Company Profile
University of Illinois at Chicago
Company Overview
The UIC College of Pharmacy (UIC COP) is a public pharmacy school with two campuses located in Chicago and Rockford, Illinois. We offer a four-year professional degree program that leads to the PharmD, the highest level of professional education in pharmacy, and programs leading to six master's degrees and four doctorate degrees. More than 185 research and clinical faculty conduct research and provide training to more than 160 graduate students and postdoctoral trainees, as well as 650 professional students.
While what we do is important, it’s who we are that guides and defines the College of Pharmacy, setting us apart. From our rich history dating back to 1859 and our hands-on approach to education to the strategic locations of our two campuses, we are proud of where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.
Company History
In 1852 the American Pharmaceutical Association (now known as the American Pharmacists Association) was created to advance the knowledge of pharmacy practitioners throughout the United States. Among their many lofty goals was crafting a formalized educational system for pharmacy practitioners who, at the time, were still called druggists. The next year a group of Chicago druggists formed a society to offer more formal means of training to supplement the apprenticeships that made up the bulk of the education of the day.
On September 12, 1859 the group finalized and notarized the charter and the Chicago College of Pharmacy, the precursor to the UIC College of Pharmacy, was born. The College had no official address at the time. The lectures were held in either the facilities of the lecturer or in halls rented just for the purpose of the lecture. Nonetheless the College graduated its first class in 1861. The class consisted of 2 people.
In 1880 the College was instrumental in organizing the Illinois Pharmaceutical Association (now known as the Illinois Pharmacists Association or IPhA), a professional organization dedicated to, “enhancing the professional competency of pharmacists…and leading in the resolution of public policy issues affecting pharmacists.” One of the public policy issues facing pharmacists was education standards and government oversight. In 1881, the Illinois government passed the Pharmacy Law that mandated education requirements for pharmacy practice and assigned pharmacy oversight to state agencies. In addition to a $2 licensing fee, candidates also had to pass an examination by the State Board of Health.
The state legislature also amended the original charter for the University of Illinois in 1895. The change to the charter allowed the University to expand education outside of the boundaries of Champaign County where it is located. This presented the University with the opportunity to associate with and acquire educational bodies in other parts of the state. On May 1, 1896 the University of Illinois acquired the Chicago College of Pharmacy. After the acquisition the name of the College of Pharmacy was officially changed to the University of Illinois School of Pharmacy.
The educational offerings of the College of Pharmacy have changed dramatically over the years in order to advance the practice of Pharmacy. The original coursework consisted of 4 year apprenticeship and 20 weeks of evening lectures. When the Illinois Pharmacy Law of 1881 created a licensing board and government oversight the College created the Graduate of Pharmacy (PhG) program. Only PhG graduates could qualify for registration as pharmacists in Illinois. In 1884 a three year course of study was created for pharmaceutical chemists. In 1932 a four year course was introduced with one year of college education and a three year professional program. 1960 saw the arrival of the 5 year Bachelor of Science degree, and in 1984 the Doctor of Pharmacy Degree was introduced as the only professional degree awarded.
In 2010 the College expanded once again in both location and degree offerings by building a campus in Rockford, Illinois. Located a mere 90 miles from Chicago, the town of Rockford hosts the Rural Pharmacy Program (RPHARM) in 30,000 square feet of new construction. They also renovated and remodeled an additional 20,000 square feet of space. Students at the Rockford campus receive the same great education as students in Chicago thanks to state-of-the-art connected classrooms.
Benefits
The University of Illinois at Chicago and the State of Illinois offer competitive wages, benefit programs and resources for employees. UIC is strongly committed to providing equitable benefit options throughout each stage of employment. Many benefits become effective on the first day of employment. Benefits offered by UIC include health care options, wellness programs, educational opportunities, tuition assistance, vacations, holidays and other leave benefits, and University retirement plans.
The University of Illinois at Chicago provides benefits to employees to enhance their work experience and economic security. Some of these benefits include, but are not limited to:
•Health, dental and vision insurance
•Life, disability and AD&D insurance
•A defined benefit pension plan
•403(b) and 457 tax-deferred retirement savings plans
•Flexible spending accounts
•Domestic partner benefits
•Adoption assistance
•Employee assistance program
•Paid holidays each year and floating holidays
•Vacation and sick time based on the policies for your appointment
•Tuition discounts for staff and children at any U of I campus and select other Illinois Universities according to current University policy
Benefits are subject to change at any time.