Randolph-Macon College and the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy (SOP) have entered an Admission Articulation Agreement. The agreement gives RMC students who meet the necessary requirements provisional admission to the SOP’s Doctor of Pharmacy program (PharmD).

“Randolph-Macon has prioritized building strategic partnerships with outstanding institutions to provide our students with robust opportunities to pursue health care and other professions,” says RMC President Robert R. Lindgren. “This agreement with the VCU School of Pharmacy is another terrific example of how these partnerships offer our students a competitive advantage after graduation.”

In spring 2018, Josh Quinn, associate director of professional development and medical careers for RMC’s EDGE program, invited Dr. K.C. Ogbonna, associate dean of Admissions & Student Services, VCU School of Pharmacy, to campus. The two met with RMC Biology Professor James Foster, Provost William Franz and RMC students to discuss the possibility of an agreement with the SOP.

“I knew that RMC was in a very good position to highlight the strength of our students,” says Quinn. “Brittany Mihalcoe ’14 was just finishing the PharmD program at VCU, and Erin Quinn ’18 was just about to start her first year there.” Shortly after the meeting, the initial workings of a Provisional Acceptance & Guaranteed Admission Articulation Agreement between VCU and RMC was drafted, which culminated in the signing and full execution of the agreement in October 2018.

Collaboration
The VCU SOP will grant provisional acceptance to RMC students who receive a favorable recommendation letter from RMC, successfully interview at VCU, and complete at least 90 hours in a healthcare-related setting with an emphasis on pharmacy services. Additionally, students must achieve a minimum PCAT score (the Pharmacy Admissions Exam), as well as a minimum GPA to qualify for the agreement.

“Dr. Ogbonna has been incredibly helpful throughout this process,” says Quinn, “and we look forward to collaborating with him as we work to promote students who are well suited for this agreement.”

From RMC to Graduate School
At RMC, Erin Quinn ’18 majored in chemistry, with a biochemistry emphasis. She recently began her first year at VCU’s School of Pharmacy.

“The rigor of the courses at RMC challenged me, so when I arrived at VCU I felt confident in my ability to succeed,” she says. “Being a member of the volleyball team also prepared me in many ways. It taught me time management, a solid work ethic and teamwork. I attribute my readiness for grad school to being pushed hard every day both inside and outside the classroom at Randolph-Macon.”

Career and Professional School Preparation
The EDGE, RMC’s four-year career program gives students a competitive advantage in the job market or graduate-school admissions process. Workshops, internships, one-on one advising, a career and networking Boot Camp, and a host of other resources ensure that students who graduate from RMC are lifelong learners who can think critically and adapt to new situations.

“Students who work hard and succeed in the classroom and then take the initiative to work with faculty members and the EDGE career development program are truly able to apply their education and meet their goals,” says Quinn.