Pharmacy school dean questions need for new effort

Friday, Sept. 10, 2004 | 11:21 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A private school in Clark County that is turning out pharmacists is questioning the need for the University and Community College System of Nevada to spend millions of dollars on the creation of a public school of pharmacy.

The university board of regents in August endorsed asking the 2005 Legislature for $4.7 million to develop the school that would have its first graduating class in 2011.

Renee Coffman, dean of the University of Southern Nevada College of Pharmacy, says there is no need for taxpayers to spend money on a pharmacy school.

Coffman issued a statement this week taking issue with the comments of Iain Buxton, dean of the University School of Pharmacy Planning Program, who called the private college a "vocational school."

The three-year program at Coffman's school in Clark County will graduate a class of 105 this year, she said. And she says that 96 percent of those who graduate from her school pass the pharmacists' licensure board examination, compared with the national average of about 83 percent.

Coffman said her school is producing students of high caliber. It is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Pharmacy to offer a doctorate in pharmacy. The council, she said, is the only accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Education Department and the school has recruited a highly qualified staff.

The students get on-the-job training, working with pharmacists eight hours every other week, and "we're not costing the taxpayer a cent," Coffman said.

The private school currently has 325 students in three classes. Its first graduating class totaled 38, and then last year it turned out 80 graduates. More than 100 students are expected to graduate this year.

Buxton said the university's proposed college would turn out a "different type of student." He said the graduates will be partners with doctors, not just pharmacists filling prescriptions in drug stores.

Buxton said he "respects" the private school but its focus "is the bottom line." The proposed university school, to be based both in Las Vegas and Reno, would be turning out "therapeutists" and there would be research and other programs not offered at the private college, he said.

He said it's less likely that the out-of-state students who attend the private school would remain in Nevada after completing their education.

Coffman, however, estimated that 70 percent of those enrolled may stay in the state. In the beginning class this semester, 40 percent of the students are from Nevada, she said.

Buxton also says the university system will produce additional pharmacists because its program will be more affordable.

Students at the Southern Nevada College of Pharmacy pay a tuition of $30,000 a year. Buxton estimates the tuition at the proposed univeristy system school would be $8,000 a year for Nevada residents and about $22,000 for out-of-state students. The university's school would also feature a four-year pharmacy program.

Coffman said that although her students pay a higher tuition, "by graduating a year earlier, they have a greater earning potential." She estimated starting salaries for pharmacist are $90,000 to $100,000.

Buxton questioned whether students can "learn enough in three years," given the growing complexity in the drug field.

Buxton, however, suggests the private school is afraid of competition. Teaming with the university medical school, the public school would have a bigger range of programs to offer, he says.

Buxton says he wants to develop a "world class" school of pharmacy and adds that he will "stand these students up against anybody." Buxton, who has been working on the study since 1994, says it's time for the people "to stop thinking Nevada can't spent tax money to do good things."