BGSU pharmacy partnership with University of Findlay sees first students graduate and enter Pharm.D. program

The Pharmacy Early Assurance Partnership is a unique program between public and private universities that puts student success first

By Branden Ferguson

The unique public-private partnership between Bowling Green State University and the University of Findlay that provides an innovative and flexible pathway to a pharmacy degree recently reached a significant milestone, with its first cohort of students officially entering the Pharm.D. program following their graduation from BGSU.

The students, Benjamin Buathier '25 and Madeline Lindow '25, earned their Bachelor of Applied Health Science degree from BGSU and will now transition fully to the University of Findlay to earn their Doctor of Pharmacy degree over the next two years through the Pharmacy Early Assurance Partnership program.

The healthcare industry, already under strain, was heavily impacted by the pandemic, resulting in worker shortages. The pharmacy sector, once a field with ample job seekers, is now seeing a steep decline in interest. Data from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy reported a more than 35% drop in applications in just over a decade.

To bridge the gap of applicants and meet the need for qualified pharmacists, BGSU and the University of Findlay are working together to improve access to careers in pharmacy. Students have the ability to attend a top-ranked comprehensive public university and still receive their Doctor of Pharmacy degree from a highly-esteemed private institution in just six years.

"This collaboration highlights BGSU's innovative vision for the future of education and the flexibility required to meet the needs of today's students," said Dr. James Ciesla, dean of the BGSU College of Health and Human Services. "We recognize the value of UF's educational standards, just as they do ours. Ultimately, our shared commitment to student success ensures a high-quality education for all."

Buathier, of Sandusky, Ohio, saw the unique partnership between a public and a private institution as the "best of both worlds."

"My BGSU experience was unforgettable and better than I could have ever imagined," said Buathier. "I participated in Greek life and joined Delta Tau Delta fraternity, competed in an intramural basketball league and enjoyed exploring not just campus but the town of Bowling Green.

"Bowling Green is small enough to feel like home, but still big enough to provide students with options and a life off campus."

As a Thompson Working Families Scholar and Academic Investment in Mathematics and Sciences (AIMS) program member, Buathier said he received unwavering support and guidance from his peers and mentors.

"I received more support than I could have ever needed to succeed at BGSU," he said. "I was able to network early, make connections and develop effective academic and life skills. These things are a major reason for my success."

Lindow, of Perrysburg, Ohio, fell in love with the atmosphere at BGSU and made the most of her time at the No. 1 public university in Ohio for student experience.

"I decided to attend BGSU because of the opportunities presented to me," said Lindow. "I was involved with the dance team at BGSU, joined various clubs and was involved with the ambassador program.

"BGSU prepared me for pharmacy both academically and socially. I gained personal skills by being surrounded by people from all over the world and took classes that prepared me for my professional years at the University of Findlay."

The Pharmacy Early Assurance Partnership program allows students to spend the first two years of their college experience at BGSU, taking applied health science courses. Starting their third year, students begin taking pre-professional pharmacy classes at UF, while continuing coursework at BGSU. After four years of classes, students earn their Bachelor of Applied Health Science from BGSU. During years five and six, students complete professional pharmacy courses at UF and graduate with their Doctor of Pharmacy degree.

"BGSU and UF are prioritizing student education and creating a seamless transition from undergraduate degree to Pharm.D.," said Dr. Debra Parker, dean of the College of Pharmacy at the University of Findlay. "Students in this program experience courses, athletics and extracurriculars from a large state institution for their undergraduate experience, while also enjoying the advantages of a private institution in their preparation for a career as a pharmacist."

Dedicated to student success and career preparation for in-demand jobs, Ciesla and Parker said the partnership is built on a solid foundation and a collaborative team that continually strives to enhance the program and student experience.

Nearly four years after launching in 2021, the program continues to experience growth. Ciesla expects about 16 students to be enrolled in the Pharmacy Early Assurance Partnership program at the start of Fall 2025.