Harding University College of Pharmacy has been granted full accreditation status by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE). The program was given the customary two-year term for a new program receiving full accreditation status extending until June 30, 2014.

The ACPE Board of Directors made their decision to award full accreditation status following a meeting June 20-24. Their conclusion was based on their most recent evaluation ream report from a campus visit in April, the College’s self-study, and other program materials.

The University’s College of Pharmacy began offering a four-year program of study leading to the doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree in fall 2008, enrolling 60 students in its inaugural class. Curriculum was designed to emphasize the integration of faith, learning and living; development of Christian scholarship; promotion of Christian ethics; and promotion of citizenship within a global perspective through participation in mission efforts. The first class of pharmacists graduated in May 2012.

“It’s an extremely rigorous process and a big accomplishment to have gone through all the stages and achieved this high level required by our accrediting organization,” said Dr. Julie Hixson-Wallace, dean of the College of Pharmacy. “Our program now has the national seal of approval.”

More than 240 students are currently enrolled in the College of Pharmacy. Housed in the $8.5 million Farrar Center for Health Sciences, the College averages 300 applications annually for 60 slots in each class.