The Loma Linda University School of Pharmacy recently learned that it will move from candidate accreditation status to full accreditation status, according to a recent letter from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education.

This marks a major step in the development of the doctor of pharmacy degree program.

“We received full accreditation through June of 2009,” says W. William Hughes, Ph.D., dean of the school. “Two years of accreditation are the maximum we could receive, since this is our initial application.”

The ACPE document reads, “This accreditation action was taken in recognition of the progress made since the last accreditation review and with confidence that existing school and programmatic needs will continue to be addressed in a timely manner and to the satisfaction of the ACPE board of directors.”

School of Pharmacy administrators see this new development as a reason for celebration.

“Our faculty and staff have come together to create an excellent learning environment for our students,” comments Eric J. Mack, Ph.D., associate dean for academic affairs. “With the level of commitment and cooperation they have shown, we believe the school will thrive and continue to experience success.”