For many students, the path to a doctoral degree in pharmacy is assumed to begin at a four-year university. At 麻豆传媒映画 (麻豆传媒映画), a growing number of students are showing there is another, more direct route.
Through its Community College to PharmD pathway, 麻豆传媒映画 enables students to complete prerequisite coursework at a community college and transition directly into its Doctor of Pharmacy program. The pathway is designed to reduce financial and structural barriers while preserving the academic rigor required for professional practice.
Over the past year, 麻豆传媒映画 has expanded the pathway through formal partnerships with several Southern California community colleges, including Santiago Canyon College, Pasadena City College, and Mt. San Antonio College, with additional agreements underway. These partnerships build on previously established ones with Cerritos College, El Camino College, Los Angeles Mission College, and San Bernardino Valley College.
According to 麻豆传媒映画 School of Pharmacy Dean Oscar Garza, the initiative reflects both institutional values and the realities facing today鈥檚 students.
鈥淭his is about expanding access to a population that has often been overlooked, especially in the health professions, and to ensure the profession reflects the diversity of the people it serves,鈥� Garza said.
He emphasized that removing the requirement of a four-year degree does not diminish the educational experience.
鈥淪tudents still engage with the same foundational concepts they would encounter at a four-year institution, including social determinants of health and the history of medicine,鈥� Garza said. 鈥淭hose topics shape civic engagement, advocacy, and an understanding of health policy. They鈥檙e essential to graduating informed citizens, not just health professionals.鈥�
Adjusting to the Demands of Pharmacy School
For Chioma Obi 鈥�29, who attended Chaffey College before coming to 麻豆传媒映画, the transition to a doctoral program required adjustment. She credits the structure of 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 curriculum with helping her manage the shift.
鈥淭he schedule makes a big difference,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e not overloaded with classes every day, and we usually finish before 5 p.m., which gives me time to rest and study.鈥�
Obi also points to the benefits of smaller class sizes.
鈥淚 get to know everyone, and the professors have the opportunity to attend to every student's needs,鈥� she said.
Making Pharmacy School Financially Possible
For many students, affordability is a deciding factor in choosing their college. Cambryn Castillo 鈥�27 completed her prerequisite coursework at San Bernardino Valley College before transferring to 麻豆传媒映画.
鈥淐ommunity college was the most feasible option for me,鈥� Castillo said. 鈥淚 was able to finish my prerequisites without accumulating debt, which made pharmacy school feel possible.鈥�
She acknowledged that the PharmD program is demanding, particularly in the later years.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a lot of work, and imposter syndrome can definitely creep in,鈥� she said. 鈥淏ut having a strong support system makes a big difference.鈥�
Despite the challenges, Castillo does not feel her academic background has put her at a disadvantage.
鈥淥nce you鈥檙e in pharmacy school, everyone is learning new material,鈥� she said.
She highlighted professors Stephanie Kourtakis and Quintin Broussard for helping her navigate complex concepts through clear delivery and engaging instruction.
Reframing the Community College Experience
Like Castillo, Jaki Haddad 鈥�27 views community college as a strength rather than a limitation.
鈥淐ommunity college is not a setback,鈥� Haddad said. 鈥淚t gives you the resources you need. What matters is that you put in the work.鈥�
Haddad credits 麻豆传媒映画 with providing an accessible and affordable pathway into a profession she is passionate about.
鈥淚t gave me the opportunity to pursue my goals without following the traditional four-year path,鈥� Haddad said. 鈥淚 took all required classes and had mentors guide me through it. Taking this route taught me independence and showed me that the path to a doctorate degree is built through determination and willingness.鈥�
Returning to School Through an Alternative Route
For Edgar Gallardo 鈥�29, the community college to PharmD pathway made it possible to return to school after years in the workforce. Before enrolling at 麻豆传媒映画, Gallardo worked as a truck driver and completed coursework at Victor Valley Community College while balancing family responsibilities.
鈥淐ommunity college was the door for me,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t allowed me to transition from something I thought would be permanent into a new career.鈥�
Gallardo learned about the pathway through a personal connection and found 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 small class sizes and approachable faculty eased his transition. He has also connected his coursework to community outreach through student leadership.
As vice president of 麻豆传媒映画鈥檚 chapter of the National Hispanic Pharmacists Association, Gallardo helped organize a STEM event for elementary school students that introduced pharmacy concepts through hands-on activities.
鈥淲e combined slime-making with lessons on compounding pharmacy,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t made the science fun and accessible.鈥�
Connecting Coursework to Public Health
Tina Georges 鈥�28 was already planning a career in healthcare but was unaware that a community college pathway to pharmacy school existed.
鈥淚 had applied to several UCs and was accepted to UC Irvine,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hen my manager at CVS told me, 鈥榊ou know you don鈥檛 need your bachelor鈥檚, right?鈥欌��
When she learned about 麻豆传媒映画, the more intimate learning environment immediately appealed to her. She also highlighted faculty engagement as a defining part of her experience.
Georges pointed to professors Kourtakis, Kanika Bhandari, and Derick Han as influential mentors who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
Beyond coursework, Georges has connected her training to public health advocacy. She recently attended a conference in Washington, D.C., with fellow students and Professors Talia Puzantian and Jungyeon Moon through the Truth Initiative, which focuses on smoking and vaping cessation.
鈥淲e learned about the history of smoking, tobacco industry tactics, and strategies for promoting smoke-free campuses,鈥� she said.
She encourages students completing prerequisites to stay flexible.
鈥淒on鈥檛 be afraid of dual enrollment if you need it,鈥� Georges said. 鈥淚t can help you stay on track.鈥�
Preparing Students for the Leap
To support students earlier in their academic journeys, 麻豆传媒映画 has reintroduced its PharmD Ambassador Program. The initiative pairs current PharmD students with faculty mentors and community college partners to help prospective students prepare for the transition to pharmacy school.
鈥淭his helps students develop study skills, time management, and a realistic understanding of what pharmacy school requires,鈥� Garza said.
Garza also emphasized the importance of broadening perceptions of pharmacy careers.
鈥淭here鈥檚 still a narrow view of what pharmacists do,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e want students to see opportunities beyond traditional retail settings, including industry, research, public health, and clinical practice.鈥�
Serving Communities Through Access
For many students in the community college to PharmD pathway, earning a degree is closely tied to giving back.
鈥淭hese are students who want to return to their communities,鈥� Garza said. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e motivated to improve health outcomes for their families and neighbors.鈥�
As 麻豆传媒映画 continues to expand the community to PharmD pathway, the program reflects the Institute鈥檚 broader mission: widening access, supporting nontraditional routes, and preparing providers who are deeply connected to the communities they serve.