able to study the degree program in Hobart, Launceston and the Cradle Coast.
* This is the first time the degree program has been available outside of Hobart, and students will be able to start and finish their degree at the same campus.
* The new, three-year undergraduate degree program (4-year volume of learning, 400 credit points) is the first of its kind in Australia.
Caption: (l-r) Helen O’Byrne, Pharmacy Guild of Australia Tasmanian branch president; Dr Glenn Jacobson, Head of School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology; Jack Muir-Wilson partner at Wilkinson’s TerryWhite Chemmart Pharmacy Burnie; and Professor Jim Cavaye Pro Vice Chancellor University of Tasmania Cradle Coast.