University of Findlay Hosts Annual Pharmacy Camp

Dozens of high school juniors and seniors are taking part in the 16^th annual University of Findlay pharmacy camp. There are two sessions of the three-day camps, affording the students the opportunity to stay on campus, learn about the pharmacy program, eat in the University dining hall, and explore UF. In total, 42 students from several states registered for the camps.

“It’s great for career exploration, as it helps open students’ eyes to the options pharmacy has to offer. For some students, it solidifies that this is the path they want to take,” said Debra Parker, Pharm.D. dean of the College of Pharmacy. To aid in the exploration, campers learn about the history of pharmacy before taking a hands-on approach to medicinal chemistry, hospital pharmacy, compounding, and more. Students partner with UF pharmacy students and faculty, spending time in classrooms and labs, to learn about dosing, administering medications, and career options.

Students who attend the camp spend their evenings in the dorms and dining hall, while also taking part in group entertainment events. Current UF students serve as camp counselors, helping to facilitate the hands-on learning during the day and fun events in the evening. “Our camp counselors are often past campers themselves,” said Parker. “They realize how impactful this camp was for them and they want to make sure that it’s the same fun and informational camp that they experienced.”

Parker says at least a quarter of each incoming pharmacy class attended UF pharmacy camps as high school juniors or seniors, stating the camps often lead to future friendships. “We have students with shared interests working side-by-side throughout the week. If they both select Findlay to pursue a doctorate in pharmacy, they often decide to be roommates.”

For students interested in applying for the six-year pharmacy doctorate program, an interview must be completed in addition to submitting an application and academic records. The interviews are typically scheduled in the fall and winter, but seniors attending the camps this year will have the opportunity to interview before leaving. Students who attend the camp are also eligible for the Pharmacy Camp Freshman Scholarship and the Pharmacy Camp Alumni Scholarship if they decide to attend the University of Findlay’s College of Pharmacy.

The University of Findlay’s College of Pharmacy consistently ranks among the top pharmacy programs in the nation. Its class of 2022 received a 93 percent pass rate for first-time attempts on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) earning the program the highest NAPLEX pass rate in the state. For more information on the College of Pharmacy, visit the program webpage.