Name Change Recognizes Research and Programs at College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

St. John’s University has officially changed the name of its College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions to College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, stressing the College’s dual focus on research and career preparation.

The name change is more than symbolic, said Robert A. Mangione, Ed.D., R.Ph., Interim Provost of St. John’s and former Dean of the College. “This is a significant moment in the history of the College,” he said. “For generations, it’s been known as a leader not only in preparing pharmacists and other health professionals, but also in generating scientific research that has a positive impact on industry and the sciences. The new name reflects that reality and is also fitting as we plan new programs of study in the future.”

“The change highlights an important and long-standing part of this College’s identity,” said S. William Zito ’66P, Ph.D., Acting Dean and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences. “Our faculty members and students conduct a great deal of intensive laboratory research that contributes significantly to scientific knowledge, the development of pharmacological tools and the discovery of new, improved medications.”

The University announced the new name in May, updating its Web site and other documents in time for the Fall 2012 semester. “Our faculty, staff and students are all delighted,” Dr. Zito said, “by this recognition of the broad, research-based activities that always have been part of the College’s educational mission and reputation.”

Established at St. John’s in 1929, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences has earned a national and international reputation for preparing students for careers as pharmacists, allied health professionals and research scientists. Its graduates have succeeded in academe, government and industry.

The College offers a six-year Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree and four-year B.S. degree programs in Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Physician Assistant, Radiologic Science and Toxicology, as well as certificates for Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics. Students can earn an M.S. degree in Biological and PharmaceuticalBiotechnology, Pharmacy Administration or Toxicology. The College also offers M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences, with concentrations in Industrial Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacology.

The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences, the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., and the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology.