BVU Announces Programs with Drake Law, Pharmacy, Athletic Training

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Buena Vista University President Dr. Josh Merchant (Left) with Drake University President Marty Martin

STORM LAKE, IA (11/29/2018) (readMedia)-- Storm Lake, Iowa (Nov. 28, 2018) – Buena Vista University (BVU) has signed agreements with Drake University to provide BVU undergraduates the opportunity to apply to three different advanced degree programs-allowing them to earn their Drake degree and a BVU bachelor's degree in an accelerated timeframe.

Drake Law School's Juris Doctor (JD) program, Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, and Master of Athletic Training (MAT) program are among the partnered opportunities available to current and future BVU students. In what is referred to as a 3+2 (MAT), 3+3 (JD), or 3+4 (PharmD) admissions program, students will complete three years at BVU and either two, three, or four years at Drake and receive degrees from both universities. BVU students who participate in this program will be able to obtain their advanced degrees in a shorter amount of time, resulting in fewer years of educational costs and the ability to practice law, pharmacy, and athletic training earlier.

Dr. Brian Lenzmeier, BVU provost and vice president for academic affairs says, "We are one of a few schools in the Midwest partnering with Drake on the MAT and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, which will provide guaranteed admissions slots for qualified BVU students, as well as professional development opportunities. I am thrilled that BVU and Drake can work together to decrease the amount of time to graduation for students becoming pharmacists, athletic trainers, and lawyers. Not only does this mean one less year of educational expenses, it means students can start earning salaries one year sooner."

The JD program will consist of three years at Buena Vista University and three years at Drake Law School, resulting in a Bachelor of Arts degree from BVU and a J.D. from Drake Law in only six years. According to the agreement, BVU pre-law students in their third year of study who have completed the program's requirements are eligible to apply for admission to law school. Drake Law will then consider the applicant's request for admission

as they compete for seats in the upcoming entering class, scholarships, funding, and other privileges. Students accepted to Drake Law as part of this program are guaranteed a $5,000 scholarship annually for each of the three years of law school study and could qualify for more scholarship aid depending on qualifications. After successful completion of one year of full-time study in the JD program, students will be awarded a bachelor's degree from BVU. After completing the remainder of the law school program, students will be awarded their juris doctor degree. According to Lisa Best, BVU Pre-Law Advisor and Dean of the Harold Walter Siebens School of Business, "We have sent many of our graduates to Drake Law over the years and we are thrilled to formally partner with this excellent law school and have the opportunity to work more closely with Drake faculty, administration, and clinical programs. Our undergraduate program, the training they receive from our law school partners, and our student's hard work is a powerful combination and one that will set them up for a successful professional future."

The PharmD program will consist of four years at Drake following three years of study at BVU, where students complete the general education program and pre-pharmacy prerequisite courses as well as physiology and biochemistry. In their junior year, BVU students take the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) and apply for admission to the Drake pharmacy program. BVU students must achieve a 3.0 GPA and earn a grade of C or better in all prerequisite courses at BVU to be eligible to apply for a seat in the PharmD program. Students can transfer first year professional pharmacy courses from Drake toward their BVU major and elective credits so they can complete a B.S. or B.A. from BVU.

The field of athletic training is moving toward requiring all athletic trainers to be credentialed at the Masters level, so this program helps provide BVU students with access to this field. In the first three years, students in the BVU-Drake MAT program will complete their general education coursework and take the MAT pre-requisite courses from the rehabilitation health sciences major at BVU. In their junior year, students take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and apply for admission to the Drake program. To be eligible for admission, students must achieve a 3.0 GPA and earn a grade of C or better in the prerequisite courses at BVU to be eligible to apply for the MAT program. Students can transfer first year professional MAT courses from Drake toward their BVU major and elective credits so they can complete a B.S. or B.A. from BVU.

We are pleased to enter into this partnership and provide an opportunity for BVU students to complete their Bachelor's degree and a PharmD or MAT at Drake in less time than it would take to complete each degree on its own," said Renae Chesnut, dean of Drake's College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. "We are proud to prepare future PharmD and MAT professionals who will enjoy limitless career opportunities and an opportunity to make a difference for others."

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

About Drake University

Drake University is a midsize, private university in Des Moines, Iowa, enrolling more than 3,000 undergraduate and 1,800 graduate students. Students choose from over 70 majors, minors, and concentrations and 20 graduate degrees offered through six colleges and schools. Drake students, faculty, and staff take advantage of the wealth of cultural, recreational, and business opportunities found in Iowa's capital city. In return, Drake enriches the city through its own cultural offerings, considerable economic impact, and many service-learning endeavors, which channel the talent and energy of the Drake students toward meeting the needs of the community.