New Orleans LA – The Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) Academic Goals and Instructional Improvement Committee has approved the Xavier University of Louisiana Pre-Pharmacy Pathway program as an educational offering in its STEM Pathways initiative.

Louisiana STEM Pathways are part of the Jump Start Initiative, the state’s innovative career and technical education (CTE) program. The STEM Pathways better prepare students to seek a STEM degree in college or enter the workforce having earned certifications in high-wage career sectors. STEM Pathways are designed for students seeking either a TOPS Tech Diploma or a University Diploma.

The Xavier program is designed to produce high school students college-ready for the study of pharmacy, pharmacology, toxicology, medical writing or scientific product development, or career-ready for jobs as a pharmacy technician, pharmacy assistant, and medical coder. The program is slated to begin during the 2019-20 academic year at St. John the Baptist STEM Magnet High School.

"We are excited to collaborate with St. John the Baptist Magnet High School and proud to offer these students an early opportunity to learn more about the profession of pharmacy," said Dr. Kathleen Kennedy, Dean of Xavier’s College of Pharmacy. “We look forward to expanding the reach of the Pre-Pharmacy Pathway Program throughout Louisiana.”

The blended curriculum of sciences and pharmacy practice instruction was selected to better prepare students for the 21st Century workplace through exposure to the fundamentals of pharmacy in the classroom and career experience rooted in the development of those key skills, knowledge, and behaviors conducive to success.

Participants in the program must complete eight required courses from among offerings which include an overview of the pharmacy profession, medical terminology, and several science courses. .

Students completing the full program can earn a Xavier Certificate of Pre-Pharmacy Studies, a Gold Seal on their high school diplomas, and preferred admission to the Xavier College of Pharmacy via its Contingent Admit Program (CAP).

The Xavier program is the fourth STEM Pathway program to be offered through the state, the others covering environmental protection and sustainability, digital design and emergent media, and pre-engineering. For more information on the Louisiana STEM Pathways Initiative and the Xavier program, visit https://www.louisianabelieves.com/courses/louisiana-stem-initiative.