Students interested in pursuing careers as pharmacists now have a clearer path forward thanks to a new partnership between Chemeketa Community College and Pacific University. The agreement establishes a pharmacy track that allows Chemeketa students to complete their pre-pharmacy coursework locally before transferring into Pacific University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program.

Beginning in Spring 2026, Chemeketa students enrolled in the pharmacy pathway will be able to complete foundational science and prerequisite coursework at Chemeketa before transitioning to Pacific University’s School of Pharmacy at its Hillsboro Campus. Students may then continue into either Pacific’s accelerated three-year Doctor of Pharmacy program or its extended five-year pathway designed for students who need additional flexibility while working or balancing family commitments. 

The partnership is part of a broader collaboration that also includes Umpqua Community College and reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Oregon’s healthcare workforce.

“This new pathway reflects the power of collaboration between community colleges and universities to expand opportunities for students,” said Jessica Howard, Ph.D., President and CEO of Chemeketa Community College. “Students can begin their journey here at Chemeketa with strong academic preparation and support, then move seamlessly into Pacific University’s pharmacy program. Partnerships like this help remove barriers, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and allow more local students to pursue meaningful careers that serve their communities.”

Students participating in the pathway will benefit from early engagement with Pacific University, including professional development opportunities, personalized application support, and waived application fees. Participants may also enroll in Pacific’s Jump Start Early Assurance Program, which provides conditional admission to the School of Pharmacy and access to faculty and special programming before transferring.

Demand for pharmacists remains strong nationwide and in Oregon. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities for pharmacists are projected to grow by five percent through 2034, while workforce projections indicate a nationwide shortage of pharmacists in the coming decade.

Pacific University’s School of Pharmacy offers one of the region’s few accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy programs and introduced the nation’s first extended five-year PharmD pathway in 2023 to provide greater flexibility for working students.

Through this new pathway, Chemeketa students will have a clearly defined route from community college coursework to an advanced healthcare degree, helping meet critical workforce needs while expanding access to high-demand medical careers.