Local Teens Gain Insight into Pharmacy Careers at Midwestern University

Midwestern University's Chicago College of Pharmacy and the Walgreens Corporation provide a unique summer education program for high school students interested in a career in pharmacy. The Careers in Pharmacy Summer Program allows students to benefit from hands-on classes at Midwestern University and gain clinical experience at local Walgreens community pharmacies. The rigorous four-week program aims to provide insight into the academic expectations and career opportunities in pharmacy.

"The idea of introducing high school students to the career of pharmacy became a reality 16 years ago when Midwestern University and Walgreens formed a partnership to offer this program for students," said Sheri Stensland, Pharm.D., Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice at Midwestern University and co-coordinator of the program. "The goals for this program are to increase students' interest in pharmacy, increase the understanding of the role of pharmacists in the healthcare environment, and increase the number of qualified, committed applicants to pharmacy schools."

Twenty students with strong academic credentials representing high schools throughout Chicago and the suburbs were selected to participate in the program. "This year students join more than 700 alumni of the program," said Nancy Fjortoft, Ph.D., Dean and Professor of the Chicago College of Pharmacy. "We know our program is a success because our records indicate that a high percentage of students who participate in our program decide to continue on to careers in pharmacy."

As part of the program, students learn how to be a pharmacy technician which can be helpful in gaining employment in a pharmacy or when studying to become a pharmacist or other healthcare provider.