The Appalachian College of Pharmacy (ACP) strives to improve the general health and well-being of the people who live in rural or underserved populations in the Central Appalachia region. These populations are particularly vulnerable and ACP seeks to address identified needs in rural health. The college trains pharmacists who, with knowledge and technological skills, will optimize patient care and health outcomes. ACP also creates and maintains an interdisciplinary health care environment.

ACP’s defined mission is to confer the Doctor of Pharmacy degree while providing academic, scientific, and professional education aimed at addressing the health needs of underserved rural communities in Appalachia. Service is a strong component of ACP’s mission, along with community education, community outreach, and the development of professional pharmacists. One of the college’s primary goals is to help students become qualified professionals who provide superior patient care that includes managing both medication therapy and the distribution systems that deliver such therapy. To that end, the college has a well integrated, comprehensive curriculum that encourages active learning. ACP seeks and recruits students from the Central Appalachian region who are committed to serving the health needs of populations that are medically underserved. ACP’s students learn to use a variety of public health tools to assist these at-risk populations, promote good health, and minimize morbidity and mortality. Finally, the college aims to support diversity by creating a context supports the needs of the individual student while encouraging teamwork in a vibrant interdisciplinary environment.

ACP offers a three-year accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy program instead of the usual four years. During the first two years, students take primarily didactic coursework and the third year consists mainly of experiential coursework. Founded in 2003, the college is currently seeking accreditation from a variety of entities, including the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

http://www.acpharm.org/about/philosophy.shtml#vision

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Appalachian_College_of_Pharmacy