UC launches new pharmacy degree

The University of Canberra (UC) is expanding its pharmacy program, providing more options for students.

UC currently runs a Masters Degree in Pharmacy, where students who have already completed an undergraduate degree can apply for the program.

Now the university has opened the program to school leavers, creating a bachelor degree.

UC head of pharmacy Greg Kyle says he is not concerned about having too many graduates.

"There's been a lot of talk about that. Good pharmacy students and good graduates will always find positions," he said.

"I'm aware of some positions that have been difficult to fill not very far from here and a lot of our students, 25 to 30 per cent do end up working in rural areas. That's our experience from the Masters."

Dr Kyle says the new program will accommodate up to 50 students.

"We include rural placements and we provide a range of experiences for the students both city and rural based," he said.

"Students in our new bachelor program will be able to benefit from placements in our mobile clinic, government departments, aged care facilities, GP clinics and of course community pharmacies.

"The other opportunity for pharmacy with having more graduates, is it provides us more opportunities to expand the role of pharmacists."

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UC launches new pharmacy degree